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Oviedo Á, Rodríguez MM, Flores FS, Castro LR. New hard tick (Acari: Ixodidae) reports and detection of Rickettsia in ticks from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 92:507-528. [PMID: 38485886 PMCID: PMC11035439 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00887-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM), located in northern Colombia, is considered a geographical island with high levels of biodiversity and endemism. However, little is known about tick species and their associated microorganisms at the SNSM. In this study we sampled host-seeking ticks in areas of the town of Minca within the SNSM. We collected 47 ticks identified as Amblyomma pacae, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma mixtum, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Ixodes sp. cf. Ixodes affinis and Ixodes sp. Of these ticks, we tested for Rickettsia spp. by amplifying the gltA, SCA1, and 16S rRNA genes via PCR. Rickettsia amblyommatis was detected in one pool of 3 larvae and in a female of A. pacae. Additonally, we isolated Rickettsia sp. belonging to the group of spotted fevers in larvae of A. longirostre. This study reports new findings of six species of ticks and two species of Rickettsia within the SNSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Oviedo
- Grupo de investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología Molecular (GIESEMOL), Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Miguel M Rodríguez
- Grupo de investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología Molecular (GIESEMOL), Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Fernando S Flores
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones Entomológicas de Córdoba (CIEC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Lyda R Castro
- Grupo de investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología Molecular (GIESEMOL), Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia.
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Parra Barrera EL, Reales-González J, Salas D, Reyes Santamaría E, Bello S, Rico A, Pardo L, Parra E, Rodriguez K, Alarcon Z, Guerra Vega AP, Porras MA, Gomez-Rangel SY, Duarte C, Moreno J. Fatal acute undifferentiated febrile illness among clinically suspected leptospirosis cases in Colombia, 2016-2019. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011683. [PMID: 37844106 PMCID: PMC10602388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute undifferentiated febrile illness is a common challenge for clinicians, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Incorrect or delayed diagnosis of febrile patients may result in medical complications or preventable deaths. Common causes of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in Colombia include leptospirosis, rickettsioses, dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya, and Zika virus infection. In this study, we described the acute undifferentiated febrile illness in postmortem patients reported as suspected cases of leptospirosis through the national leptospirosis surveillance in Colombia, 2016-2019. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We retrospectively analyze human fresh and formalin-fixed tissue samples from fatal suspected leptospirosis cases reported by the Public Health Laboratories in Colombia. Leptospirosis confirmation was made by immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the tissue samples. In some cases, the serum sample was used for confirmation by Microagglutination test (MAT). Simultaneously, tissue samples were tested by PCR for the most common viral (dengue, Zika, and chikungunya), bacterial (Brucella spp., and Rickettsia spp.), and parasitic (malaria). Fresh tissue samples from 92 fatal suspected leptospirosis cases were reported to the National Reference Laboratory from 22/32 departments in Colombia. We confirmed leptospirosis in 27% (25/92) of cases. Other pathogens identified by real-time PCR were Brucella spp. (10.9%), Rickettsia spp. (14.1%), and dengue (2.2%). Dengue (6.9%), hepatitis (3.5%), and Yellow Fever cases (2.2%) were detected by the pathology. All patients were negative for chikungunya and Plasmodium spp. Most cases were classified as undifferentiated febrile illnesses (45.7%; 42/92). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study underscores the importance of early and accurate recognition of leptospirosis to prevent mortalities. Moreover, it draws attention to the existence of other febrile syndromes in Colombia, including rickettsiosis and brucellosis, that currently lack sufficient human surveillance and regular reporting. Expanding laboratory surveillance to include viruses such as Hantavirus, Mayaro virus, Oropouche virus, and West Nile virus is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana L Parra Barrera
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Virología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jhonatan Reales-González
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección de Investigación en Salud Pública. Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniela Salas
- Grupo de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores y Zoonosis, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Elizabeth Reyes Santamaría
- Departamento de Medicina interna y Departamento de Medicina crítica y cuidados intensivos. Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Solmara Bello
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angélica Rico
- Grupo de Virología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Enfermedades Transmisibles Prevenibles por Vacunación en Salud, Dirección de Vigilancia y Análisis del Riesgo en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissethe Pardo
- Grupo de Virología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Edgar Parra
- Grupo de Patología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Karina Rodriguez
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Zonía Alarcon
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección de Investigación en Salud Pública. Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angela Patricia Guerra Vega
- Grupo de Parasitología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mayra A Porras
- Grupo de Virología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sergio Yebrail Gomez-Rangel
- Grupo de Virología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Duarte
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jaime Moreno
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección de Investigación en Salud Pública. Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
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Rickettsioses in Colombia during the 20th century: A historical review. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102118. [PMID: 36628901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsioses are vector-borne zoonotic diseases whose etiological agents are bacteria of the genera Rickettsia and Orientia. In Colombia, literature published on rickettsioses during the 20th century is limited and disperse; to date, there are no detailed publications that compile the affected regions or the involved Rickettsia species in each outbreak. Since early works of Luis Patiño-Camargo, the study of rickettsioses gained major importance with the subsequent description of significant outbreaks in some departments of the country. During the 1940s, many articles were published reporting outbreaks probably caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia typhi, and Rickettsia prowazekii, as well as studies on their diagnosis, vaccination, and prophylaxis. One of the most notorious works was published by Patiño-Camargo where he named the R. rickettsii rickettsiosis as "Tobia fever". However, in the subsequent decades, these entities entered a prolonged period of neglected research and surveillance, and just gained importance until the 21st century, when new fatal cases began to be reported in the country; thus, many questions remained unanswered during this overlooked period. The present work reviewed online databases, repositories, and libraries to compile literature related to rickettsioses in Colombia published during the 20th century. Gathered data show that typhus group rickettsioses (including infections by R. typhi and R. prowazekii) were broadly distributed in departments from the Andean and Caribbean regions, and that spotted fever group rickettsioses cases (including infections by R. rickettsii) were registered in other locations different from Tobia (Cundinamarca), like Atlántico, Bolivar, and Santander departments. These findings contribute to the knowledge of these diseases, their historical distribution, public health burden, and set new horizons for rickettsioses research in different Colombian locations.
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Richardson EA, Roe RM, Apperson CS, Ponnusamy L. Rickettsia amblyommatis in Ticks: A Review of Distribution, Pathogenicity, and Diversity. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020493. [PMID: 36838458 PMCID: PMC9960904 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia amblyommatis is a potentially pathogenic species of Rickettsia within the spotted fever group vectored by ticks. While many studies have been published on this species, there is debate over its pathogenicity and the inhibitory role it plays in diagnosing illnesses caused by other spotted fever group Rickettsia species. Many publications have recorded the high infection prevalence of R. amblyommatis in tick populations at a global scale. While this species is rather ubiquitous, questions remain over the epidemiological importance of this possible human pathogen. With tick-borne diseases on the rise, understanding the exact role that R. amblyommatis plays as a pathogen and inhibitor of infection relative to other tick-borne pathogens will help public health efforts. The goal of this review was to compile the known literature on R. amblyommatis, review what we know about its geographic distribution, tick vectors, and pathogenicity, assess relatedness between various international strains from ticks by phylogenetic analysis and draw conclusions regarding future research needed.
