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Lignereux L, Tong WH, Tan S, Vyas A, O'handley R. Presence of IgG antibodies is not a reliable marker of Toxoplasma gondii infection in feral mice. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:75-79. [PMID: 37727638 PMCID: PMC10506062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii uses mice as a vector to reach its definitive host, the cat, where it can accomplish its sexual reproduction and produce oocysts, which will contaminate the environment. In this study, we have captured 103 feral house mice (Mus musculus) on Kangaroo Island, Australia. We have measured the level of exposure to T.gondii serologically with the Modified Agglutination Test and conjointly with a T.gondii B1 gene PCR. We have included stringent quality control steps in the molecular analysis to reduce the risk of false positivity and false negativity. Our results indicated a low seroprevalence of 0.97%, 95%CI [-0.36; 0.58] associated with the detection of T.gondii genetic material in 51.46%, 95%CI [41.93, 60.88] of mice brains. Neither sex nor mice body weight had an effect on the PCR outcome. We postulate that both the transmission route, horizontal or vertical, and natural selection processes could lead to this discordance which has been observed elsewhere in wild mice. The question of the biological mechanisms allowing the chronic infection of wild mice in the absence of a measurable humoral immune response remains. Our findings indicate that serological studies should not be used to measure the level of exposure to T.gondii in feral house mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Lignereux
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Sijie Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Ryan O'handley
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
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Alotaibi BH, Amor N, Merella P, Mohammed OB, Alagaili AN. Genetic diversity of wild rodents and detection of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, in Saudi Arabia. Vet Res Commun 2022; 46:769-780. [PMID: 35132522 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-09897-5] [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: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Throughout history, wildlife has been regarded as a major source of infectious diseases. Rodentia, the most speciose order of mammals, whose members are recognised hosts of more than 60 zoonotic diseases, represent a potential threat to human health. Recently, epidemiological data from Saudi Arabia indicated an actual growth in the number of emerging and/or re-emerging cases of several zoonoses. However, there is a lack of studies focusing on the molecular taxonomy of rodents and the pathogens they may harbour in this region. In this study, the first molecular characterisation of six rodent taxa in this region is provided, based on partial Cyt B and 16S genes. The data confirm the spread of rodent-associated C. burnetii strains in Jazan, southwestern Saudi Arabia. The PCR targeting IS111, the multi-copy transposase gene, revealed 17.5% (36/205) positive samples, whereas the second nested PCR, targeting the single-copy Com1 gene, revealed 16.6% (34/205) positive samples. Phylogenetic and network analyses indicated the presence of four haplotypes of C. burnetii within the studied localities. One major haplotype (H-2) was observed in all rodent species and from 18 localities. The infection rates of C. burnetii among studied species, localities and habitats were not significantly different (>0.05). Our results facilitate the assessment of the health risk associated with rodents and the development of strategies to control the increasing impacts of Q fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandar H Alotaibi
- Department of Zoology, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil Amor
- Department of Zoology, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
- Laboratory of Biodiversity, Parasitolgy and Ecology of Aquatic Ecosystems, Department of Biology - Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Paolo Merella
- Parassitologia e Malattie Parassitarie, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Osama B Mohammed
- Department of Zoology, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Zou Y, Geng HL, Jia HL, Zhao Q, Qin SY, Zhu XQ, Zhang XX. The Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Wild Rats ( Rattus norvegicus) on Mink Farms in Shandong Province, Eastern China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:199-204. [PMID: 35244455 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide distributed zoonotic pathogen that threatens public health. However, there have been limited data for T. gondii infection in wild rats (Rattus norvegicus) in China. In the present study, a total of 227 wild rats were captured from three mink farms to investigate T. gondii infection in Shandong Province, eastern China. The DNA was extracted from 25 mg rats' brain tissues and subjected to a PCR amplification by targeting to the T. gondii B1. In 227 wild rat samples, 18 samples (7.93%) were positive for T. gondii. Then, the positive samples were further genotyped based on eight genetic markers, including eight nuclear loci (SAG1, 5'-SAG2, and 3'-SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, GRA6, c29-2, and L358) and an apicoplast locus (Apico) by using the multilocus PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism technology. Of these samples, eight were genotyped at nine nuclear loci, and two were genotyped at eight nuclear loci, forming three known genotypes (ToxoDB no. 43, ToxoDB no. 91, and ToxoDB no. 189) and two new genotypes. The closest ToxoDB genotypes were observed in wild rats, suggesting the differences in the population structure of the T. gondii between breed farm animals and wild rats. These data revealed the genetic variability of T. gondii in wild rats on mink farms in Shandong Province, with possible implication for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Li Geng
