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Sepúlveda-García P, Rubio AV, Salgado R, Riquelme M, Bonacic C, Canales N, Müller A. Molecular detection and characterization of Bartonella spp. in rodents from central and southern Chile, with emphasis on introduced rats (Rattus spp.). Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 100:102026. [PMID: 37544169 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella spp. was screened in 155 rodents from Chile, mainly the invasive rats Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus. A total of 155 spleen and 50 blood samples were analyzed through real-time PCR for Bartonella spp. (nuoG gene). Positive samples were subjected to amplification of fragment of loci gltA, rpoB and ITS by conventional PCR (cPCR). Overall, 43 spleen samples (27.7%) and 6 rodent blood samples (12%) were positive for nuoG-Bartonella spp. Positive samples were found in R. norvegicus, R. rattus, Abrothrix olivacea and Oligoryzomys longicaudatus. Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified by cPCR in 16 samples, resulting in 21 sequences (6 gltA, 5 ITS and 10 rpoB). Sequencing and phylogenic analyses identified genotypes from Rattus spp., potentially belonging to Bartonella coopersplainsensis, Bartonella henselae, Bartonella tribocorum, and an undescribed Bartonella sp. From native rodents, one sequence was identified, being related B. machadoae. In conclusion, this work describes diverse and potentially zoonotic Bartonella spp. genotypes in Rattus spp. Additionally, this is the first report of Bartonella in O. longicaudatus, including a potentially novel Bartonella genotype or species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Sepúlveda-García
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - André V Rubio
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Av. Santa Rosa, 11735 Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Salgado
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Av. Santa Rosa, 11735 Santiago, Chile
| | - Maira Riquelme
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Av. Santa Rosa, 11735 Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Bonacic
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna, Macul, 4860 Santiago, Chile
| | - Nivia Canales
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Ananda Müller
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies; Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile.
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2
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Kumadaki K, Suzuki N, Tatematsu K, Doi Y, Tsukamoto K. Comparison of Biological Activities of BafA Family Autotransporters within Bartonella Species Derived from Cats and Rodents. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0018622. [PMID: 36744895 PMCID: PMC10016083 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00186-22] [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: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella species are hemotropic, facultative intracellular bacteria, some of which cause zoonoses, that are widely disseminated among many mammals, including humans. During infection in humans, vascular endothelial cells play a crucial role as a replicative niche for Bartonella, and some are capable of promoting vascular proliferation. Along with well-studied pathogenic factors such as a trimeric autotransporter adhesin BadA or VirB/D4 type IV secretion system, bacteria-secreted protein BafA is also involved in Bartonella-induced vasoproliferation. Genes encoding BafA orthologs have been found in the genomes of most Bartonella species, but their functionality remains unclear. In this study, we focused on three cat-derived zoonotic species (B. henselae, B. koehlerae, and B. clarridgeiae) and two rodent-derived species (B. grahamii and B. doshiae) and compared the activity of BafA derived from each species. Recombinant BafA proteins of B. henselae, B. koehlerae, B. clarridgeiae, and B. grahamii, species that also cause human disease, induced cell proliferation and tube formation in cultured endothelial cells, while BafA derived from B. doshiae, a species that is rarely found in humans, showed neither activity. Additionally, treatment of cells with these BafA proteins increased phosphorylation of both vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, with the exception of B. doshiae BafA. Differential bafA mRNA expression and BafA secretion among the species likely contributed to the differences in the cell proliferation phenotype of the bacteria-infected cells. These findings suggest that the biological activity of BafA may be involved in the infectivity or pathogenicity of Bartonella species in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayo Kumadaki
- Department of Microbiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Natsumi Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kaoru Tatematsu
- Department of Microbiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yohei Doi
- Department of Microbiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kentaro Tsukamoto
- Department of Microbiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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Epidemiology of Group A rotavirus in rodents and shrews in Bangladesh. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:29-38. [PMID: 35380357 PMCID: PMC8980207 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-09923-6] [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: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Rodents and shrews live in close proximity to humans and have been identified as important hosts of zoonotic pathogens. This study aimed to detect Group A rotavirus (RVA) and its potential risk factors in rodents and shrews in Bangladesh. We captured 417 small mammals from 10 districts with a high degree of contact between people and domestic animals and collected rectal swab samples between June 2011 and October 2013. We tested the swab samples for RVA RNA, targeting the NSP3 gene segment using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Overall, RVA prevalence was the same (6.7%) in both rodents and shrews. We detected RVA RNA in 5.3% of Bandicota bengalensis (4/76; 95% CI: 1.4-12.9), 5.1% of B. indica (4/79; 95% CI: 1.4-12.4), 18.2% of Mus musculus (4/22; 95% CI: 5.2-40.3), 6.7% of Rattus rattus (6/90; 95% CI: 2.5-13.9), and 6.7% of Suncus murinus (10/150; 95% CI: 3.2-11.9). We found significantly more RVA in males (10.4%; OR: 3.4; P = 0.007), animals with a poor body condition score (13.9%; OR: 2.7; P = 0.05), during wet season (8.3%; OR: 4.1; P = 0.032), and in urban land gradients (10.04%; OR: 2.9; P = 0.056). These findings form a basis for understanding the prevalence of rotaviruses circulating among rodents and shrews in this region. We recommend additional molecular studies to ascertain the genotype and zoonotic potential of RVA circulating in rodents and shrews in Bangladesh.
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Zhang L, Peng Q, Gu XL, Su WQ, Cao XQ, Zhou CM, Qin XR, Han HJ, Yu XJ. Host specificity and genetic diversity of Bartonella in rodents and shrews from Eastern China. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3906-3916. [PMID: 36355627 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Bartonella are vector-borne gram-negative facultative intracellular bacteria causing emerging infectious diseases worldwide, and two thirds of known Bartonella species are carried by rodents. We captured rodents, shrews and rodent ectoparasitic mites in rural areas of Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China from 2012 to 2021 and used the animal spleen tissues for the PCR amplification of Bartonella gltA and rpoB genes. PCR showed 9.4% (40/425) rodents, and 5.1% (12/235) shrews were positive for Bartonella. Seven Bartonella species including three novel species were identified in five rodent species and one shrew species, indicating the abundance and genetic diversity of Bartonella in rodents and shrews. The infection rate of each Bartonella species in the animal species was as below: novel Candidatus Bartonella crocidura in shrews Crocidura lasiura (5.1%, 12/235); novel Candidatus Bartonella cricetuli in hamsters Tscherskia triton (20%, 9/45); novel Candidatus Bartonella muris in striped field mice Apodemus agrarius (4.2%, 7/168) and house mice Mus musculus (1.5%, 2/135); Bartonella fuyuanensis in striped field mice (8.9%, 15/168) and house mice (0.7%, 1/135); Bartonella rattimassiliensis and Bartonella tribocorum in brown rats Rattus norvegicus (6.7%, 3/45 and 4.2%, 2/45, respectively); Bartonella queenslandensis in Chinese white-bellied rat Niviventer confucianus (12.5%, 1/8). These results suggest that Bartonella infected a variety of rodent and shrew species with high infection rate, but each Bartonella specie is restricted to infect only one or a few genetically closely related rodent species. In addition, Candidatus Bartonella cricetuli, Candidatus Bartonella muris and Bartonella coopersplainsensis were found in chigger Walchia micropelta (33.3%, 3/9), and B. fuyuanensis were found in chigger Leptotrombidium intermedium (4.1%, 1/24), indicating chiggers may be reservoirs of Bartonella. In conclusion, abundant genetic diversified Bartonella species are found to infect rodents, shrews and chiggers, but each Bartonella species has a strict rodent animal host specificity; and chigger mites may play a role in Bartonella transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qiuming Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Qing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chuan-Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang-Rong Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hui-Ju Han
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xue-Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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de Cock M, Fonville M, de Vries A, Bossers A, van den Bogert B, Hakze-van der Honing R, Koets A, Sprong H, van der Poel W, Maas M. Screen the unforeseen: Microbiome-profiling for detection of zoonotic pathogens in wild rats. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3881-3895. [PMID: 36404584 PMCID: PMC10099244 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Wild rats can host various zoonotic pathogens. Detection of these pathogens is commonly performed using molecular techniques targeting one or a few specific pathogens. However, this specific way of surveillance could lead to (emerging) zoonotic pathogens staying unnoticed. This problem may be overcome by using broader microbiome-profiling techniques, which enable broad screening of a sample's bacterial or viral composition. In this study, we investigated if 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing would be a suitable tool for the detection of zoonotic bacteria in wild rats. Moreover, we used virome-enriched (VirCapSeq) sequencing to detect zoonotic viruses. DNA from kidney samples of 147 wild brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) and 42 black rats (Rattus rattus) was used for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region. Blocking primers were developed to reduce the amplification of rat host DNA. The kidney bacterial composition was studied using alpha- and beta-diversity metrics and statistically assessed using PERMANOVA and SIMPER analyses. From the sequencing data, 14 potentially zoonotic bacterial genera were identified from which the presence of zoonotic Leptospira spp. and Bartonella tribocorum was confirmed by (q)PCR or Sanger sequencing. In addition, more than 65% of all samples were dominated (>50% reads) by one of three bacterial taxa: Streptococcus (n = 59), Mycoplasma (n = 39) and Leptospira (n = 25). These taxa also showed the highest contribution to the observed differences in beta diversity. VirCapSeq sequencing in rat liver samples detected the potentially zoonotic rat hepatitis E virus in three rats. Although 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was limited in its capacity for species level identifications and can be more difficult to interpret due to the influence of contaminating sequences in these low microbial biomass samples, we believe it has potential to be a suitable pre-screening method in the future to get a better overview of potentially zoonotic bacteria that are circulating in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke de Cock
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Manoj Fonville
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ankje de Vries
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Bossers
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ad Koets
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van der Poel
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam Maas
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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6