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Martínez Díaz HC, Gil-Mora J, Betancourt-Ruiz P, Silva-Ramos CR, Matiz-González JM, Villalba-Perez MA, Ospina-Pinto MC, Ramirez-Hernández A, Olaya-M LA, Bolaños E, Cuervo C, Benavides E, Hidalgo M. Molecular detection of tick-borne rickettsial pathogens in ticks collected from domestic animals from Cauca, Colombia. Acta Trop 2023; 238:106773. [PMID: 36417982 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106773] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Some hard ticks' species can act as vectors of a wide variety of pathogens of human and animal importance such as Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia spp. In Colombia, a total of forty-six tick species have been described, and some of them have been implicated as vectors of some infectious agents. The department of Cauca is one of the thirty-two departments of Colombia. Most of its population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture as the main economic activity, favoring exposure to ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the tick species and tick-borne pathogens circulating in this region. From August to November 2017, ticks were collected from dogs, horses and cattle from eight rural areas of four municipalities in the department of Cauca. All collected ticks were classified according to taxonomic keys and organized in pools. DNA was extracted from all tick pools for molecular confirmation of tick species and detection of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia spp. A total of 2809 ticks were collected which were grouped in 602 pools. Ticks were morphologically identified as Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato, Dermacentor nitens, Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. The molecular identity of A. cajennense s.l. was confirmed as Amblyomma patinoi. A total of 95% of the pools scored positive for members of the Anaplasmataceae family, of which, 7.8% and 7.3% were positive to Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp., respectively, being identified as Anaplasma marginale, Ehrlichia minasensis and Ehrlichia canis; and 16.1% were positive for Rickettsia spp. with high identity for Rickettsia asembonensis, Rickettsia felis and Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis. This is the first report describing the natural infection of ticks with rickettsial pathogens and the occurrence of A. patinoi ticks in Cauca department, Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidy-Carolina Martínez Díaz
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 40 - 62 D.C., Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juliana Gil-Mora
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 40 - 62 D.C., Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paola Betancourt-Ruiz
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 40 - 62 D.C., Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 40 - 62 D.C., Bogotá, Colombia
| | - J Manuel Matiz-González
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 40 - 62 D.C., Bogotá, Colombia
| | - María-Alejandra Villalba-Perez
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 40 - 62 D.C., Bogotá, Colombia
| | - María Catalina Ospina-Pinto
- Grupo Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alejandro Ramirez-Hernández
- Grupo Parasitología Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Claudia Cuervo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 40 - 62 D.C., Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Efraín Benavides
- Grupo Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 40 - 62 D.C., Bogotá, Colombia.
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Dzul-Rosado K, Cámara Herrera R, Miranda-Schaeubinger M, Arias-León J, Peniche-Lara G, Gilman Robert H, Mercado-Saavedra Brandon N, Lugo-Caballero C, López Ávila K, Tello Martín R, Omodior O. Socio-ecological determinants of rickettsial seroprevalence in a rural community of Yucatán, Mexico. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 102:105291. [PMID: 35490957 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105291] [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: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsial diseases have seen a re-emergence in the Americas in the last few decades, with concerning morbidity, mortality and economic implications that result from loss of productivity, income, curbs in liberal trade agreements, and reduction in agricultural practices. The aim of this study is to determine the socioecological determinants and seroprevalence for Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia rickettsii among residents of Teabo, a rural community of Yucatán, Mexico. Sociodemographic data and serum samples were obtained from 180 consenting participants. Antibody titers for R. typhi and R. rickettsii were determined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Participants also submitted tick samples collected from their residential area. We conducted logistic regression models to evaluate the association between exposure variables and seroprevalence. Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (37%; n = 65), and Amblyomma cajennense Fabricius (17%; n = 29) were the predominant tick species in peri-domestic areas. Out of the 180 participants, there was significantly higher seroprevalence of R. typhi (n = 77; 46%) compared to R. rickettsii [n = 27, 15%, (p < 0.05)]. Pearson's chi-square test of independence revealed significant differences in R. rickettsii seroprevalence by gender (X2 [n = 175, df = 4, (p < 0.001)] = 180.26), level of education, (X2 [n = 180, df = 4, (p < 0.001)] = 44.0), and by tick species found in residential area, (X2 [n = 180, df = 4, (p = 0.050)] = 9.48). After adjusting for other variables in a logistic regression model, for each unit increase in the number of dogs present in the residential area, there was a 27% increase in the odds of human seroprevalence for R. typhi IgG (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01-1.63). Compared to study participants living in residential areas with a 'low' height of vegetation, those living in residential areas with a 'medium' height of vegetation had 2.5 times greater odds of human seroprevalence for R. typhi IgG (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.19-5.40). Potentially modifiable existing factors in the peri-domestic area may constitute a high-risk source of seroprevalence for rickettsial antibodies among residents of the rural community of Teabo, Yucatán, Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Dzul-Rosado
- Center for Regional Studies Hideyo Noguchi, Autonomous University of Yucatán, Mérida 97000, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - R Cámara Herrera
- Center for Regional Studies Hideyo Noguchi, Autonomous University of Yucatán, Mérida 97000, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - M Miranda-Schaeubinger
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - J Arias-León
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Yucatán, Mérida 97000, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - G Peniche-Lara
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Yucatán, Mérida 97000, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - H Gilman Robert
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - C Lugo-Caballero
- Center for Regional Studies Hideyo Noguchi, Autonomous University of Yucatán, Mérida 97000, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - K López Ávila
- Center for Regional Studies Hideyo Noguchi, Autonomous University of Yucatán, Mérida 97000, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - R Tello Martín
- Center for Regional Studies Hideyo Noguchi, Autonomous University of Yucatán, Mérida 97000, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Oghenekaro Omodior
- Department of Health & Wellness Design, School of Public Health Indiana University Bloomington, USA.
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7
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Carvajal-Agudelo JD, Ramírez-Chaves HE, Ossa-López PA, Rivera-Páez FA. Bacteria related to tick-borne pathogen assemblages in Ornithodoros cf. hasei (Acari: Argasidae) and blood of the wild mammal hosts in the Orinoquia region, Colombia. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 87:253-271. [PMID: 35829939 PMCID: PMC9424158 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00724-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Interest in research on soft ticks has increased in recent decades, leading to valuable insight into their role as disease vectors. The use of metagenomics-based analyses have helped to elucidate ecological factors involved in pathogen, vector, and host dynamics. To understand the main bacterial assemblages present in Ornithodoros cf. hasei and its mammalian hosts, 84 ticks and 13 blood samples from bat hosts (Chiroptera) were selected, and the 16S rRNA gene V4 region was sequenced in five pools (each one related to each host-tick pairing). Bacterial taxonomic assignment analyses were performed by comparing operational taxonomic units (OTUs) shared between ticks and their host blood. This analysis showed the presence of Proteobacteria (38.8%), Enterobacteriaceae (25%), Firmicutes (12.3%), and Actinobacteria (10.9%) within blood samples, and Rickettsiaceae (39%), Firmicutes (25%), Actinobacteria (13.1%), and Proteobacteria (9%) within ticks. Species related to potentially pathogenic genera were detected in ticks, such as Borrelia sp., Bartonella tamiae, Ehrlichia sp. and Rickettsia-like endosymbiont, and the presence of these organisms was found in all analyzed bat species (Cynomops planirostris, Molossus pretiosus, Noctilio albiventris), and O. cf. hasei. About 41-48.6% of bacterial OTUs (genera and species) were shared between ticks and the blood of bat hosts. Targeted metagenomic screening techniques allowed the detection of tick-associated pathogens for O. cf. hasei and small mammals for the first time, enabling future research on many of these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan D Carvajal-Agudelo
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 N° 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Héctor E Ramírez-Chaves
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 N° 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
- Centro de Museos, Museo de Historia Natural, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 N° 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Paula A Ossa-López
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 N° 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
- Doctorado en Ciencias, Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Fredy A Rivera-Páez
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 N° 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia.