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Lin Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Quan Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, P.R. China
| | - Si-Yuan Qin
- General Station for Surveillance of Wildlife-borne Infectious Diseases, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, P.R. China.,Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, P.R. China
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Cryptosporidium spp. in wild murids (Rodentia) from Corsica, France. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:345-354. [PMID: 34816301 PMCID: PMC8748365 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07369-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are worldwide protozoan parasites that can affect to a broad range of vertebrate hosts, including rodents. In the island of Corsica (France), there are no previous data about these protozoa infecting wild rodents. To estimate the distribution and occurrence, a total of 117 wild murine rodents of the species Rattus rattus (84), Mus musculus domesticus (21), Apodemus sylvaticus (11), and Rattus norvegicus (1) were captured in 24 different biotopes. Fecal samples were screened for Cryptosporidium spp. by nested PCR to amplify an 830 bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene. As general occurrence, 15.4% of the rodents analyzed were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., being detected widely distributed along the island in R. rattus (17.6%) and M. m. domesticus (14.3%). Cryptosporidium viatorum, Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype II, and Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype III were successfully identified in R. rattus. The results herein reported provide the first data on Cryptosporidium spp. in wild murine species from a Mediterranean island and constitute the first report of the zoonotic species C. viatorum in R. rattus. Although a low occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in murids was obtained and only in one animal the zoonotic species C. viatorum was identified, our results highlight that wild murine rodents from Corsica could mediate in the maintenance and transmission of this protozoan to the environment and other hosts including humans and animals. Further studies are required to better understand the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in wild rodents from Corsica and their possible public health repercussions.
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Azimi T, Azimi L, Fallah F, Pourmand MR, Peeri Dogaheh H, Rafiei Tabatabaei S. Detection and distribution of zoonotic pathogens in wild Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus) from Tehran, Iran. New Microbes New Infect 2021; 42:100908. [PMID: 34336228 PMCID: PMC8318978 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2021.100908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first study on the prevalence of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens found in Rattus norvegicus (R. norvegicus) in urban areas of Tehran, Iran. Serological tests were used to detect IgG antibodies against Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) and Rickettsia spp. using a commercial qualitative rat ELISA kit. The frequency of Streptobacillus moniliformis (S. moniliformis) and Bartonella spp. was determined using a conventional PCR method. Molecular detection and characterization of Leptospira spp. were conducted using TaqMan real-time PCR based on lipL32 gene and SecY typing methods. A total of 100 R. norvegicus rats were collected from five regions in Tehran, Iran, and investigated to determine their zoonotic pathogens. S. moniliformis and Bartonella spp. were detected in 23 of 100 (23%) and 17 of 100 (17%) R. norvegicus populations, respectively. The highest prevalence of S. moniliformis and Bartonella spp. with similar frequency rates (n = 6/20; 30%) was seen among the R. norvegicus rats captured from the northern and southern parts of Tehran, respectively. Seroreactivity against C. burnetii and Rickettsia spp. was detected in 4% and 1% of R. norvegicus, respectively. C. burnetii. was identified only in one rat captured from the eastern part of Tehran. Results showed that Leptospira spp. was detected only in two rats, collected from the southern part (n = 2/20; 10%) of Tehran. The secY typing method identified two different Leptospira species including L. interrogans and L. kirschneri. The results showed that urban rats might play an important role in transmission of zoonotic pathogens to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Azimi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - L Azimi
- Pediatric Infection Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Fallah
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M R Pourmand
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Peeri Dogaheh
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Science, Ardabil, Iran
| | - S Rafiei Tabatabaei
- Pediatric Infection Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Cho HC, Hwang S, Kim EM, Park YJ, Shin SU, Jang DH, Chae JS, Choi KS. Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Coxiella burnetii in Cattle, Goats, and Horses in the Republic of Korea. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:502-508. [PMID: 33844947 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular zoonotic bacterium with a global distribution. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of C. burnetii in different animals and to assess the potential role of these species as reservoirs of infection and transmission to humans. A total of 592 blood samples (105 beef cattle, 61 dairy cattle, 110 Korean native goats, 83 Boer goats, and 233 horses) were collected in the Republic of Korea (ROK). The C. burnetii DNA was detected from blood samples using the transposon-like repetitive region (IS1111) by PCR method. The results showed that 22.7% of the Korean-native goats, 16.4% of the dairy cattle, 15.2% of the beef cattle, 6.0% of the Boer goats, and 5.2% of the horses were positive for C. burnetii. Significant differences were found between the animal species. The univariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of contracting C. burnetii was significantly high by 5.4-fold in Korean-native goats (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.60%-11.27%, p = 0.000), 3.6-fold in dairy cattle (95% CI: 1.48%-8.82%, p = 0.005), and 3.3-fold in beef cattle (95% CI: 1.51%-7.28%, p = 0.003) compared with horses. A phylogenetic tree based on the IS1111 gene revealed that our sequences had 92.2%-99.9% similarity and were clustered with those detected in humans, cattle, goats, dogs, rodents, and ticks. C. burnetii circulating in the ROK exhibits genetic variation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify C. burnetii DNA in a horse in the ROK. These results suggest that cattle, goats, and horses can be potential reservoirs for C. burnetii and play an important role in the transmission of infection. Further studies should assess the pathogenicity of C. burnetii circulating in the ROK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Chul Cho
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology and College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunwoo Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology and College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Mi Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology and College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Park
- Department of Horse/Companion and Wild Animals, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Uk Shin
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology and College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Jang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology and College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Seong Choi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology and College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea.,Department of Horse/Companion and Wild Animals, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
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González-Barrio D, Jado I, Viñuela J, García JT, Olea PP, Arce F, Ruiz-Fons F. Investigating the Role of Micromammals in the Ecology of Coxiella burnetii in Spain. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:654. [PMID: 33801164 PMCID: PMC8000606 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, the causal agent of human Q fever and animal Coxiellosis, is a zoonotic infectious bacterium with a complex ecology that results from its ability to replicate in multiple (in)vertebrate host species. Spain notifies the highest number of Q fever cases to the ECDC annually and wildlife plays a relevant role in C. burnetii ecology in the country. However, the whole picture of C. burnetii hosts is incomplete, so this study seeks to better understand the role of micromammals in C. burnetii ecology in the country. Spleen samples from 816 micromammals of 10 species and 130 vaginal swabs from Microtus arvalis were analysed by qPCR to detect C. burnetii infection and shedding, respectively. The 9.7% of the spleen samples were qPCR positive. The highest infection prevalence (10.8%) was found in Microtus arvalis, in which C. burnetii DNA was also detected in 1 of the 130 vaginal swabs (0.8%) analysed. Positive samples were also found in Apodemus sylvaticus (8.7%), Crocidura russula (7.7%) and Rattus rattus (6.4%). Positive samples were genotyped by coupling PCR with reverse line blotting and a genotype II+ strain was identified for the first time in one of the positive samples from M. arvalis, whereas only partial results could be obtained for the rest of the samples. Acute Q fever was diagnosed in one of the researchers that participated in the study, and it was presumably linked to M. arvalis handling. The results of the study are consistent with previous findings suggesting that micromammals can be infected by C. burnetii. Our findings additionally suggest that micromammals may be potential sources to trace back the origin of human Q fever and animal Coxiellosis cases in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- David González-Barrio
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (J.V.); (J.T.G.)
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
- Viral Hepatitis Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Jado
- Special Pathogens Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Javier Viñuela
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (J.V.); (J.T.G.)
| | - Jesús T. García
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (J.V.); (J.T.G.)
| | - Pedro P. Olea
- Departamento de Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Arce
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7004, Australia;
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (J.V.); (J.T.G.)
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Su C. Epidemiological Significance of Toxoplasma Gondii Infections in Wild Rodents: 2009-2020. J Parasitol 2021; 107:182-204. [PMID: 33662119 DOI: 10.1645/20-121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Rodents are one of the most important intermediate hosts for T. gondii because they are preyed on by cats, who in turn excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts in their feces and thus spread the infection. Information on T. gondii infections is spread in numerous reports and is not easily accessible to readers. Here, we review prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical disease, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of T. gondii infections in wild rodents worldwide. Data are tabulated by country, by each rodent species alphabetically, and chronologically. Recent genetic diversity of T. gondii strains in rodents is critically evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - C Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-0845
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