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Billeter SA. A Review of Bartonella Infections in California-Implications for Public and Veterinary Health. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1154-1163. [PMID: 35535811 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella are vector-transmitted, intracellular bacteria that infect a wide variety of blood-feeding arthropods and their vertebrate hosts. In California, more than 13 species of Bartonella have been described from companion animals, livestock, and wildlife, of which four have been associated with human disease. Infections in humans cause a range of symptoms from relatively mild to severe, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Exposure to infected domestic animals and wildlife, and their ectoparasites, may increase the risk of cross-species transmission. The objective of this review was to compile and summarize published materials on human and animal Bartonella infections in California. Medical and veterinary case reports of bartonellosis were highlighted in an effort to increase the awareness of this poorly understood and potentially under-recognized disease among healthcare professionals and veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Billeter
- California Department of Public Health, Vector Borne Disease Section, 2151 Convention Center Way, Suite 226, Ontario, CA 91764, USA
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7
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Fitte B, Kosoy M. Presence of Leptospira spp. and absence of Bartonella spp. in urban rodents of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Pathog Glob Health 2022; 116:185-192. [PMID: 34338622 PMCID: PMC9090354 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.1959793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Big cities of Argentina are characterized by a strong social and economic fragmentation. This context enables the presence of urban rodents in close contact to the human population, mostly in the peripheral areas of the cities. Urban rodents can harbor a large variety of zoonotic pathogens. The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize Leptospira spp. and Bartonella spp. in urban rodents from the area of Gran La Plata, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The species of urban rodents captured and tested were Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus, and Mus musculus. Leptospira interrogans and L. borgpetersenii were detected in R. norvegicus and M. musculus respectively. Bartonella spp. DNA was not detected in any of the kidney samples tested. No significant differences were observed between the prevalence of bacteria and rodent and environmental variables such as host sex, presence of stream and season by Generalized Linear Model analysis. These results confirm the role of urban rodents as infection sources of Leptospira spp., suggesting the need to implement public health measures to prevent the transmission of Leptospira spp. and other zoonotic pathogens from rodents to humans. Bartonella was not detected in this set of samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fitte
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, CEPAVE (CCT La Plata CONICET UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
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Krügel M, Król N, Kempf VAJ, Pfeffer M, Obiegala A. Emerging rodent-associated Bartonella: a threat for human health? Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:113. [PMID: 35361285 PMCID: PMC8969336 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05162-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Species of the genus Bartonella are facultative intracellular alphaproteobacteria with zoonotic potential. Bartonella infections in humans range from mild with unspecific symptoms to life threatening, and can be transmitted via arthropod vectors or through direct contact with infected hosts, although the latter mode of transmission is rare. Among the small mammals that harbour Bartonella spp., rodents are the most speciose group and harbour the highest diversity of these parasites. Human–rodent interactions are not unlikely as many rodent species live in proximity to humans. However, a surprisingly low number of clinical cases of bartonellosis related to rodent-associated Bartonella spp. have thus far been recorded in humans. Methods The main purpose of this review is to determine explanatory factors for this unexpected finding, by taking a closer look at published clinical cases of bartonellosis connected with rodent-associated Bartonella species, some of which have been newly described in recent years. Thus, another focus of this review are these recently proposed species. Conclusions Worldwide, only 24 cases of bartonellosis caused by rodent-associated bartonellae have been reported in humans. Possible reasons for this low number of cases in comparison to the high prevalences of Bartonella in small mammal species are (i) a lack of awareness amongst physicians of Bartonella infections in humans in general, and especially those caused by rodent-associated bartonellae; and (ii) a frequent lack of the sophisticated equipment required for the confirmation of Bartonella infections in laboratories that undertake routine diagnostic testing. As regards recently described Bartonella spp., there are presently 14 rodent-associated Candidatus taxa. In contrast to species which have been taxonomically classified, there is no official process for the review of proposed Candidatus species and their names before they are published. This had led to the use of malformed names that are not based on the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Researchers are thus encouraged to propose Candidatus names to the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes for approval before publishing them, and only to propose new species of Bartonella when the relevant datasets allow them to be clearly differentiated from known species and subspecies. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05162-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Krügel
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nina Król
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,National Consiliary Laboratory for Bartonella, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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Selmi R, Belkahia H, Dhibi M, Abdelaali H, Lahmar S, Ben Said M, Messadi L. Zoonotic vector-borne bacteria in wild rodents and associated ectoparasites from Tunisia. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 95:105039. [PMID: 34438095 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Wild rodents are considered as potential carriers of several zoonotic vector-borne bacteria but their epidemiology is poorly understood in Tunisia. A total of 305 biological samples (100 spleens, 100 livers, 100 kidneys, and 5 pooled ectoparasites (Xenopsylla cheopis, Laelaps echidninus, Ornithonyssus sp., Hoplopleura sp. and eggs of the rat fleas)) were collected from 100 wild rodents from three Tunisian governorates. Molecular screening was performed to reveal infections with main vector-borne bacteria. Captured rodents belonged to three rodent genera and species including Rattus rattus (n = 51, 51%), Meriones shawi (n = 24, 24%) and Mus musculus (n = 25, 25%). Examined rodents were found to be heavily infested by the rat flea X. cheopis (n = 32, 47%) and the rat mite L. echidninus (n = 22, 32.3%). However, the rat mite Ornithonyssus sp. (n = 13, 19.1%) and the rat lice Hoplopleura sp. (n = 1, 1.5%) were rarely identified. Based on 16S rRNA and msp4 genes, infection with Anaplasmataceae bacteria was detected in six specimens of R. rattus and one M. shawi. Pathogenic A. phagocytophilum (n = 1), A. phagocytophilum-like 1 (Anaplasma sp. Japan) (n = 1), and A. ovis (n = 5) were identified. On the basis of ompB, ompA and gltA genes, infection with Rickettsia spp. was identified in three specimens of R. rattus and one of M. shawi. Five Rickettsia species of the spotted fever group, corresponding to R. monacensis, R. helvetica, R. massiliae, R. africae, and R. aeschlimannii, were detected in mixed infections. Bartonella henselae DNA was also found in two R. rattus, based on rpoB partial sequences. All revealed Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Bartonella bacteria were detected in spleen samples. Ehrlichia, Coxiella and Borrelia spp. were not identified in any of the tested samples. In Tunisia, this is the first report indicating infections with Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Bartonella spp. in wild rodents, particularly present alongside domestic livestock and human. This represents a serious risk of potential bacterial transmission. Thus, controlling rodent population in animal herds, residential areas and sensitizing local people to this risk seem absolutely necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Selmi
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie; Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Hanène Belkahia
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie
| | - Mokhtar Dhibi
- Service de Parasitologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie
| | - Hedi Abdelaali
- Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Samia Lahmar
- Service de Parasitologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie; Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Sidi Thabet, Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie.
| | - Lilia Messadi
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie.
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10
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Akbar N, Siddiqui R, Iqbal M, Sagathevan K, Kim KS, Habib F, Khan NA. Gut Bacteria of Rattus rattus (Rat) Produce Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Lipopeptides. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:12261-12273. [PMID: 34056379 PMCID: PMC8154139 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c01137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Among several animals, Rattus rattus (rat) lives in polluted environments and feeds on organic waste/small invertebrates, suggesting the presence of inherent mechanisms to thwart infections. In this study, we isolated gut bacteria of rats for their antibacterial activities. Using antibacterial assays, the findings showed that the conditioned media from selected bacteria exhibited bactericidal activities against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli K1, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and Salmonella enterica) and Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes) pathogenic bacteria. The conditioned media retained their antibacterial properties upon heat treatment at boiling temperature for 10 min. Using MTT assays, the conditioned media showed minimal cytotoxic effects against human keratinocyte cells. Active conditioned media were subjected to tandem mass spectrometry, and the results showed that conditioned media from Bacillus subtilis produced a large repertoire of surfactin and iturin A (lipopeptides) molecules. To our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation of lipopeptides from bacteria isolated from the rat gut. In short, these findings are important and provide a platform to develop effective antibacterial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Akbar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mazhar Iqbal
- Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Kuppusamy Sagathevan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
| | - Kwang Sik Kim
- Division of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Fazal Habib
- Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 27272, Unites Arab Emirates
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11
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First Detection of Bartonella spp. in Small Mammals from Rice Storage and Processing Facilities in Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030658. [PMID: 33810195 PMCID: PMC8004705 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Bartonella spp. are zoonotic bacteria with small mammals as main reservoirs. Bartonella spp. prevalence in small mammals from Myanmar and Sri Lanka are yet unknown. (2) Methods: Small mammals were snap trapped in Sri Lanka and Myanmar in urban surroundings. Spleens-derived DNA was screened for Bartonella spp. using conventional PCR based on three target genes. Positive samples were sequenced. (3) Results: 994 small mammals were collected comprising 6 species: Bandicota bengalensis, Bandicota indica, Rattus exulans, Rattus rattus, Mus booduga, and Suncus murinus. In Myanmar, the Bartonella prevalence in Bandicoot rats (68.47%) was higher than in Rattus rattus (41.67%), Rattus exulans (21.33%), and Suncus murinus (3.64%). Furthermore the prevalence in Myanmar (34%, n = 495) was twice as high as in Sri Lanka (16%, n = 499). In Sri Lanka, Bartonella spp. occurred almost exclusively in R. rattus. In Myanmar, Bartonella kosoyi was mainly detected (56%), followed by Bartonella sp. KM2529 (15%), Bartonella sp. SE-Bart D (12%) and Bartonella henselae (1%). In Sri Lanka, B. phoceensis (60%) and Bartonella sp. KM2581 (33%) were predominant. (4) Conclusions: Bartonella spp. were detected in all investigated small mammal species from Myanmar and Sri Lanka for the first time. Bartonella kosoyi and B. henselae are zoonotic. As these small mammals originated from urban settlements, human bartonellosis seems likely to occur.