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8
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Loyola S, Torre A, Flores-Mendoza C, Kocher C, Salmon-Mulanovich G, Richards AL, Leguia M. Molecular Characterization by Multilocus Sequence Typing and Diversity Analysis of Rickettsia asembonensis in Peru. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:170-177. [PMID: 35319919 PMCID: PMC8971995 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0077] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite several reports worldwide documenting the presence of Rickettsia asembonensis in samples derived from ectoparasites, animals and more recently humans, genomic information of these specimens remains scarce, and when available, is usually limited to small genomic fragments of limited value. We generated complete sequences for two conserved (17-kDa antigen gene and gltA) and three variable (sca4, ompB and ompA) genes in five R. asembonensis DNA samples detected in cat and dog fleas in Peru. Complete gene sequences were used to conduct multi-locus sequence typing and phylogenetic analyses to assess diversity and infer relationships among strains and other reference sequences. The 17-kDa antigen gene was highly conserved across Rickettsia species. Of the variable genes ompB was the most variable, but this diversity was not captured through phylogenetics alone even when efforts were made to maximize potential diversity in terms of flea species, animal host and location. Through a combination of de novo and reference-based genome assembly we identified a 75 bp insertion in ompA that encodes a 25 aa repetitive motif found in other Rickettsia species, but not present in the original prototype strain from Kenya. R. asembonensis has only recently been shown to be a bona-fide human pathogen. As such, and compounded by a lack of available genomic information, it remains understudied. Our work directly addresses the lack of genomic information available worldwide for the study of these novel Rickettsia species and specifically contributes to our understanding of the diversity and molecular epidemiology of R. asembonensis in Peru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steev Loyola
- Virology and Emerging Infections Department, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru.,Vysnova Partners, Maryland, Washington, USA
| | - Armando Torre
- Virology and Emerging Infections Department, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru.,Genomics Laboratory, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), Lima, Peru
| | - Carmen Flores-Mendoza
- Virology and Emerging Infections Department, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru
| | - Claudine Kocher
- Virology and Emerging Infections Department, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru
| | - Gabriela Salmon-Mulanovich
- Virology and Emerging Infections Department, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru.,Genomics Laboratory, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), Lima, Peru
| | - Allen L Richards
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mariana Leguia
- Virology and Emerging Infections Department, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru.,Genomics Laboratory, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), Lima, Peru
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9
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Pérez JE, Estrada GI, Zapata Y, Hidalgo M, Serna CC, Castro DC, González C. Frequency of antibodies and seroconversion against Rickettsia spp in patients consulting health institutions in the department of Caldas, Colombia, 2016-2019. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2021; 41:103-117. [PMID: 34669282 PMCID: PMC8724692 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.5712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Rickettsioses are zoonotic diseases transmitted by arthropods acting as vectors and reservoirs. Disease symptoms are nonspecific and, therefore, their clinical diagnosis is difficult. Indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) is the gold standard assay for diagnosis. The interest for conducting studies on these pathologies has resurfaced in Colombia since 2001; besides, previous studies have evidenced cases of rickettsiosis in the north of the department of Caldas. Objective: To establish the frequency of antibodies and seroconversion against Rickettsia spp. In patients consulting health institutions in Caldas, Colombia, from 2016 to 2019. Materials and methods: We conducted a quantitative, observational, and descriptive study on a non-probabilistic sample of 175 patients with symptoms compatible with rickettsiosis who consulted in different municipalities of Caldas, Colombia; IFA was performed to detect antibodies in the acute and convalescent phases against Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia typhi, and Rickettsia felis. Results: The average age of the patients was 31 years. The municipalities with the highest proportion of seropositive cases were Belalcázar, Chinchiná, Filadelfia, La Dorada, La Merced, and Manizales; 66% of patients owned pets and 12% reported arthropod bites. The most frequent signs and symptoms were headache (69.7%), arthromyalgia (60%), and fever (58.2%). IgG seroprevalence was 60% for R. rickettsii, 47.9% for R. typhi, and, and 24% for R. felis. Eight patients presented seroconversion. Conclusion: We found evidence of the circulation of Rickettsia species from the spotted fever group and the typhus group associated with human cases in Caldas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Enrique Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación Biosalud, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia.
| | - Gloria Inés Estrada
- Facultad de Ciencias para la Salud, Universidad Católica de Manizales, Manizales, Colombia.
| | - Yuliana Zapata
- Facultad de Ciencias para la Salud, Universidad Católica de Manizales, Manizales, Colombia.
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia.
| | - Cristian Camilo Serna
- Grupo de Investigación Gebiome, Programa de Biología, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia.
| | - Diego Camilo Castro
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia.
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10
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Arboleda M, Acevedo-Gutiérrez LY, Ávila A, Ospina D, Díaz FJ, Walker DH, Rodas JD. Human Rickettsiosis Caused by Rickettsia parkeri Strain Atlantic Rainforest, Urabá, Colombia. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:3048-3050. [PMID: 33219809 PMCID: PMC7706929 DOI: 10.3201/eid2612.200388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the clinical, serologic, and molecular findings of a new human rickettsiosis in Colombia. Antibodies against Rickettsia spp. were detected. PCR showed amplification of genes for R. parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest. This new rickettsiosis of minor virulence could explain some of the undifferentiated acute febrile diseases in Colombia.
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11
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Durden LA, Bermúdez S, Vargas GA, Sanjur BE, Gillen L, Brown LD, Greiman SE, Eremeeva ME. Fleas (Siphonaptera) Parasitizing Peridomestic and Indigenous Mammals in Panamá and Screening of Selected Fleas for Vector-Borne Bacterial Pathogens. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1316-1321. [PMID: 33215205 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa253] [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: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In total, 341 fleas belonging to 16 species were collected from 78 host mammals belonging to 10 species in Panamá from 2010 to 2016. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) predominated on domestic dogs and was also recorded from domestic cats, the raccoon, Procyon lotor (Linnaeus) and the common opossum, Didelphis marsupialis Linnaeus. The largest number of flea species (7) was recorded from D. marsupialis and the most common flea on that host was the ctenophthalmid, Adoratopsylla intermedia copha Jordan. One Oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild), was collected from D. marsupialis. Native rodents were parasitized by indigenous ceratophyllid, rhopalopsyllid, and stephanocircid fleas. The Mexican deermouse, Peromyscus mexicanus (Saussure), was parasitized by six species of ceratophyllids belonging to the mostly Central American genera, Baculomeris, Jellisonia, Kohlsia and Plusaetis. The long-tailed singing mouse, Scotinomys xerampelinus (Bangs), was parasitized by Plocopsylla scotinomi Tipton and Méndez, the only species of stephanocircid flea known from Central America. Twenty-six pools of extracted flea DNA representing 5 flea species (C. felis, Pulex echidnophagoides (Wagner), Pulex simulans Baker, A. intermedia copha, and P. scotinomi) and 79 individual fleas were all real-time polymerase chain reaction negative for Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia typhi, and Bartonella henselae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
| | | | - Géminis A Vargas
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactes, Universidad de Chiriqui, University City, El Cabrero, David, Chiriqui, Panamá
| | - Boris E Sanjur
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactes, Universidad de Chiriqui, University City, El Cabrero, David, Chiriqui, Panamá
| | - Laura Gillen
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
| | - Lisa D Brown
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
| | | | - Marina E Eremeeva
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
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12
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Caravedo Martinez MA, Ramírez-Hernández A, Blanton LS. Manifestations and Management of Flea-Borne Rickettsioses. Res Rep Trop Med 2021; 12:1-14. [PMID: 33574726 PMCID: PMC7873028 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s274724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Murine typhus and flea-borne spotted fever are undifferentiated febrile illnesses caused by Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis, respectively. These organisms are small obligately intracellular bacteria and are transmitted to humans by fleas. Murine typhus is endemic to coastal areas of the tropics and subtropics (especially port cities), where rats are the primary mammalian host and rat fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis) are the vector. In the United States, a cycle of transmission involving opossums and cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are the presumed reservoir and vector, respectively. The incidence and distribution of murine typhus appear to be increasing in endemic areas of the US. Rickettsia felis has also been reported throughout the world and is found within the ubiquitous cat flea. Flea-borne rickettsioses manifest as an undifferentiated febrile illness. Headache, malaise, and myalgia are frequent symptoms that accompany fever. The incidence of rash is variable, so its absence should not dissuade the clinician to consider a rickettsial illness as part of the differential diagnosis. When present, the rash is usually macular or papular. Although not a feature of murine typhus, eschar has been found in 12% of those with flea-borne spotted fever. Confirmatory laboratory diagnosis is usually obtained by serology; the indirect immunofluorescence assay is the serologic test of choice. Antibodies are seldom present during the first few days of illness. Thus, the diagnosis requires acute- and convalescent-phase specimens to document seroconversion or a four-fold increase in antibody titer. Since laboratory diagnosis is usually retrospective, when a flea-borne rickettsiosis is considered, empiric treatment should be initiated. The treatment of choice for both children and adults is doxycycline, which results in a swift and effective response. The following review is aimed to summarize the key clinical, epidemiological, ecological, diagnostic, and treatment aspects of flea-borne rickettsioses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Caravedo Martinez
- Department of Internal Medicine – Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Lucas S Blanton
- Department of Internal Medicine – Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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13
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Ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea) associated with mammals in Colombia: a historical review, molecular species confirmation, and establishment of new relationships. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:383-394. [PMID: 33447885 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06989-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are considered the second most important vectors of pathogens worldwide, after mosquitoes. This study provides a systematic review of vector-host relationships between ticks and mammals (domestic and wild) and consolidates information from studies conducted in Colombia between 1911 and 2020. Using the PRISMA method, 71 scientific articles containing records for 51 tick species (Argasidae and Ixodidae) associated with mammals are reported. The existing information on tick-mammal associations in Colombia is scarce, fragmented, or very old. Moreover, 213 specimens were assessed based on morphological and molecular analyses, which allowed confirming eight tick species associated with mammals: Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma mixtum, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma varium, Ixodes luciae, and Ixodes tropicalis. Several tick species are molecularly confirmed for Colombia and nine new relationships between ticks and mammals are reported. This research compiles and confirms important records of tick-mammal associations in Colombia.
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14
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Quintero V JC, Mignone J, Osorio Q L, Cienfuegos-Gallet AV, Rojas A C. Housing Conditions Linked to Tick (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Infestation in Rural Areas of Colombia: A Potential Risk for Rickettsial Transmission. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:439-449. [PMID: 32820808 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study explores the different conditions related to the infestation of ticks in households and the potential risks for rickettsial transmission in Urabá, Colombia. The main outcome of interest was villagers' perception of tick infestation. The data were analyzed using a clog-log mixed regression model. Ticks were collected from infested humans to diagnose infection by spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR). In addition, a thematic analysis of qualitative data from key informants concerning knowledge about ticks was conducted. The prevalence of infestation of ticks in households was estimated at 60.99% (95% CI: 51.58-93.51). The multivariate model suggested that households with palm leaf roofs (PR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.19-2.95), canines (PR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.21-2.46), rats (PR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.45-3.08), and with the presence of opossums in areas surrounding the households (PR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.05-2.10) had a higher prevalence of tick infestation. Two samples of the tick species Amblyomma patinoi were found infected with Rickettsia amblyommatis and Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi. A thematic analysis provided the names that local community members give to ticks, areas where ticks are common, and the individuals at risk of infestation. The presence of domestic, synanthropic, and wild animals suggests a high risk of the dissemination of ticks inside dwellings and close to them in these rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Quintero V
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias Veterinarias Centauro, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle, Medellín, CO
| | - Javier Mignone
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Lisardo Osorio Q
- Grupo de Investigación Salud y Ambiente, Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle, Medellín, CO
| | - Astrid V Cienfuegos-Gallet
- Grupo de Investigación en Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle, Medellín, CO
| | - Carlos Rojas A
- Grupo de Epidemiología, Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle, Medellín, CO
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15
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Ferreira FC, Fonseca DM, Hamilton G, Price D. Metagenomic analysis of human-biting cat fleas in urban northeastern United States of America reveals an emerging zoonotic pathogen. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15611. [PMID: 32973327 PMCID: PMC7519146 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72956-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An infestation of cat fleas in a research center led to the detection of two genotypes of Ctenocephalides felis biting humans in New Jersey, USA. The rarer flea genotype had an 83% incidence of Rickettsia asembonensis, a recently described bacterium closely related to R. felis, a known human pathogen. A metagenomics analysis developed in under a week recovered the entire R. asembonensis genome at high coverage and matched it to identical or almost identical (> 99% similarity) strains reported worldwide. Our study exposes the potential of cat fleas as vectors of human pathogens in crowded northeastern U.S, cities and suburbs where free-ranging cats are abundant. Furthermore, it demonstrates the power of metagenomics to glean large amounts of comparative data regarding both emerging vectors and their pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco C Ferreira
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, 20008, USA.
| | - Dina M Fonseca
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - George Hamilton
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Dana Price
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
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16
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Martínez-Sánchez ET, Cardona-Romero M, Ortiz-Giraldo M, Tobón-Escobar WD, López DM, Ossa-López PA, Pérez-Cárdenas JE, Labruna MB, Martins TF, Rivera-Páez FA, Castaño-Villa GJ. Associations between wild birds and hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Colombia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101534. [PMID: 32993943 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Ticks of the family Ixodidae are vectors of important pathogens in human and animal health. Birds are involved in long-distance transport and dispersion of hard ticks. Tick infestations on wild birds mostly involve species within the genera Amblyomma, Ixodes, and Haemaphysalis. In Colombia, tick research is scarce and there are no studies to date about the associations between wild birds and ticks. We aimed to contribute to the knowledge of the associations between wild birds and hard ticks based on the collection of 2314 wild birds belonging to 29 families in Caldas - Colombia between 2015 and 2019. In total, we collected 133 hard ticks that were found parasitizing 78 birds representing 45 species and 14 wild bird families. We report at least seven tick species on birds confirmed by morphological and molecular methods: Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma varium, Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma calcaratum and Haemaphysalis leporispalustris. In addition, we recorded three Ixodes species, which yielded DNA sequences that did not have high identity (≤ 95 %) to any species in GenBank. Ticks were found infesting resident and migratory boreal birds. This is the first study addressing the associations between wild birds and hard ticks in Colombia. We describe new associations between birds and ticks in the Americas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefani T Martínez-Sánchez
- Grupo de Investigación GEBIOME, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A. 275 Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Marelid Cardona-Romero
- Grupo de Investigación GEBIOME, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A. 275 Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Mateo Ortiz-Giraldo
- Grupo de Investigación GEBIOME, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A. 275 Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - William David Tobón-Escobar
- Grupo de Investigación GEBIOME, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A. 275 Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Daniel Moreno López
- Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A. 275 Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Paula A Ossa-López
- Grupo de Investigación GEBIOME, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A. 275 Manizales, Caldas, Colombia; Doctorado en Ciencias - Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A. 275 Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Jorge E Pérez-Cárdenas
- Grupo de Investigación Biosalud, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas para la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias para la Salud, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A. 275 Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, Av. prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP 05508-000, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, Av. prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP 05508-000, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fredy A Rivera-Páez
- Grupo de Investigación GEBIOME, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A. 275 Manizales, Caldas, Colombia.