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12
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Jahan NA, Lindsey LL, Larsen PA. The Role of Peridomestic Rodents as Reservoirs for Zoonotic Foodborne Pathogens. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:133-148. [PMID: 33351736 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although rodents are well-known reservoirs and vectors for a number of zoonoses, the functional role that peridomestic rodents serve in the amplification and transmission of foodborne pathogens is likely underappreciated. Clear links have been identified between commensal rodents and outbreaks of foodborne pathogens throughout Europe and Asia; however, comparatively little research has been devoted to studying this relationship in the United States. In particular, regional studies focused on specific rodent species and their foodborne pathogen reservoir status across the diverse agricultural landscapes of the United States are lacking. We posit that both native and invasive species of rodents associated with food-production pipelines are likely sources of seasonal outbreaks of foodborne pathogens throughout the United States. In this study, we review the evidence that identifies peridomestic rodents as reservoirs for foodborne pathogens, and we call for novel research focused on the metagenomic communities residing at the rodent-agriculture interface. Such data will likely result in the identification of new reservoirs for foodborne pathogens and species-specific demographic traits that might underlie seasonal enteric disease outbreaks. Moreover, we anticipate that a One Health metagenomic research approach will result in the discovery of new strains of zoonotic pathogens circulating in peridomestic rodents. Data resulting from such research efforts would directly inform and improve upon biosecurity efforts, ultimately serving to protect our food supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat A Jahan
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Laramie L Lindsey
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Peter A Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
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13
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Byers KA, Booker TR, Combs M, Himsworth CG, Munshi‐South J, Patrick DM, Whitlock MC. Using genetic relatedness to understand heterogeneous distributions of urban rat-associated pathogens. Evol Appl 2021; 14:198-209. [PMID: 33519965 PMCID: PMC7819557 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Urban Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) carry several pathogens transmissible to people. However, pathogen prevalence can vary across fine spatial scales (i.e., by city block). Using a population genomics approach, we sought to describe rat movement patterns across an urban landscape and to evaluate whether these patterns align with pathogen distributions. We genotyped 605 rats from a single neighborhood in Vancouver, Canada, and used 1,495 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to identify parent-offspring and sibling relationships using pedigree analysis. We resolved 1,246 pairs of relatives, of which only 1% of pairs were captured in different city blocks. Relatives were primarily caught within 33 meters of each other leading to a highly leptokurtic distribution of dispersal distances. Using binomial generalized linear mixed models, we evaluated whether family relationships influenced rat pathogen status with the bacterial pathogens Leptospira interrogans, Bartonella tribocorum, and Clostridium difficile, and found that an individual's pathogen status was not predicted any better by including disease status of related rats. The spatial clustering of related rats and their pathogens lends support to the hypothesis that spatially restricted movement promotes the heterogeneous patterns of pathogen prevalence evidenced in this population. Our findings also highlight the utility of evolutionary tools to understand movement and rat-associated health risks in urban landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylee A. Byers
- Department of Interdisciplinary StudiesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
- Biodiversity Research CentreUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
- Canadian Wildlife Health CooperativeAnimal Health CentreBritish Columbia Ministry of AgricultureAbbotsfordBCCanada
| | - Tom R. Booker
- Biodiversity Research CentreUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Matthew Combs
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental BiologyColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Chelsea G. Himsworth
- Canadian Wildlife Health CooperativeAnimal Health CentreBritish Columbia Ministry of AgricultureAbbotsfordBCCanada
- School of Population and Public HealthUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
- Animal Health CentreBritish Columbia Ministry of AgricultureAbbotsfordBCCanada
| | - Jason Munshi‐South
- Louis Calder Center‐Biological Field Station and Department of Biological ScienceFordham UniversityArmonkNYUSA
| | - David M. Patrick
- School of Population and Public HealthUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease ControlVancouverBCCanada
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14
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Molecular survey of Bartonella spp. in rodents and fleas from Chile. Acta Trop 2020; 212:105672. [PMID: 32835672 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to molecularly survey Bartonella spp. in rodents from the Valdivia Province, Southern Chile and from wild black rat-fleas in Guafo Island, Chilean Patagonia. Thrity-three spleens from synanthropic (Mus musculus, Rattus novergicus and Rattus rattus) and wild (Abrothrix longipilis, Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, Abrothrix sp.) rodents from Valdivia and 39 fleas/flea-pools (Plocopsylla sp. and Nosopsyllus sp.) from R. rattus in Guafo Island were obtained. All samples were screened by high-resolution melting (HRM) real-time PCR for Bartonella ITS locus (190 bp). ITS-Positive samples were further analyzed for two HRM real-time PCR assays targeting Bartonella rpoB (191 bp) and gltA (340 bp) gene fragments. All positive ITS, gltA and rpoB real-time PCR products were purified and sequenced. Bayesian inference trees were built for the gltA and rpoB gene fragments. Bartonella-ITS DNA was detected in 36.3% (12/33) [95% CI (22-53%)] of the tested rodents from Valdivia, being identified in all but O. longicaudatus rodent species captured in this study. ITS DNA was detected in 28% (11/39) [95% CI (16-43%)] of fleas/flea-pools from Guafo Island and identified in both Plocopsylla and Nosopsyllus genera. Sequencing and phylogenic analyses targeting three loci of Bartonella spp. allowed the identification of five genotypes in rodents from Southern Chile, potentially belonging to three different Bartonella spp. Those included Bartonella tribocorum identified from R. rattus, Bartonella rochalimae detected from Abrothix sp., and one novel genotype from uncharacterized Bartonella sp. identified in M. musculus, R. norvegicus, A. longipilis, and Abothrix sp., related to strains previously isolated in Phyllotis sp. from Peru. Additionally, two genotypes of B. tribocorum were identified in fleas from Guafo. In a nutshell, highly diverse and potentially zoonotic Bartonella spp. are described for the first time in wild and synanthropic rodents from Chile, and B. tribocorum was detected in wild back rat fleas from Guafo Island.
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15
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Himsworth CG, Byers KA, Fernando C, Speerin L, Lee MJ, Hill JE. When the Sum of the Parts Tells You More Than the Whole: The Advantage of Using Metagenomics to Characterize Bartonella spp. Infections in Norway Rats ( Rattus norvegicus) and Their Fleas. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:584724. [PMID: 33195611 PMCID: PMC7658385 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.584724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Urban Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are a reservoir for Bartonella spp. - a genus of zoonotic bacteria transmitted by hematophagous vectors, particularly fleas. Rats and fleas may be infected with more than one Bartonella species; however, mixed infections may be difficult to detect using culture and/or mono-locus PCR. We set out to characterize Bartonella spp. using gltA PCR and Sanger sequencing on blood (n = 480) and Nosopsyllus fasciatus flea pools (n = 200) obtained from a population of urban Norways rats from Vancouver, Canada. However, when contamination of a subset of flea pools necessitated the use of a second target (ssrA) and the results of gltA and ssrA were discordant, a metagenomic approach was used to better characterize the Bartonella spp. present in these samples and our objective transitioned to comparing data obtained via metagenomics to those from PCR/sequencing. Among the Bartonella spp.-positive rats (n = 95), 52 (55.3%), and 41 (43.6%) had Sanger sequences consistent with Bartonella tribocorum and Bartonella vinsonii, respectively. One rat had a mixed infection. All sequences from Bartonella spp.-positive flea pools (n = 85), were consistent with B. tribocorum, and re-analysis of 34 bloods of varying Bartonella spp. infection status (based gltA PCR and sequencing) using ssrA PCR showed that the assay was capable of identifying B. tribocorum but not B. vinsonii. Metagenomics analysis of a subset of PCR-positive blood samples (n = 70) and flea pools (n = 24) revealed that both B. tribocorum and B. vinsonii were circulating widely in the study population with 31/70 (44.3%) rats and 5/24 (2.1%) flea pools infected with both species. B. vinsonii, however, made up a smaller relative proportion of the reads for samples with mixed infections, which may be why it was generally not detected by genus-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing. Further analysis of 16S−23S ITS sequences amplified from a subset of samples identified the B. vinsonii strain as B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii type II. This demonstrates the value of a metagenomic approach for better characterizing the ecology and health risks associated with this bacterium, particularly given that the less dominant species, B. vinsonii is associated with greater pathogenicity in people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea G Himsworth
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative-British Columbia, Abbotsford, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Animal Health Center, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | - Kaylee A Byers
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative-British Columbia, Abbotsford, BC, Canada.,Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Biodiversity Research Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Champika Fernando
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Laura Speerin
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Michael J Lee
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative-British Columbia, Abbotsford, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Janet E Hill
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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16
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Selmi R, Ben Said M, Ben Yahia H, Abdelaali H, Boulouis HJ, Messadi L. First report on Bartonella henselae in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 85:104496. [PMID: 32777455 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bartonellosis is one of the clinically underdiagnosed emerging bacterial diseases among domestic livestock, particularly in camels. Until now, the natural infection of camels with Bartonella species was not investigated in Tunisia. In the attempt of filling this gap in knowledge, a total of 412 dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) as well as 300 associated ticks (Hyalomma dromedarii (160; 53.4%), H. impeltatum (131; 43.6%) and H. excavatum (9; 3%) were screened for the presence of Bartonella spp. by PCR followed by a sequencing step through the amplification of the rpoB gene. Positive samples were then tested and further characterized by the combined use of the ftsZ and gltA genes. Fifteen camels (3.6%) were found to be positive to Bartonella spp. However, there was no evidence of Bartonella DNA in any of the analyzed ticks. Risk factors' analysis shows that camels derived from arid and semi-arid bioclimatic areas were more infected than those originated from desert area. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis revealed the occurrence of novel B. henselae genotypes closely related to those isolated from humans, cats, and lions. By combining the characteristics of each single gene with those of concatenated sequences, we report here the first molecular detection of B. henselae in the dromedary camel suggesting a possible involvement of camelids as hosts or reservoirs in the transmission cycle of this emerging bacterium in arid and saharan areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Selmi
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie; Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie; Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Sidi Thabet, Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie
| | - Houcine Ben Yahia
- Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Hedi Abdelaali
- Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Henri-Jean Boulouis
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR), Biologie Moléculaire et Immunologie Parasitaire (BIPAR), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire Alfort, France
| | - Lilia Messadi
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie.
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17
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Goodrich I, McKee C, Kosoy M. Longitudinal Study of Bacterial Infectious Agents in a Community of Small Mammals in New Mexico. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:496-508. [PMID: 32159462 PMCID: PMC9536245 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Vector-borne bacterial diseases represent a substantial public health burden and rodents have been recognized as important reservoir hosts for many zoonotic pathogens. This study investigates bacterial pathogens in a small mammal community of the southwestern United States of America. Methods: A total of 473 samples from 13 wild rodent and 1 lagomorph species were tested for pathogens of public health significance: Bartonella, Brucella, Yersinia, Borrelia, Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Results: Three animals were positive for Yersinia pestis, and one Sylvilagus audubonii had a novel Borrelia sp. of the relapsing fever group. No Brucella, Rickettsia, or A. phagocytophilum infections were detected. Bartonella prevalence ranged between 0% and 87.5% by animal species, with 74.3% in the predominant Neotoma micropus and 78% in the second most abundant N. albigula. The mean duration of Bartonella bacteremia in mark-recaptured N. micropus and N. albigula was 4.4 months, ranging from <1 to 18 months, and differed among Bartonella genogroups. Phylogenetic analysis of the Bartonella citrate synthase gene (gltA) revealed 9 genogroups and 13 subgroups. Seven genogroups clustered with known or previously reported Bartonella species and strains while two were distant enough to represent new Bartonella species. We report, for the first time, the detection of Bartonella alsatica in North America in Sylvilagus audubonii and expand the known host range of Bartonella washoensis to include Otospermophilus variegatus. Interpretation and Conclusion: This work broadens our knowledge of the hosts and geographic range of bacterial pathogens that could guide future surveillance efforts and improves our understanding of the dynamics of Bartonella infection in wild small mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Goodrich
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Clifton McKee
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Michael Kosoy
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
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18
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Gonçalves LR, Harrus S, Herrera HM, Gutiérrez R, Pedrassani D, Nantes WAG, Santos FM, Porfírio GEDO, Barreto WTG, de Macedo GC, Assis WDO, Campos JBV, da Silva TMV, Biolchi J, de Sousa KCM, Nachum-Biala Y, Barros-Battesti DM, Machado RZ, André MR. Low occurrence of Bartonella in synanthropic mammals and associated ectoparasites in peri-urban areas from Central-Western and Southern Brazil. Acta Trop 2020; 207:105513. [PMID: 32371220 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, Bartonella species are known to infect a wide range of mammalian and arthropod hosts, including humans. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in synanthropic mammals captured in peri-urban areas from Central-Western and Southern Brazil and their ectoparasites. For this aim, 160 mammals belonging to four species, and 218 associated arthropods were sampled. DNA was extracted and subjected to different Bartonella screening assays. Additionally, blood samples from 48 small rodents were submitted to liquid BAPGM culture followed by qPCR assay and solid culture. Two out of 55 Rattus captured in Santa Catarina state were PCR-positive for Bartonella when targeting the nuoG, 16S, and ITS loci. Sequences showed high homology with Bartonella coopersplainsensis. Conversely, all 48 small rodents, 14 capybaras and 43 opossum DNA samples from animals trapped in Mato Grosso do Sul were Bartonella negative in the HRM real time PCR assays targeting the ITS locus and gltA gene. Additionally, all mammal-associated ectoparasites showed negativity results based on HRM real time PCR assays. The present study showed, for the first time, the occurrence of B. coopersplainsensis in Brazil, shedding some light on the distribution of rats-related Bartonella in South America. In addition, the majority of rodents and marsupials were negative for Bartonella spp. Since B. coopersplainsensis reservoirs - Rattus spp. - are widely dispersed around the globe, their zoonotic potential should be further investigated.
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19
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Su Q, Chen Y, Wang B, Huang C, Han S, Yuan G, Zhang Q, He H. Epidemiology and genetic diversity of zoonotic pathogens in urban rats (Rattus spp.) from a subtropical city, Guangzhou, southern China. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:534-545. [PMID: 32452163 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Commensal rats (Rattus spp.), which are globally distributed, harbour many pathogens responsible for significant human diseases. Despite this, we have a poor understanding of the epidemiology and genetic diversity of some recently neglected zoonotic pathogens, such as Leptospira spp., Bartonella spp. and hepatitis E virus (HEV), which constitute a major public health threat. Thus, we surveyed the occurrences, co-infection and genetic diversity of these pathogens in 129 urban rats from China. For Rattus tanezumi, the prevalences of Leptospira spp., Bartonella spp. and HEV infection were 6.67%, 0% and 46.67%, respectively. The prevalences of Leptospira spp., Bartonella spp. and HEV infection were 57.89%, 9.65% and 57.89% for Rattus norvegicus respectively. Leptospira spp. and HEV infections were more likely to occur in mature R. norvegicus. Phylogenetic analyses showed that pathogenic Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira borgpetersenii might exist. We also found that Bartonella spp. showed high similarity to Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella rochalimae and Bartonella tribocorum, which are implicated in human disease. Dual and triple infections were both detected. Moreover, dual infections with Leptospira spp. and HEV represented the most frequent co-infection, and there was a significantly positive association between them. High genetic diversity was observed in genes segments from Leptospira, Bartonella and HEV. Our results first discover the occurrence of multiple co-infections and genetic diversity of Leptospira, Bartonella and HEV in commensal rats from China. Altogether, the present study provides an insight into evaluating the risk of rat-borne zoonoses in urban China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Su
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Chen
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Wang
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengmei Huang
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuyi Han
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guohui Yuan
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingxun Zhang
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxuan He
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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20
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Gutiérrez R, Shalit T, Markus B, Yuan C, Nachum-Biala Y, Elad D, Harrus S. Bartonella kosoyi sp. nov. and Bartonella krasnovii sp. nov., two novel species closely related to the zoonotic Bartonella elizabethae, isolated from black rats and wild desert rodent-fleas. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2020; 70:1656-1665. [PMID: 32100689 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.003952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Bartonella (Family: Bartonellaceae; Order: Rhizobiales; Class: Alphaproteobacteria) comprises facultative intracellular Gram-negative, haemotropic, slow-growing, vector-borne bacteria. Wild rodents and their fleas harbor a great diversity of species and strains of the genus Bartonella, including several zoonotic ones. This genetic diversity coupled with a fastidious nature of the organism results in a taxonomic challenge that has led to a massive collection of uncharacterized strains. Here, we report the genomic and phenotypic characterization of two strains, members of the genus Bartonella (namely Tel Aviv and OE 1-1), isolated from Rattus rattus rats and Synosternus cleopatrae fleas, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed rod-shaped bacteria with polar pili, lengths ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 µm and widths ranging from 0.3 to 0.6 µm. OE 1-1 and Tel Aviv strains contained one single chromosome of 2.16 and 2.23 Mbp and one plasmid of 29.0 and 41.5 Kbp, with average DNA G+C contents of 38.16 and 38.47 mol%, respectively. These strains presented an average nucleotide identity (ANI) of 89.9 %. Bartonella elizabethae was found to be the closest phylogenetic relative of both strains (ANI=90.9-93.6 %). The major fatty acids identified in both strains were C18:1ω7c, C18 : 0 and C16 : 0. They differ from B. elizabethae in their C17 : 0 and C15 : 0 compositions. Both strains are strictly capnophilic and their biochemical profiles resembled those of species of the genus Bartonella with validly published names, whereas differences in arylamidase activities partially assisted in their speciation. Genomic and phenotypic differences demonstrate that OE 1-1 and Tel Aviv strains represent novel individual species, closely related to B. elizabethae, for which we propose the names Bartonella kosoyi sp. nov. and Bartonella krasnovii sp. nov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Gutiérrez
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610000, Israel
| | - Tali Shalit
- The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610000, Israel
| | - Barak Markus
- The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610000, Israel
| | - Congli Yuan
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610000, Israel
| | - Daniel Elad
- The Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Shimon Harrus
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610000, Israel
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21
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Krügel M, Pfeffer M, Król N, Imholt C, Baert K, Ulrich RG, Obiegala A. Rats as potential reservoirs for neglected zoonotic Bartonella species in Flanders, Belgium. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:235. [PMID: 32381113 PMCID: PMC7206682 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04098-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bartonella spp. are vector-borne pathogens transmitted to humans via blood-sucking arthropods. Rodents such as the black rat (Rattus rattus) and Norway rat (R. norvegicus) are thought to be the main reservoirs. An infection with rodent-associated Bartonella spp. may cause severe symptoms in humans such as endocarditis and neuroretinitis. The current knowledge of Bartonella prevalence in rats from western Europe is scarce. METHODS Rats and a few other rodent by-catches were trapped in the context of a rodenticide resistance study at different sites in Flanders, Belgium. During dissection, biometric data were collected, and spleen tissues were taken. DNA was extracted from spleen samples and tested for Bartonella spp. by conventional generic polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To determine the Bartonella species, a selected number of amplicons were sequenced and compared with GenBank entries. RESULTS In total, 1123 rodents were trapped. The predominate species was R. norvegicus (99.64%). Other rodents trapped included: two water voles (Arvicola amphibius, 0.18%); one colour rat (R. norvegicus forma domestica, 0.09%); and one muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus, 0.09%). PCR analysis of 1097 rodents resulted in 410 (37.37%, 95% CI: 34.50-40.31%) Bartonella spp. DNA-positive samples. Bartonella tribocorum (94.68%, 95% CI: 88.02-98.25%) was the most frequently detected Bartonella species, followed by B. grahamii (3.19%, 95% CI: 0.66-9.04%) and B. doshiae (1.06%, 95% CI: 0.03-5.79%). An uncultured Bartonella species occurred in one water vole (1.06%, 95% CI: 0.03-5.79%). There was a significantly higher Bartonella prevalence in older rats compared to juveniles and a significant difference in Bartonella prevalence concerning the localisation of trapping sites. In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference in Bartonella prevalence regarding sex, degree of urbanisation and season. CONCLUSIONS Based on the high prevalence found, we conclude that the Norway rat seems to be a key reservoir host for zoonotic B. tribocorum in Belgium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Krügel
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nina Król
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Imholt
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Münster, Belgium
| | - Kristof Baert
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rainer G. Ulrich