| | - Gabriel J Castaño-Villa
- Grupo de Investigación GEBIOME, Departamento de Desarrollo Rural y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A. 275 Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
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17
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Novel PCR exclusion assay to detect spotted fever group rickettsiae in the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101453. [PMID: 32439385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is the most common and abundant human-biting tick in the southeastern United States where spotted fever rickettsioses frequently occur. However, the role of this tick in transmitting and maintaining pathogenic and non-pathogenic spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) remains poorly defined. This is partially due to the high prevalence and abundance of Rickettsia amblyommatis in most populations of A. americanum. Many molecular assays commonly employed to detect rickettsiae use PCR primers that target highly conserved regions in the SFGR so low abundance rickettsia may not be detected when R. amblyommatis is present. It is costly and inefficient to test for low abundance rickettsial agents with multiple individual specific assays even when they are multiplexed, as most samples will be negative. Real time PCR assays may also be hampered by inadequate limits of detection (LODs) for low abundance agents. We exploited the absence of an otherwise relatively SFGR-conserved genome region in R. amblyommatis to design a hemi-nested PCR-assay which has a sensitivity of 10 copies in detecting the presence of most SFGR, but not R. amblyommatis in DNA of infected lone star ticks. This deletion is conserved in 21 isolates of R. amblyommatis obtained from multiple states. We demonstrated the assay's utility by detecting a pathogenic SFGR, Rickettsia parkeri, in 15/50 (30 %) of field collected A. americanum ticks that were previously screened with conventional assays and found to be positive for R. amblyommatis. These co-infected ticks included 1 questing female, 6 questing nymphs, and 8 attached males. The high prevalence of R. parkeri among host-attached ticks may be due to several variables and does not necessarily reflect the risk of disease transmission from attached ticks to vertebrate hosts. This novel assay can provide accurate estimates of the prevalence of less common SFGR in A. americanum and thus improve our understanding of the role of this tick in the maintenance and transmission of the SFGR commonly responsible for human rickettsioses.
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Betancourt-Ruiz P, Martínez-Díaz HC, Gil-Mora J, Ospina C, Olaya-M LA, Benavides E, Bolaños E, Cuervo C, Blanton L, Hidalgo M. Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis in Cat Fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) Collected from Dogs and Cats in Cauca, Colombia. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:382-387. [PMID: 31617911 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) are flea-transmitted pathogens. They are important causes of acute febrile illness throughout the world. We, therefore, sought to identify the rickettsial species present in the fleas of dogs and cats in the department of Cauca, Colombia. In this study, we collected 1,242 fleas from 132 dogs and 43 fleas from 11 cats. All fleas were morphologically identified as Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) adults and organized in pools for DNA extraction (234 pools from dogs and 11 from cats). The gltA gene from rickettsiae was targeted for screening amplification using conventional PCR. In total, 144 of the 245 pools (58.7%) were positive. The positive samples were then processed for the amplification of the 17kDa antigen gene (144/144; 100% positive) and sca5 gene (140/144; 97.2% positive). In addition, restriction enzyme length polymorphism analysis using NlaIV on the amplified product of the sca5 gene demonstrated several organisms: 21/140 (15%) were R. felis, 118/140 (84.3%) were Rickettsia asemboensis, and 1/140 (0.7%) were Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis. Subsequent sequencing confirmed Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis in C. felis collected from dogs the first reported from Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Betancourt-Ruiz
- Grupo de enfermedades infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Heidy-C Martínez-Díaz
- Grupo de enfermedades infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juliana Gil-Mora
- Grupo de enfermedades infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Catalina Ospina
- Grupo Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Efraín Benavides
- Grupo Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Claudia Cuervo
- Grupo de enfermedades infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lucas Blanton
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Grupo de enfermedades infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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19
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Acevedo-Gutiérrez LY, Paternina LE, Pérez-Pérez JC, Londoño AF, López G, Rodas JD. Garrapatas duras (Acari: Ixodidae) de Colombia, una revisión a su conocimiento en el país. ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA 2020. [DOI: 10.15446/abc.v25n1.75252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Las garrapatas son artrópodos de gran impacto sobre la economía pecuaria y la salud humana debido a las pérdidas generadas en la producción, y a su capacidad de transmitir microorganismos. Pese a la evidencia de circulación de una gran diversidad de garrapatas en Colombia, no se cuenta con compilaciones actualizadas de la variedad de especies presentes, por lo cual los autores presentan una revisión de literatura sobre las garrapatas de la familia Ixodidae reportadas en Colombia incluyendo su distribución geográfica, sus hospederos y los microorganismos reportados en aquellas especies registradas en este país. En la recopilación se evidenció la presencia en Colombia de diferentes especies de garrapatas de los géneros Amblyomma, Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus y Dermacentor. El género con mayor variedad fue Amblyomma con 29 especies, seguido de Ixodes con 11 especies, y de los géneros Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis y Rhipicephalus se reportaron dos especies para cada uno. Las especies se distribuyeron en la mayoría de los departamentos de Colombia y en una amplia diversidad de hospederos entre los cuales se incluyen animales domésticos, sinantrópicos y silvestres. Adicionalmente se encontró que algunas garrapatas reportadas podrían jugar un papel como vectores potenciales de diversos microorganismos que pueden afectar a la salud pública y veterinaria. Esperamos que este trabajo sea un aporte para apoyar la investigación en garrapatas y el estudio de los agentes transmitidos por estas en Colombia.
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Maggi RG, Krämer F. A review on the occurrence of companion vector-borne diseases in pet animals in Latin America. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:145. [PMID: 30917860 PMCID: PMC6438007 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Companion vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are an important threat for pet life, but may also have an impact on human health, due to their often zoonotic character. The importance and awareness of CVBDs continuously increased during the last years. However, information on their occurrence is often limited in several parts of the world, which are often especially affected. Latin America (LATAM), a region with large biodiversity, is one of these regions, where information on CVBDs for pet owners, veterinarians, medical doctors and health workers is often obsolete, limited or non-existent. In the present review, a comprehensive literature search for CVBDs in companion animals (dogs and cats) was performed for several countries in Central America (Belize, Caribbean Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico) as well as in South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana (British Guyana), Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela) regarding the occurrence of the following parasitic and bacterial diseases: babesiosis, heartworm disease, subcutaneous dirofilariosis, hepatozoonosis, leishmaniosis, trypanosomosis, anaplasmosis, bartonellosis, borreliosis, ehrlichiosis, mycoplasmosis and rickettsiosis. An overview on the specific diseases, followed by a short summary on their occurrence per country is given. Additionally, a tabular listing on positive or non-reported occurrence is presented. None of the countries is completely free from CVBDs. The data presented in the review confirm a wide distribution of the CVBDs in focus in LATAM. This wide occurrence and the fact that most of the CVBDs can have a quite severe clinical outcome and their diagnostic as well as therapeutic options in the region are often difficult to access and to afford, demands a strong call for the prevention of pathogen transmission by the use of ectoparasiticidal and anti-feeding products as well as by performing behavioural changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo G. Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Friederike Krämer
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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21
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Maina AN, Jiang J, Luce-Fedrow A, St John HK, Farris CM, Richards AL. Worldwide Presence and Features of Flea-Borne Rickettsia asembonensis. Front Vet Sci 2019; 5:334. [PMID: 30687724 PMCID: PMC6338025 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia asembonensis, the most well-characterized rickettsia of the Rickettsia felis-like organisms (RFLO), is relatively unknown within the vector-borne diseases research community. The agent was initially identified in peri-domestic fleas from Asembo, Kenya in an area in which R. felis was associated with fever patients. Local fleas collected from domestic animals and within homes were predominately infected with R. asembonensis with < 10% infected with R. felis. Since the identification of R. asembonensis in Kenya, it has been reported in other locations within Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and South America. With the description of R. asembonensis-like genotypes across the globe, a need exists to isolate these R. asembonensis genotypes in cell culture, conduct microscopic, and biological analysis, as well as whole genome sequencing to ascertain whether they are the same species. Additionally, interest has been building on the potential of R. asembonensis in infecting vertebrate hosts including humans, non-human primates, dogs, and other animals. The current knowledge of the presence, prevalence, and distribution of R. asembonensis worldwide, as well as its arthropod hosts and potential as a pathogen are discussed in this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice N Maina
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Ju Jiang
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Alison Luce-Fedrow
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Department of Biology, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, United States
| | - Heidi K St John
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Christina M Farris
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Allen L Richards