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Beckmann S, Engelbrecht M, Chavez F, Rojas G. Prevalence of zoonotic Bartonella among prairie rodents in Illinois. J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Bartonella is a genus of gram-negative bacteria that includes a variety of human and veterinary pathogens. These pathogens are transmitted from reservoirs to secondary hosts through the bite of arthropod vectors including lice and fleas. Once in the secondary host, the bacteria cause a variety of pathologies including cat-scratch disease, endocarditis, and myocarditis. Reservoirs of these bacteria are numerous and include several species of large mammals, mesocarnivores, and small mammals. Research on reservoirs of these bacteria has focused on western North America, Europe, and Asia, with little focus on the eastern and central United States. We assessed the prevalence of zoonotic Bartonella species among prairie-dwelling rodent species in the midwestern United States. Tissue samples (n = 700) were collected between 2015 and 2017 from five rodent species and screened for the presence of Bartonella DNA via PCR and sequencing of two loci using Bartonella-specific primers. Bartonella were prevalent among all five species, with 13-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) serving as a likely reservoir of the pathogen B. washoensis, and other rodents serving as reservoirs of the pathogens B. grahamii and B. vinsonii subsp. arupensis. These results demonstrate the value of studies of disease ecology in grassland systems, particularly in the context of habitat restoration and human–vector interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Beckmann
- Department of Biology, Stetson University, DeLand, FL, USA
| | - Malcolm Engelbrecht
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Rockford University, Rockford, IL, USA
| | - Fernanda Chavez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Rockford University, Rockford, IL, USA
| | - Gissel Rojas
- Department of Biology, Stetson University, DeLand, FL, USA
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Moreno Salas L, Espinoza-Carniglia M, Lizama Schmeisser N, Torres LG, Silva-de la Fuente MC, Lareschi M, González-Acuña D. Fleas of black rats ( Rattus rattus) as reservoir host of Bartonella spp. in Chile. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7371. [PMID: 31396444 PMCID: PMC6679904 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rattus rattus is a widely distributed, invasive species that presents an important role in disease transmission, either directly or through vector arthropods such as fleas. These black rats can transmit a wide variety of pathogens, including bacteria of the genus Bartonella, which can cause diseases in humans and animals. In Chile, no data are available identifying fleas from synanthropic rodents as Bartonella vectors. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in the fleas of R. rattus in areas with different climate conditions and featuring different human population densities. Methods In all, 174 fleas collected from 261 R. rattus captured from 30 localities with different human densities (cities, villages, and wild areas) across five hydrographic zones of Chile (hyper-arid, arid, semi-arid, sub-humid, and hyper-humid) were examined. Bartonella spp. presence was determined through polymerase chain reaction, using gltA and rpoB genes, which were concatenated to perform a similarity analysis with BLAST and phylogenetic analysis. Results Overall, 15 fleas species were identified; Bartonella gltA and rpoB fragments were detected in 21.2% (37/174) and 19.5% (34/174) of fleas, respectively. A total of 10 of the 15 fleas species found were positive for Bartonella DNA. Leptopsylla segnis was the most commonly collected flea species (n = 55), and it also presented a high prevalence of Bartonella DNA (P% = 34.5%). The highest numbers of fleas of this species were collected in villages of the arid zone. There were no seasonal differences in the prevalence of Bartonella DNA. The presence of Bartonella DNA in fleas was recorded in all hydrographic areas, and the arid zone presented the highest prevalence of this species. Regarding areas with different human densities, the highest prevalence was noted in the villages (34.8% gltA and 31.8% rpoB), followed by cities (14.8% gltA and 11.1% rpoB) and wild areas (7.4% gltA and 14.8% rpoB). The BLAST analysis showed a high similitude (>96%) with four uncharacterized Bartonella genotypes and with two species with zoonotic potential: B. mastomydis and B. tribocorum. The phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship with B. elizabethae and B. tribocorum. This is the first study to provide evidence of the presence of Bartonella in fleas of R. rattus in Chile, indicating that the villages and arid zone correspond to areas with higher infection risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucila Moreno Salas
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mario Espinoza-Carniglia
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nicol Lizama Schmeisser
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - L Gonzalo Torres
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.,Facultad de Ciencias, Programa de Magíster en Ciencias mención Ecología Aplicada, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - María Carolina Silva-de la Fuente
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Laboratorio de Parásitos y Enfermedades de Fauna Silvestre, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | - Marcela Lareschi
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores CEPAVE (CONICET CCT-La Plata-UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Daniel González-Acuña
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Laboratorio de Parásitos y Enfermedades de Fauna Silvestre, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
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Obiegala A, Heuser E, Ryll R, Imholt C, Fürst J, Prautsch LM, Plenge-Bönig A, Ulrich RG, Pfeffer M. Norway and black rats in Europe: potential reservoirs for zoonotic arthropod-borne pathogens? PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:1556-1563. [PMID: 30624020 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and black rats (R. rattus) are known to be cosmopolitan reservoirs for zoonotic agents. Nevertheless, little is known about prevalence and distribution of arthropod-borne pathogens in rats from Europe. Therefore, this survey focused on the detection of arthropod-borne pathogens. Spleen-derived DNA samples were available from 528 Norway rats and 74 black rats collected in several European countries. Further, these samples were processed by polymerase chain reaction for the detection of zoonotic pathogens such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis (CNM), Babesia spp. and Bartonella spp. eventually followed by sequencing. RESULTS Babesia spp. was not detected. Four Norway rat samples were positive for A. phagocytophilum DNA and two for CNM. In 50 rat samples, Bartonella spp. DNA was detected (8.1%; 95% Confidence interval (CI) 6.2-10.61). Whereas B. tribocorum (n = 45) and B. grahamii (n = 1) were carried exclusively in Norway rats from Central Europe (Belgium, Germany), B. coopersplainsensis (n = 4) was detected only in black rats from southern European countries (Spain, Italy). CONCLUSIONS Pathogenic Bartonella spp. DNA was found in black and Norway rats from Germany, Italy, Spain and Belgium for the first time. Bartonellae were found focally in zoos suggesting Norway rats as a possible reservoir for B. tribocorum and black rats as a reservoir for B. coopersplainsensis in Europe. These findings should raise awareness of pathogenic Bartonella spp. in Norway rats, especially in terms of pest management control in zoos. Norway and black rats seem not to be predominantly involved in the life cycle of the other examined arthropod-borne pathogens in Europe. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elisa Heuser
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel, Riems, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Insel Riems, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - René Ryll
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel, Riems, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Insel Riems, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christian Imholt
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Münster, Germany
| | - Johanna Fürst
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lisa-Marie Prautsch
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anita Plenge-Bönig
- Department Hygiene and Infection Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Environment, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel, Riems, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Insel Riems, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Kosoy M, Bai Y. Bartonella Bacteria in Urban Rats: A Movement From the Jungles of Southeast Asia to Metropoles Around the Globe. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Strand TM, Lundkvist Å. Rat-borne diseases at the horizon. A systematic review on infectious agents carried by rats in Europe 1995-2016. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2019; 9:1553461. [PMID: 30834071 PMCID: PMC6394330 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2018.1553461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the spectrum of rat-borne pathogens circulating in Europe a systematic review spanning across 55 European countries during the years 1995-2016 was performed. The study surveyed viruses, bacteria, macroparasites and unicellular eukaryotes (protozoa). Fifty-three different infectious agents, all with zoonotic potential, were reported to be carried by commensal rats; 48 by the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and 20 by the black rat (R. rattus). There was a tendency for rural areas to harbour more rat-borne microbes than urban areas regarding the brown rat, but the opposite could be observed for the black rat. The study clearly indicated that an improved surveillance on wild rats is needed in Europe, and further indicated the pathogens and geographical areas where the major focus is required. For example, six zoonotic microbes seemed to be clearly more geographically widespread in Europe than others; virulent or resistant E. coli, pathogenic Leptospira spp., Hymenolepis diminuta, H. nana, Capillaria hepatica and Toxoplasma gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Maria Strand
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Frank HK, Boyd SD, Hadly EA. Global fingerprint of humans on the distribution of Bartonella bacteria in mammals. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006865. [PMID: 30439961 PMCID: PMC6237287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As humans move and alter habitats, they change the disease risk for themselves, their commensal animals and wildlife. Bartonella bacteria are prevalent in mammals and cause numerous human infections. Understanding how this genus has evolved and switched hosts in the past can reveal how current patterns were established and identify potential mechanisms for future cross-species transmission. We analyzed patterns of Bartonella transmission and likely sources of spillover using the largest collection of Bartonella gltA genotypes assembled, including 67 new genotypes. This pathogenic genus likely originated as an environmental bacterium and insect commensal before infecting mammals. Rodents and domestic animals serve as the reservoirs or at least key proximate host for most Bartonella genotypes in humans. We also find evidence of exchange of Bartonella between phylogenetically distant domestic animals and wildlife, likely due to increased contact. Care should be taken to avoid contact between humans, domestic animals and wildlife to protect the health of all. As humans move around the globe they contact new environments, potentially introducing novel diseases to wildlife, domestic animals and humans. Understanding how current infection patterns were established and how humans have likely altered them can help protect human, animal and environmental health. We traced the evolution of and distribution of globally distributed, pathogenic Bartonella, a common and well-studied bacterial genus in wildlife and humans that can cause cat scratch disease, trench fever and other diseases. We showed that humans are likely changing disease risk for themselves and the animals in their environment by moving themselves and domestic animals, as evidenced by large geographic movements of infections or shared infections in distantly related species. Not only does this increase our knowledge about Bartonella, an important emerging pathogen, but our investigation can serve as a model for elucidating the driving role of humans in changing disease landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K. Frank
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Scott D. Boyd
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Hadly
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
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do Amaral RB, Lourenço EC, Famadas KM, Garcia AB, Machado RZ, André MR. Molecular detection of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. in bat ectoparasites in Brazil. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198629. [PMID: 29870549 PMCID: PMC5988283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The family Streblidae comprises a monophyletic group of Hippoboscoidea, hematophagous dipterans that parasitize bats. Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. have been reported in bats sampled in Europe, Africa, Asia, North, Central and South America. However, there are few reports on the Bartonella and Rickettsia bacteria infecting Hippoboscoidea flies and mites. While Spinturnicidae mites are ectoparasites found only in bats, those belonging to the family Macronyssidae comprise mites that also parasitize other mammal species. This study investigates the occurrence and assesses the phylogenetic positioning of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. found in Streblidae flies and Spinturnicidae and Macronyssidae mites collected from bats captured in Brazil. From May 2011 to April 2012 and September 2013 to December 2014, 400 Streblidae flies, 100 Macronyssidaes, and 100 Spinturnicidae mites were collected from bats captured in two sites in northeastern Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Forty (19.8%) out of 202 Streblidae flies were positive for Bartonella spp. in qPCR assays based on the nuoG gene. Among the flies positive for the bacterium, six (18%) were Paratrichobius longicrus, seven (29%) Strebla guajiro, two (40%) Aspidoptera phyllostomatis, five (11%) Aspidoptera falcata, one (10%) Trichobius anducei, one (25%) Megistopoda aranea, and 18 (32%) Trichobius joblingi, and collected from bats of the following species: Artibeus lituratus, Carollia perspicillata, Artibeus planirostris, Sturnira lilium, and Artibeus obscurus. Six sequences were obtained for Bartonella (nuoG [n = 2], gltA [n = 2], rpoB [n = 1], ribC = 1]). The phylogenetic analysis based on gltA (750pb) gene showed that the Bartonella sequences clustered with Bartonella genotypes detected in bats and ectoparasites previously sampled in Latin America, including Brazil. Only one sample (0.49%) of the species Trichobius joblingi collected from a specimen of Carollia perspicillata was positive for Rickettsia sp. in cPCR based on the gltA gene (401bp). This sequence was clustered with a 'Candidatus Rickettsia andaenae" genotype detected in an Amblyomma parvum tick collected from a rodent in the southern region of Brazilian Pantanal. The sampled Macronyssidae and Spinturnicidae mites were negative for Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. This study demonstrated the first occurrence of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. DNA in Streblidae flies collected from bats in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan Bressianini do Amaral
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
- Agricultural and Livestock Microbiology Graduation Program, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabete Captivo Lourenço
- Laboratory of Parasite Arthropods, Department of Animal Parasitology, Institute of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro–UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Kátia Maria Famadas
- Laboratory of Parasite Arthropods, Department of Animal Parasitology, Institute of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro–UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Amanda Barbosa Garcia
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
- Agricultural and Livestock Microbiology Graduation Program, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
- Agricultural and Livestock Microbiology Graduation Program, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
- Agricultural and Livestock Microbiology Graduation Program, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
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Abreu-Yanes E, Martin-Alonso A, Martin-Carrillo N, Livia KG, Marrero-Gagliardi A, Valladares B, Feliu C, Foronda P. Bartonella in Rodents and Ectoparasites in the Canary Islands, Spain: New Insights into Host-Vector-Pathogen Relationships. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2018; 75:264-273. [PMID: 28660292 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-017-1022-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella genus is comprised of several species of zoonotic relevance and rodents are reservoirs for some of these Bartonella species. As there were no data about the range of Bartonella species circulating among rodents in the Canary Islands, our main aim was to overcome this lack of knowledge by targeting both the citrate synthase (gltA) and the RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoB) genes. A total of 181 small mammals and 154 ectoparasites were obtained in three of the Canary Islands, namely Tenerife, La Palma, and Lanzarote. The overall prevalence of Bartonella DNA in rodents was 18.8%, whereas the prevalence in ectoparasites was 13.6%. Bartonella sequences closely related to the zoonotic species Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella tribocorum, and Bartonella rochalimae were identified in rodents, whereas two different gltA haplotypes similar to B. elizabethae were also detected in fleas. Furthermore, Bartonella queenslandensis DNA was also identified in rodents. A strong host specificity was observed, since B. elizabethae DNA was only found in Mus musculus domesticus, whereas gltA and rpoB sequences closely related to the rest of Bartonella species were only identified in Rattus rattus, which is probably due to the host specificity of the arthropod species that act as vectors in these islands. Our results indicate that humans may contract Bartonella infection by contact with rodents in the Canary Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefania Abreu-Yanes
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Fco. Sanchez s/n, 38203, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Aaron Martin-Alonso
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Fco. Sanchez s/n, 38203, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Natalia Martin-Carrillo
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Fco. Sanchez s/n, 38203, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Katherine Garcia Livia
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Fco. Sanchez s/n, 38203, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Alessandro Marrero-Gagliardi
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Fco. Sanchez s/n, 38203, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Basilio Valladares
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Fco. Sanchez s/n, 38203, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Carlos Feliu
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Cataluña, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Fco. Sanchez s/n, 38203, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
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Neglected vector-borne zoonoses in Europe: Into the wild. Vet Parasitol 2017; 251:17-26. [PMID: 29426471 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Wild vertebrates are involved in the transmission cycles of numerous pathogens. Additionally, they can affect the abundance of arthropod vectors. Urbanization, landscape and climate changes, and the adaptation of vectors and wildlife to human habitats represent complex and evolving scenarios, which affect the interface of vector, wildlife and human populations, frequently with a consequent increase in zoonotic risk. While considerable attention has focused on these interrelations with regard to certain major vector-borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and tick-borne encephalitis virus, information regarding many other zoonotic pathogens is more dispersed. In this review, we discuss the possible role of wildlife in the maintenance and spread of some of these neglected zoonoses in Europe. We present case studies on the role of rodents in the cycles of Bartonella spp., of wild ungulates in the cycle of Babesia spp., and of various wildlife species in the life cycle of Leishmania infantum, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. These examples highlight the usefulness of surveillance strategies focused on neglected zoonotic agents in wildlife as a source of valuable information for health professionals, nature managers and (local) decision-makers. These benefits could be further enhanced by increased collaboration between researchers and stakeholders across Europe and a more harmonised and coordinated approach for data collection.
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Peterson AC, Ghersi BM, Alda F, Firth C, Frye MJ, Bai Y, Osikowicz LM, Riegel C, Lipkin WI, Kosoy MY, Blum MJ. Rodent-Borne Bartonella Infection Varies According to Host Species Within and Among Cities. ECOHEALTH 2017; 14:771-782. [PMID: 29164472 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-017-1291-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly likely that rodents will drive future disease epidemics with the continued expansion of cities worldwide. Though transmission risk is a growing concern, relatively little is known about pathogens carried by urban rats. Here, we assess whether the diversity and prevalence of Bartonella bacteria differ according to the (co)occurrence of rat hosts across New Orleans, LA (NO), where both Norway (Rattus norvegicus) and roof rats (Rattus rattus) are found, relative to New York City (NYC) which only harbors Norway rats. We detected human pathogenic Bartonella species in both NYC and New Orleans rodents. We found that Norway rats in New Orleans harbored a more diverse assemblage of Bartonella than Norway rats in NYC and that Norway rats harbored a more diverse and distinct assemblage of Bartonella compared to roof rats in New Orleans. Additionally, Norway rats were more likely to be infected with Bartonella than roof rats in New Orleans. Flea infestation appears to be an important predictor of Bartonella infection in Norway rats across both cities. These findings illustrate that pathogen infections can be heterogeneous in urban rodents and indicate that further study of host species interactions could clarify variation in spillover risk across cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Bruno M Ghersi
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Fernando Alda
- Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Cadhla Firth
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew J Frye
- New York State IPM Program, Cornell University, Geneva, NY, USA
| | - Ying Bai
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Lynn M Osikowicz
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Claudia Riegel
- City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - W Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Y Kosoy
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Michael J Blum
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Bywater Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Gutiérrez R, Vayssier-Taussat M, Buffet JP, Harrus S. Guidelines for the Isolation, Molecular Detection, and Characterization of Bartonella Species. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:42-50. [PMID: 28055575 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.1956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonellae are fastidious, facultative, intracellular vector-borne bacteria distributed among mammalian reservoirs worldwide. The pathogenic potential of many Bartonella spp. has increased the interest in these bacteria and advanced their research. Isolation of Bartonella spp. is laborious using classical bacteriological methods and requires specific conditions and prolonged incubation periods. In contrast, molecular methods for detection of Bartonella DNA are considered as more practical and sensitive than the former. Among the molecular methods, the use of real-time PCR assays for primary screening of Bartonella spp., followed by several molecular confirmatory assays, using either conventional or real-time PCR, is recommended. Although primary isolation of Bartonella is a laborious task, we encourage its application to all PCR-positive samples as this is the most reliable proof for the presence of live bacteria. Moreover, a successful trial will enable a broader molecular characterization and speciation of isolated colonies. The present guideline gathers and summarizes recommendations, including advantages and limitations of isolation and molecular detection of Bartonella from mammalian and arthropod samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Gutiérrez
- 1 Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Jean-Philippe Buffet
- 2 INRA , UMR BIPAR INRA, Anses, ENVA 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Shimon Harrus
- 1 Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Rehovot, Israel
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Kandelaki G, Malania L, Bai Y, Chakvetadze N, Katsitadze G, Imnadze P, Nelson C, Harrus S, Kosoy M. Human Lymphadenopathy Caused by Ratborne Bartonella, Tbilisi, Georgia. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 22:544-6. [PMID: 26889959 PMCID: PMC4766887 DOI: 10.3201/eid2203.151823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphadenopathy and fever that developed in a woman in Tbilisi, Georgia, most likely were caused by a ratborne Bartonella strain related B. tribocorum and B. elizabethae. The finding suggests that this Bartonella strain could be spread by infected rats and represents a potential human risk.