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Department of Preventative Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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22
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Cevidanes A, Di Cataldo S, Vera F, Lillo P, Millán J. Molecular Detection of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Rural Dogs and Associated Ctenocephalides felis Fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) in Easter Island (Chile). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:1659-1663. [PMID: 30165658 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The presence of vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and public health interest have received little attention in Chile. In Easter Island, in particular, a Chilean territory in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, no information is available. To fill this gap, 153 rural dogs were inspected for ectoparasites during a sterilization campaign carried out in 2016. Fleas were observed in 46% of the dogs, and Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché, 1835) was the only species present. Morphological identification of fleas was genetically confirmed using conventional polymerase chain reaction targeting the cox2 gene. No tick was observed in any dog. The presence of DNA of Rickettsia sp. (gltA and ompA fragment genes), Anaplasmataceae (16S rRNA), and Bartonella sp. (16S-23S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer) was investigated in blood samples of 70 of the dogs and in 126 fleas analyzed in 68 pools that included 1-5 fleas. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 97% (n = 66) of the flea pools. Of these, 57 showed between 99 and 100% identity for both genes with published sequences of Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis (CRa), six with Rickettsia felis, and one with Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis. For two pools, gltA amplicons were identical to CRa but ompB amplicions showed 99-100% identity with R. felis. Anaplasmataceae DNA was detected in 16% (n = 11) pools. Sequenced amplicons showed highest identity with the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis. Bartonella DNA, showing 99% identity to Bartonella clarridgeiae, was detected in one pool (1.4%). No positive reaction was observed for any dog. This is the first detection of members of the 'R. felis-like' group other than R. felis in Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Cevidanes
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sophia Di Cataldo
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernanda Vera
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Lillo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, República, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República, Santiago, Chile
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23
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Eraso-Cadena MP, Molina-Guzmán LP, Cardona X, Cardona-Arias JA, Ríos-Osorio LA, Gutierrez-Builes LA. Serological evidence of exposure to some zoonotic microorganisms in cattle and humans with occupational exposure to livestock in Antioquia, Colombia. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2018; 34:e00193617. [PMID: 30329003 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00193617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria belonging to Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia and Coxiella genera are considered emerging pathogens and livestock is one of the contexts where the transmission of these microorganisms can occur. The goal of this study was to determine serological evidence for the exposure to these bacteria in cattle and humans with occupational exposure to livestock in the subregions North and Magdalena Medio, Antioquia, Colombia, and to explore related factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 livestock farms distributed in six municipalities from both subregions: Belmira, Entrerríos and San Pedro de los Milagros (North), and Puerto Berrío, Puerto Nare and Puerto Triunfo (Magdalena Medio). Blood samples from 332 people and 384 bovines were evaluated by serology (IgM and IgG) screening for bacteria from the Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Coxiella genera. Seropositivity in humans from both regions was 42.4% (95%CI: 31.2-55.1) for Anaplasma, 74.2% (95%CI: 66.0-84.4) for Ehrlichia, 72.5% (95%CI: 62.1-82.0) for Rickettsia, and 60.7% (95%CI: 59.7-69.1) for Coxiella burnetii. In cattle, seropositivity was 31.6% (95%CI: 19.9-44.2), 66.8% (95%CI: 55.2-78.1), 64.6% (95%CI: 53.8-74.5), and 61.6% (95%CI: 51.9-69.2), respectively. History of biting by ticks, milking, vaccination, having dogs and hens in the residence, as well as the consumption of raw milk derivatives were some factors associated with the infection by the bacteria studied. The results suggest a previous and recent exposure to these zoonotic bacteria genera in people with occupational exposure to livestock, as well as in cattle in the two studied subregions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Licet Paola Molina-Guzmán
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia.,Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ximena Cardona
- Departamento de Asistencia Técnica, COLANTA, Medellín, Colombia
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Rivera-Páez FA, Martins TF, Ossa-López PA, Sampieri BR, Camargo-Mathias MI. Detection of Rickettsia spp. in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of domestic animals in Colombia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:819-823. [PMID: 29550216 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsiosis are emerging or re-emerging diseases, with a worldwide distribution associated to transmission by arthropod vectors. Rickettsia species belong to the spotted fever group (SFG) and are transmitted by hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) that may act as vectors and reservoirs. This study carried out a molecular detection of Rickettsia from 7 species of the family Ixodidae collected from domestic hosts by PCR amplification of fragments of the citrate synthase "gltA" gene and outer membrane protein "ompA" gene. Of the 204 samples analyzed, 11.3% (23) were positive for rickettsial infection. Three Rickettsia species belonging to the SFG were found, constituting the first reports of Rickettsia rickettsii in 2 departments of Colombia. Furthermore, we confirmed the first occurrence of Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae in Colombia, a species with an unknown pathogenic role in humans. These results raise awareness regarding the need to increase epidemiological control measures, as well as to consider new endemic regions in Colombia for Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredy A Rivera-Páez
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Avenida 24-A, 1515, Bairro Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, CEP13506-900, Brazil; Grupo de Investigación GEBIOME, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 Apartado Aéreo 275 Manizales, Caldas, Colombia.
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP 05508-000, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paula A Ossa-López
- Grupo de Investigación GEBIOME, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 Apartado Aéreo 275 Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Bruno Rodrigues Sampieri
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Museu de Zoologia, R. Charles Darwin s/n, cidade universitária, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria I Camargo-Mathias
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Avenida 24-A, 1515, Bairro Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, CEP13506-900, Brazil
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25
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Santibáñez S, Portillo A, Palomar AM, Oteo JA. Isolation of Rickettsia amblyommatis in HUVEC line. New Microbes New Infect 2017; 21:117-121. [PMID: 29321939 PMCID: PMC5756052 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia amblyommatis, formerly named Rickettsia amblyommii and ‘Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii’ is an intracellular bacterium belonging to the spotted fever group Rickettsia. It is highly prevalent in Amblyomma americanum and in other Amblyomma spp. throughout the Western Hemisphere. R. amblyommatis has been cultivated in chicken fibroblast, primary embryonated chicken eggs, Vero cells and arthropod-derived cells. Because of the affinity of rickettsiae to invade vascular endothelial cells, we tried to isolate R. amblyommatis from a nymph of Amblyomma cajennense s.l. collected in Saltillo (Coahulia, Mexico) using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). One tick half was analysed by ompA PCR and was found to be positive for R. amblyommatis. The other half was selected for in vitro culture of Rickettsia spp. It was triturated in 1 mL of endothelial cell growth medium with 1% antibiotic–antimycotic solution, and the homogenate was inoculated into a HUVEC line. Culture was maintained at 33°C in endothelial cell growth medium plus 2 mM l-glutamine and 2% fetal calf serum, with 5% CO2. The medium was changed weekly. Culture was checked by Gimenez stain for Rickettsia-like intracellular organisms. After 48 days of incubation, Rickettsia-like organisms were observed in HUVEC. PCR assays and sequencing of ompA gene in the culture suspension showed 100% identity with R. amblyommatis. This isolate was successfully established in HUVEC, and it has been deposited in the collection of the Center of Rickettsioses and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital San Pedro–Center of Biomedical Research from La Rioja, Logroño, Spain. The HUVEC line is a useful tool for the isolation of R. amblyommatis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Santibáñez
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital San Pedro-Center of Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - A Portillo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital San Pedro-Center of Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - A M Palomar
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital San Pedro-Center of Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - J A Oteo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital San Pedro-Center of Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
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26