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Schulte Fischedick FB, Stuckey MJ, Aguilar-Setién A, Moreno-Sandoval H, Galvez-Romero G, Salas-Rojas M, Arechiga-Ceballos N, Overgaauw PAM, Kasten RW, Chomel BB. Identification ofBartonellaSpecies Isolated from Rodents from Yucatan, Mexico, and Isolation ofBartonella vinsoniisubsp.yucatanensissubsp. nov. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:636-42. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.1981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Frederique B. Schulte Fischedick
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew J. Stuckey
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Alvaro Aguilar-Setién
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Hayde Moreno-Sandoval
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guillermo Galvez-Romero
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mónica Salas-Rojas
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Paul A. M. Overgaauw
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rickie W. Kasten
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Bruno B. Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
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35
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Regier Y, O Rourke F, Kempf VAJ. Bartonella spp. - a chance to establish One Health concepts in veterinary and human medicine. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:261. [PMID: 27161111 PMCID: PMC4862191 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1546-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases remain a remarkable health threat for humans and animals. In the past, the epidemiology, etiology and pathology of infectious agents affecting humans and animals have mostly been investigated in separate studies. However, it is evident, that combined approaches are needed to understand geographical distribution, transmission and infection biology of “zoonotic agents”. The genus Bartonella represents a congenial example of the synergistic benefits that can arise from such combined approaches: Bartonella spp. infect a broad variety of animals, are linked with a constantly increasing number of human diseases and are transmitted via arthropod vectors. As a result, the genus Bartonella is predestined to play a pivotal role in establishing a One Health concept combining veterinary and human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Regier
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Fiona O Rourke
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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36
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Malania L, Bai Y, Osikowicz LM, Tsertsvadze N, Katsitadze G, Imnadze P, Kosoy M. Prevalence and Diversity of Bartonella Species in Rodents from Georgia (Caucasus). Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:466-471. [PMID: 27162268 PMCID: PMC4973202 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella infections are widespread and highly prevalent in rodents. Several rodent-associated Bartonella species have been related to human diseases. Recently, Bartonella species was reported as the etiology of a human case in the country of Georgia (Caucasus). However, information on Bartonella in rodents in Georgia is absent. Rodent hearts were collected from Georgia to investigate the presence and diversity of Bartonella species. Bartonella bacteria were cultured from 37.2% (16/43) of rodents examined, while Bartonella DNA was detected in 41.2% (28/68) of rodents by polymerase chain reaction targeting citrate synthase (gltA) gene. Sequences of gltA showed that rodents in this region harbored multiple Bartonella strains, including Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella tribocorum, Bartonella grahamii, and an unknown genogroup. The first three Bartonella species, known to be rat-associated and human cases linked, were commonly observed in wood mice (Apodemus [Sylvaemus] uralensis) (5/8 positive with B. elizabethae and B. tribocorum) and social voles (Microtus socialis) (4/6 positive with B. grahamii and B. elizabethae) in this study. The frequent distribution of these Bartonella species suggests that they may contribute to unidentified clinical infections. The unknown genogroup was observed in 24 Bartonella isolates and/or DNA extracts from heart tissues, all of which were obtained from Libyan jirds (Meriones libycus). Further characterization of the bacterial cultures based on sequence analysis of four additional genes (ftsZ, nuoG, rpoB, and ssrA) supported that the jird-associated Bartonella strains comprise a distinct monophyletic clade. The impact of this bacterium on wildlife and human health needs to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lile Malania
- General Bacteriology Laboratory, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia
| | - Ying Bai
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Lynn M Osikowicz
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Nikoloz Tsertsvadze
- General Bacteriology Laboratory, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia
| | - Guram Katsitadze
- General Bacteriology Laboratory, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia
| | - Paata Imnadze
- General Bacteriology Laboratory, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia
| | - Michael Kosoy
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
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37
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Morand S, Bordes F, Chen HW, Claude J, Cosson JF, Galan M, Czirják GÁ, Greenwood AD, Latinne A, Michaux J, Ribas A. Global parasite and Rattus rodent invasions: The consequences for rodent-borne diseases. Integr Zool 2016; 10:409-23. [PMID: 26037785 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We summarize the current knowledge on parasitism-related invasion processes of the globally invasive Rattus lineages, originating from Asia, and how these invasions have impacted the local epidemiology of rodent-borne diseases. Parasites play an important role in the invasion processes and successes of their hosts through multiple biological mechanisms such as "parasite release," "immunocompetence advantage," "biotic resistance" and "novel weapon." Parasites may also greatly increase the impact of invasions by spillover of parasites and other pathogens, introduced with invasive hosts, into new hosts, potentially leading to novel emerging diseases. Another potential impact is the ability of the invader to amplify local parasites by spillback. In both cases, local fauna and humans may be exposed to new health risks, which may decrease biodiversity and potentially cause increases in human morbidity and mortality. Here we review the current knowledge on these processes and propose some research priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Morand
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Centre de coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) Animal et Gestion Intégrée des Risques, Centre d'Infectiologie Christophe Mérieux du Laos, Vientiane, Lao PDR.,Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Frédéric Bordes
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université de Montpellier-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Montpellier, France
| | - Hsuan-Wien Chen
- Department of Biological Resources, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan, China
| | - Julien Claude
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université de Montpellier-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-François Cosson
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations, Baillarguet, France.,Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR Biologie et Immunologie Parasitaire Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail ses, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maxime Galan
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations, Baillarguet, France
| | - Gábor Á Czirják
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Wildlife Diseases, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alex D Greenwood
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Wildlife Diseases, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alice Latinne
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université de Montpellier-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Montpellier, France.,Conservation Genetics Unit, University of Liège 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Johan Michaux
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Centre de coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) Animal et Gestion Intégrée des Risques, Centre d'Infectiologie Christophe Mérieux du Laos, Vientiane, Lao PDR.,Conservation Genetics Unit, University of Liège 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Alexis Ribas
- Biodiversity Research Group, Faculty of Science, Udon Thani Rajabhat University, Udon Thani, Thailand
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38
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Dybing NA, Jacobson C, Irwin P, Algar D, Adams PJ. BartonellaSpecies Identified in Rodent and Feline Hosts from Island and Mainland Western Australia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:238-44. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Narelle A. Dybing
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Caroline Jacobson
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Irwin
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dave Algar
- Department of Parks and Wildlife, Woodvale, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter J. Adams
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Martin-Alonso A, Houemenou G, Abreu-Yanes E, Valladares B, Feliu C, Foronda P. Bartonellaspp. in Small Mammals, Benin. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:229-37. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aarón Martin-Alonso
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Gualbert Houemenou
- Unité de Recherche en Zoogéographie, Universite de Liège, Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Estefanía Abreu-Yanes
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Basilio Valladares
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Carlos Feliu
- Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Cataluña, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
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40
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Tay S, Kho K, Wee W, Choo S. Whole-genome sequence analysis and exploration of the zoonotic potential of a rat-borne Bartonella elizabethae. Acta Trop 2016; 155:25-33. [PMID: 26658020 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Bartonella elizabethae has been known to cause endocarditis and neuroretinitis in humans. The genomic features and virulence profiles of a B. elizabethae strain (designated as BeUM) isolated from the spleen of a wild rat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia are described in this study. The BeUM strain has a genome size of 1,932,479bp and GC content of 38.3%. There is a high degree of conservation between the genomes of strain BeUM with B. elizabethae type strains (ATCC 49927 and F9251) and a rat-borne strain, Re6043vi. Of 2137 gene clusters identified from B. elizabethae strains, 2064 (96.6%) are indicated as the core gene clusters. Comparative genome analysis of B. elizabethae strains reveals virulence genes which are known in other pathogenic Bartonella species, including VirB2-11, vbhB2-B11, VirD4, trw, vapA2-5, hbpA-E, bepA-F, bepH, badA/vomp/brp, ialB, omp43/89 and korA-B. A putative intact prophage has been identified in the strain BeUM, in addition to a 8kb pathogenicity island. The whole genome analysis supports the zoonotic potential of the rodent-borne B. elizabethae, and provides basis for future functional and pathogenicity studies of B. elizabethae.
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41
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Molecular epidemiology ofBartonellaspecies isolated from ground squirrels and other rodents in northern California. Epidemiol Infect 2016; 144:1837-44. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268816000108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYBartonellaspp. are endemic in wild rodents in many parts of the world. A study conducted in two northern California counties (Sonoma and Yolo) sampling California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi) and four other rodent species (Peromyscus maniculatus, P. boylii, P. trueiandNeotoma fuscipes) led to the isolation of small Gram-negative bacilli which were identified asBartonellaspp. based on colony morphology, polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) and partial gene sequencing. Overall,Bartonellaspp. were isolated from the blood of 71% (32/45) of the ground squirrels and one third (22/66) of the other rodents. PCR–RFLP analysis of thegltA and 16S rRNA genes yielded seven unique profiles, four for the ground squirrels and three for the other rodents. Isolates from each PCR–RFLP profiles were submitted for partial sequencing. Ground squirrel isolates were most closely related toB. washoensis, whereas the other rodent isolates were closest toB. vinsoniisubsp.vinsoniiandB. vinsoniisubsp.arupensis. Two of these three species or subspecies are known zoonotic agents.
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42
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Himsworth CG, Bai Y, Kosoy MY, Wood H, DiBernardo A, Lindsay R, Bidulka J, Tang P, Jardine C, Patrick D. An investigation of Bartonella spp., Rickettsia typhi, and Seoul hantavirus in rats (Rattus spp.) from an inner-city neighborhood of Vancouver, Canada: is pathogen presence a reflection of global and local rat population structure? Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2015; 15:21-6. [PMID: 25629777 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urban Norway and black rats (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus) are reservoirs for variety of zoonotic pathogens. Many of these pathogens, including Rickettsia typhi, Bartonella spp., and Seoul hantavirus (SEOV), are thought to be endemic in rat populations worldwide; however, past field research has found these organisms to be absent in certain rat populations. Rats (Rattus spp.) from an inner city neighborhood of Vancouver, Canada, were tested for exposure to and/or infection with SEOV and R. typhi (using serology and PCR), as well as Bartonella spp. (using culture and sequencing). Approximately 25% of 404 rats tested were infected with Bartonella tribocorum, which demonstrated significant geographic clustering within the study area. Infection was associated with both season and sexual maturity. Seroreactivity against R. typhi and SEOV was observed in 0.36% and 1.45% of 553 rats tested, respectively, although PCR screening results for these pathogens were negative, suggesting that they are not endemic in the study population. Overall, these results suggest that the geographic distribution of rat-associated zoonoses, including R. typhi, SEOV, and Bartonella spp., is less ubiquitous than previously appreciated, and is likely dependent on patterns of dispersion and establishment of the rat reservoir host. Further study on global and local Rattus spp. population structures may help to elucidate the ecology of zoonotic organisms in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea G Himsworth
- 1 School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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43
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Kosoy M, Khlyap L, Cosson JF, Morand S. Aboriginal and invasive rats of genus Rattus as hosts of infectious agents. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2015; 15:3-12. [PMID: 25629775 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
From the perspective of ecology of zoonotic pathogens, the role of the Old World rats of the genus Rattus is exceptional. The review analyzes specific characteristics of rats that contribute to their important role in hosting pathogens, such as host-pathogen relations and rates of rat-borne infections, taxonomy, ecology, and essential factors. Specifically the review addresses recent taxonomic revisions within the genus Rattus that resulted from applications of new genetic tools in understanding relationships between the Old World rats and the infectious agents that they carry. Among the numerous species within the genus Rattus, only three species-the Norway rat (R. norvegicus), the black or roof rat (R. rattus), and the Asian black rat (R. tanezumi)-have colonized urban ecosystems globally for a historically long period of time. The fourth invasive species, R. exulans, is limited to tropical Asia-Pacific areas. One of the points highlighted in this review is the necessity to discriminate the roles played by rats as pathogen reservoirs within the land of their original diversification and in regions where only one or few rat species were introduced during the recent human history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kosoy
- 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Fort Collins, Colorado
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44
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Abstract
We collected 641 small mammals belonging to 17 species of Rodentia and four species of Soricomorpha in Japan, Korea, Russia, Taiwan, and Thailand and investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella species. Apodemus (field mice) and Rattus (rats) were the most-common genera captured, making up 56.0% and 23.1% of the total specimens, respectively. Bartonellae were isolated from 54.6% of the collected animals, and the prevalence varied depending on the host species and the country of origin. The isolates were identified to the species level based on gltA and rpoB sequences. Although most Bartonella species were shared by more than two host species, the distribution patterns of Bartonella species clearly differed among the four most-common host genera: Apodemus, Rattus, Myodes (voles), and Suncus (shrews). The predominant Bartonella species were Bartonella grahamii in Apodemus, Bartonella tribocorum in Rattus, B. grahamii and Bartonella taylorii in Myodes, and an unclassified Bartonella sp. in Suncus.
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45
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Porter FH, Costa F, Rodrigues G, Farias H, Cunha M, Glass GE, Reis MG, Ko AI, Childs JE. Morphometric and demographic differences between tropical and temperate Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). J Mammal 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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46
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Halliday JEB, Knobel DL, Agwanda B, Bai Y, Breiman RF, Cleaveland S, Njenga MK, Kosoy M. Prevalence and diversity of small mammal-associated Bartonella species in rural and urban Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003608. [PMID: 25781015 PMCID: PMC4362764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several rodent-associated Bartonella species are human pathogens but little is known about their epidemiology. We trapped rodents and shrews around human habitations at two sites in Kenya (rural Asembo and urban Kibera) to determine the prevalence of Bartonella infection. Bartonella were detected by culture in five of seven host species. In Kibera, 60% of Rattus rattus were positive, as compared to 13% in Asembo. Bartonella were also detected in C. olivieri (7%), Lemniscomys striatus (50%), Mastomys natalensis (43%) and R. norvegicus (50%). Partial sequencing of the citrate synthase (gltA) gene of isolates showed that Kibera strains were similar to reference isolates from Rattus trapped in Asia, America, and Europe, but that most strains from Asembo were less similar. Host species and trapping location were associated with differences in infection status but there was no evidence of associations between host age or sex and infection status. Acute febrile illness occurs at high incidence in both Asembo and Kibera but the etiology of many of these illnesses is unknown. Bartonella similar to known human pathogens were detected in small mammals at both sites and investigation of the ecological determinants of host infection status and of the public health significance of Bartonella infections at these locations is warranted. Bartonella are bacteria that infect many different mammal species and can cause illness in people. Several Bartonella species carried by rodents cause disease in humans but little is known about their distribution or the importance of bartonellosis as a cause of human illness. Data from Africa are particularly scarce. This study involved trapping of rodents and other small mammals at two sites in Kenya: Asembo, a rural area in Western Kenya, and Kibera, an informal urban settlement in Nairobi. Blood samples were collected from trapped animals to detect and characterize the types of Bartonella carried. At the Kibera site over half of the trapped rats were infected with Bartonella very similar to human pathogenic strains isolated from rats from other global regions. In Asembo, Bartonella were detected in four of the five animal species trapped and these Bartonella were less similar to previously identified isolates. All of the small mammals included in this study were trapped in or around human habitations. The data from this study show that Bartonella that can cause human illness are carried by the small mammals at these two sites and indicate that the public health impacts of human bartonellosis should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo E. B. Halliday
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Darryn L. Knobel
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts
| | | | - Ying Bai
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Robert F. Breiman
- Division of Global Health Protection, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Emory Global Health Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sarah Cleaveland
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - M. Kariuki Njenga
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/CDC Public Health and Research Collaboration, Kisumu and Nairobi, Kenya
- Global Disease Detection Division, CDC-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Michael Kosoy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
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Frye MJ, Firth C, Bhat M, Firth MA, Che X, Lee D, Williams SH, Lipkin WI. Preliminary Survey of Ectoparasites and Associated Pathogens from Norway Rats in New York City. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 52:253-9. [PMID: 26336309 PMCID: PMC4481720 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) is a reservoir of many zoonotic pathogens and lives in close proximity to humans in urban environments. Human infection with rodent-borne disease occurs either directly through contact with a rat or its excreta, or indirectly via arthropod vectors such as fleas and ticks. Here, we report on the diversity and abundance of ectoparasitic arthropod species and associated pathogenic bacteria from 133 Norway rats trapped over a 10-mo period in Manhattan, New York, NY. Norway rats were host to the tropical rat mite [Ornithonyssus bacoti (Hirst)], the spiny rat mite (Laelaps echidnina Berlese), Laelaps nuttalli Hirst, the spined rat louse [Polyplax spinulosa (Burmeister)], and the Oriental rat flea [(Xenopsylla cheopis) (Rothschild)], with an average of 1.7 species per individual. A flea index of 4.1 X. cheopis was determined, whereas previous studies in New York City reported 0.22 fleas per rat. Multiple species of pathogenic Bartonella were identified from Oriental rat fleas that were related to Bartonella tribocorum, Bartonella rochalimae, and Bartonella elizabethae. However, no evidence of Yersinia pestis or Rickettsia spp. infection was detected in fleas. The identification of multiple medically important ectoparasite species in New York City underscores the need for future efforts to fully characterize the diversity and distribution of ectoparasites on Norway rats, and assess the risk to humans of vector-borne disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Frye
- New York State IPM Program, 630W. North St., Geneva, NY 14456
| | - C Firth
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032 Current affiliation: CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Bhat
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032 Current affiliation: The Nature Conservancy, North America Region, New York, NY
| | - M A Firth
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 Current affiliation: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1 G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - X Che
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032
| | - D Lee
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032
| | - S H Williams
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032
| | - W I Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032
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Gutiérrez R, Krasnov B, Morick D, Gottlieb Y, Khokhlova IS, Harrus S. Bartonella infection in rodents and their flea ectoparasites: an overview. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2015; 15:27-39. [PMID: 25629778 PMCID: PMC4307031 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies worldwide have reported a high prevalence and a great diversity of Bartonella species, both in rodents and their flea parasites. The interaction among Bartonella, wild rodents, and fleas reflects a high degree of adaptation among these organisms. Vertical and horizontal efficient Bartonella transmission pathways within flea communities and from fleas to rodents have been documented in competence studies, suggesting that fleas are key players in the transmission of Bartonella to rodents. Exploration of the ecological traits of rodents and their fleas may shed light on the mechanisms used by bartonellae to become established in these organisms. The present review explores the interrelations within the Bartonella-rodent-flea system. The role of the latter two components is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Gutiérrez
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Boris Krasnov
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Danny Morick
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Irina S. Khokhlova
- Wyler Department of Dryland Agriculture, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Shimon Harrus
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
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Rubio AV, Ávila-Flores R, Osikowicz LM, Bai Y, Suzán G, Kosoy MY. Prevalence and Genetic Diversity ofBartonellaStrains in Rodents from Northwestern Mexico. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014; 14:838-45. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- André V. Rubio
- Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Distrito Federal, México
| | - Rafael Ávila-Flores
- División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Tabasco, México
| | - Lynn M. Osikowicz
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Ying Bai
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Gerardo Suzán
- Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Distrito Federal, México
| | - Michael Y. Kosoy
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
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50
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Tay ST, Mokhtar AS, Zain SNM, Low KC. Isolation and molecular identification of Bartonellae from wild rats (Rattus species) in Malaysia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 90:1039-42. [PMID: 24732465 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes our investigation on the prevalence and molecular identification of bartonellae from Rattus diardii and R. norvegicus in the urban areas of Malaysia. Of 95 rats investigated, Bartonella tribocorum, B. rattimassiliensis, B. coopersplainsensis, B. elizabethae, and B. queenslandensis were isolated from kidney and spleen homogenates of four rats. Bartonellae DNA was amplified from the rat organ tissues by using primers specific for the bartonellae RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoB) gene in nine other rats. Sequence analysis of the rpoB gene fragments shows the identification of B. queenslandensis in five rats, B. elizabethae in three rats, and B. tribocorum in one rat. Combining the results of isolation and molecular detection of bartonellae, we found that the prevalence of Bartonella infection in the Rattus spp. investigated in this study was 13.7%. Implementation of effective rat control program in the urban areas is necessary to prevent the spillover of bartonellosis from rats to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Tee Tay
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, and Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Laboratory Animal Resource Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Aida Syafinaz Mokhtar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, and Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Laboratory Animal Resource Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nursheena Mohd Zain
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, and Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Laboratory Animal Resource Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kiat Cheong Low
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, and Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Laboratory Animal Resource Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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