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Quintero V. JC, Paternina T. LE, Uribe Y. A, Muskus C, Hidalgo. M, Gil. J, Cienfuegos G. AV, Osorio Q. L, Rojas A. C. Eco-epidemiological analysis of rickettsial seropositivity in rural areas of Colombia: A multilevel approach. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005892. [PMID: 28922404 PMCID: PMC5619838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsiosis is a re-emergent infectious disease without epidemiological surveillance in Colombia. This disease is generally undiagnosed and several deadly outbreaks have been reported in the country in the last decade. The aim of this study is to analyze the eco-epidemiological aspects of rickettsial seropositivity in rural areas of Colombia where outbreaks of the disease were previously reported. A cross-sectional study, which included 597 people living in 246 households from nine hamlets in two municipalities of Colombia, was conducted from November 2015 to January 2016. The survey was conducted to collect sociodemographic and household characteristics (exposure) data. Blood samples were collected to determine the rickettsial seropositivity in humans, horses and dogs (IFA, cut-off = 1/128). In addition, infections by rickettsiae were detected in ticks from humans and animals by real-time PCR targeting gltA and ompA genes. Data was analyzed by weighted multilevel clog-log regression model using three levels (person, household and hamlets) and rickettsial seropositivity in humans was the main outcome. Overall prevalence of rickettsial seropositivity in humans was 25.62% (95%CI 22.11–29.12). Age in years (PR = 1.01 95%CI 1.01–1.02) and male sex (PR = 1.65 95%CI 1.43–1.90) were risk markers for rickettsial seropositivity. Working outdoors (PR = 1.20 95%CI 1.02–1.41), deforestation and forest fragmentation for agriculture use (PR = 1.75 95%CI 1.51–2.02), opossum in peridomiciliary area (PR = 1.56 95%CI 1.37–1.79) and a high proportion of seropositive domestic animals in the home (PR20-40% vs <20% = 2.28 95%CI 1.59–3.23 and PR>40% vs <20% = 3.14 95%CI 2.43–4.04) were associated with rickettsial seropositivity in humans. This study showed the presence of Rickettsia antibodies in human populations and domestic animals. In addition, different species of rickettsiae were detected in ticks collected from humans and animals. Our results highlighted the role of domestic animals as sentinels of rickettsial infection to identify areas at risk of transmission, and the importance of preventive measures aimed at curtailing deforestation and the fragmentation of forests as a way of reducing the risk of transmission of emergent and re-emergent pathogens. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is one of the main diseases transmitted by tick bites in Colombia. Studies examining rickettsial seropositivity in humans, potential vectors and amplifying hosts in regions where previous outbreaks occurred are necessary to highlight this disease in the differential diagnosis of febrile syndromes and to implement epidemiological surveillance programs. This study reveals several factors associated with rickettsial seropositivity, including working outdoors, practices related to deforestation and forest fragmentation, and the potential contact between humans and wild animals, such as opossums, that could be involved in the transmission cycle. In addition, it reveals the importance of domestic animals as sentinels of infection as well as the tick species acting as potential vectors of rickettsiae in human and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Quintero V.
- Grupo de Ciencias Veterinarias - Centauro, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Alexander Uribe Y.
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales -PECET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Carlos Muskus
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales -PECET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Marylin Hidalgo.
- Grupo de Investigación de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Juliana Gil.
- Grupo de Investigación de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Astrid V. Cienfuegos G.
- Grupo de Investigación en Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Lisardo Osorio Q.
- Grupo de Investigación Salud y Ambiente, Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Carlos Rojas A.
- Grupo de Epidemiología, Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Ramírez-Hernández A, Barreto C, Forero-Becerra E, Millán D, Valbuena E, Sánchez-Alfonso AC, Imbacuán-Pantoja WO, Cortés-Vecino JA, Polo-Terán LJ, Yaya-Lancheros N, Jácome J, Palomar AM, Santibáñez S, Portillo A, Oteo JA, Hidalgo M. Epidemiology of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses and Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illness in Villeta, Colombia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:782-788. [PMID: 28722568 PMCID: PMC5590559 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Etiology of acute undifferentiated febrile syndrome (AUFS) is often unknown, leading to inaccurate diagnosis and treatment. Villeta town has been identified as an endemic area for spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses but little is known about possible amplifier hosts and other Rickettsia species different from Rickettsia rickettsii. Besides, few studies have approached other AUFS etiologies in the region. We investigated the role of dengue, leptospirosis, rickettsioses, human anaplasmosis, and Q fever as possible causes of AUFS in patients from Villeta. Sera specimens and ticks from animals as well as ticks from vegetation were studied for the presence of different Rickettsia spp. Among 104 sera from patients with AUFS, 16.4%, 24.0%, and 2.9% patients seroconverted to dengue, Leptospira, and SFG Rickettsia, respectively, with a case of probable coinfection or cross-reaction with Anaplasma phagocytophilum. None of the samples were reactive for Coxiella burnetii. Sera samples from 74 horses, 118 dogs, and 62 bovines were collected and showed 33.8%, 14.4%, and 50.0% of seroprevalence for SFG Rickettsia, respectively. A total of 1,287 ixodid ticks were collected from animals/vegetation and processed in pools for polymerase chain reaction. Among them, 1.7% was positive for Rickettsia genes, and Rickettsia amblyommii, R. rickettsii, and Rickettsia spp. were found. These results confirm the circulation of dengue, different SFG Rickettsia species and the relevance of other etiologies like leptospirosis and human anaplasmosis. Further studies must identify different epidemiological variables to establish proper surveillance and control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Infecciosas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Ramírez-Hernández
- Grupo Parasitología Veterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Christian Barreto
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Elkin Forero-Becerra
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Diego Millán
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Elkin Valbuena
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrea C. Sánchez-Alfonso
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Wilson O. Imbacuán-Pantoja
- Grupo Parasitología Veterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jesús A. Cortés-Vecino
- Grupo Parasitología Veterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luis J. Polo-Terán
- Grupo Parasitología Veterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo Salud Pública Veterinaria, Departamento Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Néstor Yaya-Lancheros
- Grupo Salud Pública Veterinaria, Departamento Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jorge Jácome
- Departamento de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ana M. Palomar
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Centro de Rickettsiosis y Enfermedades Transmitidas por Artrópodos Vectores, Hospital San Pedro–CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Sonia Santibáñez
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Centro de Rickettsiosis y Enfermedades Transmitidas por Artrópodos Vectores, Hospital San Pedro–CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Portillo
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Centro de Rickettsiosis y Enfermedades Transmitidas por Artrópodos Vectores, Hospital San Pedro–CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - José A. Oteo
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Centro de Rickettsiosis y Enfermedades Transmitidas por Artrópodos Vectores, Hospital San Pedro–CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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28
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Palomar AM, Cevidanes A, Portillo A, Kalema-Zikusoka G, Chirife AD, Romero L, Muro J, Mugisha L, Oteo JA, Millán J. High Prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in Dog Fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) in Rural Uganda. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:1076-1079. [PMID: 28399271 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Fleas are known vectors of zoonotic agents. Thirty-five fleas, including 28 Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché), four Pulex irritans (L.), and three Echidnophaga gallinacea (Westwood) from 19 rural dogs from southwestern Uganda were analyzed for the presence of Rickettsia spp. (ompB, gltA, and 17 kDa fragment genes) and Bartonella spp. (rpoB and ITS genes) by PCR. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 27 out of 28 of Ct. felis and in two out of four P. irritans. None of the E. gallinacea specimens harbored Rickettsia DNA. Rickettsia felis was confirmed in 12 Ct. felis and in the two P. irritans specimens with positive PCR-results. In addition, the presence of Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis was evidenced in 15 Ct. felis. Bartonella spp. was not amplified in any sample. Our survey indicates that R. felis, the agent of the flea-borne spotted fever, is present in the study area. Besides, this is the first description of Ca. R. asemboensis in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Palomar
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Aránzazu Portillo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | | | | | - Lourdes Romero
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Jesús Muro
- Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Andorra, Andorra
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Conservation & Ecosystem Health Alliance, Kampala, Uganda
| | - José A Oteo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
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29
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Dall'Agnol B, Souza U, Webster A, Weck B, Stenzel B, Labruna M, Klafke G, Martins JR, Ferreira CAS, Reck J. "Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis" in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, Brazil. Acta Trop 2017; 167:18-20. [PMID: 27986544 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
"Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis" is an obligate intracellular bacterium of the Rickettsiales order, genetically related to species belonging to the Rickettsia felis group, agents of flea-borne spotted fever. Here we report for the first time the detection of "Ca. R. asemboensis", a flea-associated organism, in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. It is the first occurrence of this emerging bacterium in Brazil, which increases the geographical distribution of this R. felis-like agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Dall'Agnol
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (FEPAGRO), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Biociências (FABIO), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ugo Souza
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (FEPAGRO), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Anelise Webster
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (FEPAGRO), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Weck
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (FEPAGRO), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Stenzel
- Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde (CEVS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Guilherme Klafke
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (FEPAGRO), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - João Ricardo Martins
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (FEPAGRO), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | | | - José Reck
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (FEPAGRO), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil.
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30
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Sansyzbayev Y, Nurmakhanov T, Berdibekov A, Vilkova A, Yeskhodzhayev O, St John HK, Jiang J, Farris CM, Richards AL. Survey for Rickettsiae Within Fleas of Great Gerbils, Almaty Oblast, Kazakhstan. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 17:172-178. [PMID: 27992288 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known of the endemicity of flea-borne rickettsiae in Kazakhstan. Thus, a survey for rickettsiae within great gerbil fleas was conducted in Almaty oblast. High prevalence of Rickettsia asembonensis was detected among Xenopsylla gerbilli, demonstrating that flea-borne rickettsiae are endemic to southeastern Kazakhstan. Interestingly, no Rickettsia typhi were detected in these same fleas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yerlan Sansyzbayev
- 1 Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Disease , Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Talgat Nurmakhanov
- 1 Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Disease , Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Almas Berdibekov
- 1 Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Disease , Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Anna Vilkova
- 1 Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Disease , Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Olzhas Yeskhodzhayev
- 1 Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Disease , Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Ju Jiang
- 2 Naval Medical Research Center , Silver Spring, Maryland
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31
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Maina AN, Luce-Fedrow A, Omulo S, Hang J, Chan TC, Ade F, Jima DD, Ogola E, Ge H, Breiman RF, Njenga MK, Richards AL. Isolation and characterization of a novel Rickettsia species (Rickettsia asembonensis sp. nov.) obtained from cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:4512-4517. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.001382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alice N. Maina
- Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Alison Luce-Fedrow
- Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
- Shippensburg University, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257, USA
| | | | - Jun Hang
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Teik-Chye Chan
- Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | | | - Dereje D. Jima
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Eric Ogola
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Hong Ge
- Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | | | | | - Allen L. Richards
- Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
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32
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Blanton LS, Walker DH. Flea-Borne Rickettsioses and Rickettsiae. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 96:53-56. [PMID: 27799640 PMCID: PMC5239709 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis are flea-borne rickettsiae that are distributed throughout the world. This mini-review outlines the ecology and epidemiology of flea-borne rickettsioses; highlights important clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic considerations; and discusses areas of uncertainty regarding Rickettsia felis and other rickettsiae harbored by fleas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas S Blanton
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - David H Walker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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33
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Karpathy SE, Slater KS, Goldsmith CS, Nicholson WL, Paddock CD. Rickettsia amblyommatis sp. nov., a spotted fever group Rickettsia associated with multiple species of Amblyomma ticks in North, Central and South America. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:5236-5243. [PMID: 27638476 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.001502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1973, investigators isolated a rickettsial organism, designated strain WB-8-2T, from an adult Amblyomma americanum tick collected at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, TN, USA. This organism is now recognized as highly prevalent in A. americanum, as well as several other Amblyomma species found throughout the Western hemisphere. It has been suggested that cross-reactivity to WB-8-2T and similar strains contributes to the increasing number of spotted fever cases reported in the USA. In 1995, investigators provided preliminary evidence that this strain, as well as another strain from Missouri, represented a distinct taxonomic unit within the genus Rickettsia by evaluating sequences of the 16S rRNA and 17 kDa protein genes. However, the bacterium was never formally named, despite the use of the designation 'Rickettsia amblyommii' and later 'Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii', for more than 20 years in the scientific literature. Herein, we provide additional molecular evidence to identify strain WB-8-2T as a representative strain of a unique rickettsial species and present a formal description for the species, with the proposed name modified to Rickettsia amblyommatis sp. nov. to conform to the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. We also establish a pure culture of strain WB-8-2T and designate it as the type strain for the species. The type strain is WB-8-2T (=CRIRC RAM004T=CSURP2882T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandor E Karpathy
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kimetha S Slater
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cynthia S Goldsmith
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William L Nicholson
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christopher D Paddock
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
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34
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First report of "Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii" in west coast of Mexico. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:1139-1145. [PMID: 27616774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We report the first case of "Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii" detected in Amblyomma mixtum ticks on humans on the west coast of Mexico. This is the most western record of "Ca. R. amblyommii" in the Western Hemisphere, representing the first record for the western coast of the Americas. Even if the record is far from the previously known locations for the species it does not represent a new record regarding temperature, precipitation and topographic parameters. Since "Ca. R. amblyommii" antibodies have been detected in patients suspected of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and the tick A. mixtum has been associated with humans, it is important to consider "Ca. R. amblyommii" as a potential risk for the human population that has not been considered at risk before.
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35
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Troyo A, Moreira-Soto RD, Calderon-Arguedas Ó, Mata-Somarribas C, Ortiz-Tello J, Barbieri ARM, Avendaño A, Vargas-Castro LE, Labruna MB, Hun L, Taylor L. Detection of rickettsiae in fleas and ticks from areas of Costa Rica with history of spotted fever group rickettsioses. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:1128-1134. [PMID: 27592065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Outbreaks of spotted fevers have been reported in Costa Rica since the 1950s, although vectors responsible for transmission to humans have not been directly identified. In this study, species of Rickettsia were detected in ectoparasites from Costa Rica, mostly from five study sites where cases of spotted fevers have been reported. Ticks and fleas were collected using drag cloths or directly from domestic and wild animals and pooled according to species, host, and location. Pools were analyzed initially by PCR to detect a fragment of Rickettsia spp. specific gltA gene, and those positive were confirmed by detection of htrA and/or ompA gene fragments. Partial sequences of the gltA gene were obtained, as well as at least one ompA and/or ompB partial sequence of each species. Rickettsia spp. were confirmed in 119 of 497 (23.9%) pools of ticks and fleas analyzed. Rickettsia rickettsii was identified in one nymph of Amblyomma mixtum and one nymph of Amblyomma varium. Other rickettsiae present were 'Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii' in A. mixtum, Amblyomma ovale, Dermacentor nitens, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s. l.; Rickettsia bellii in Amblyomma sabanerae; Rickettsia felis in Ctenocephalides felis; and Rickettsia sp. similar to 'Candidatus R. asemboensis' in C. felis, Pulex simulans, A. ovale, and Rhipicephalus microplus. Results show the presence of rickettsiae in vectors that may be responsible for transmission to humans in Costa Rica, and evidence suggests exposure to rickettsial organisms in the human environment may be common. This is the first study to report R. rickettsii in A. varium and in A. mixtum in Costa Rica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Troyo
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales and Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - Rolando D Moreira-Soto
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales and Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Centro de Investigación en Estructuras Microscópicas, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Ólger Calderon-Arguedas
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales and Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Carlos Mata-Somarribas
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales and Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Jusara Ortiz-Tello
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales and Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Amália R M Barbieri
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adrián Avendaño
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales and Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Luis E Vargas-Castro
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales and Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Laya Hun
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales and Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Lizeth Taylor
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales and Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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