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Bartoš O, Klimešová B, Volfová K, Chmel M, Dresler J, Pajer P, Kabíčková H, Adamík P, Modrý D, Fučíková AM, Votýpka J. Two novel Bartonella (sub)species isolated from edible dormice ( Glis glis): hints of cultivation stress-induced genomic changes. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1289671. [PMID: 38033559 PMCID: PMC10684924 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1289671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonelloses are neglected emerging infectious diseases caused by facultatively intracellular bacteria transmitted between vertebrate hosts by various arthropod vectors. The highest diversity of Bartonella species has been identified in rodents. Within this study we focused on the edible dormouse (Glis glis), a rodent with unique life-history traits that often enters households and whose possible role in the epidemiology of Bartonella infections had been previously unknown. We identified and cultivated two distinct Bartonella sub(species) significantly diverging from previously described species, which were characterized using growth characteristics, biochemical tests, and various molecular techniques including also proteomics. Two novel (sub)species were described: Bartonella grahamii subsp. shimonis subsp. nov. and Bartonella gliris sp. nov. We sequenced two individual strains per each described (sub)species. During exploratory genomic analyses comparing two genotypes ultimately belonging to the same species, both factually and most importantly even spatiotemporally, we noticed unexpectedly significant structural variation between them. We found that most of the detected structural variants could be explained either by prophage excision or integration. Based on a detailed study of one such event, we argue that prophage deletion represents the most probable explanation of the observed phenomena. Moreover, in one strain of Bartonella grahamii subsp. shimonis subsp. nov. we identified a deletion related to Bartonella Adhesin A, a major pathogenicity factor that modulates bacteria-host interactions. Altogether, our results suggest that even a limited number of passages induced sufficient selective pressure to promote significant changes at the level of the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oldřich Bartoš
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
| | - Běla Klimešová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Karolina Volfová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martin Chmel
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiří Dresler
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Pajer
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
| | - Hana Kabíčková
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
| | - Peter Adamík
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czechia
- Museum of Natural History, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - David Modrý
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences/CINeZ, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Jan Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
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Krügel M, Król N, Kempf VAJ, Pfeffer M, Obiegala A. Emerging rodent-associated Bartonella: a threat for human health? Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:113. [PMID: 35361285 PMCID: PMC8969336 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05162-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Species of the genus Bartonella are facultative intracellular alphaproteobacteria with zoonotic potential. Bartonella infections in humans range from mild with unspecific symptoms to life threatening, and can be transmitted via arthropod vectors or through direct contact with infected hosts, although the latter mode of transmission is rare. Among the small mammals that harbour Bartonella spp., rodents are the most speciose group and harbour the highest diversity of these parasites. Human–rodent interactions are not unlikely as many rodent species live in proximity to humans. However, a surprisingly low number of clinical cases of bartonellosis related to rodent-associated Bartonella spp. have thus far been recorded in humans. Methods The main purpose of this review is to determine explanatory factors for this unexpected finding, by taking a closer look at published clinical cases of bartonellosis connected with rodent-associated Bartonella species, some of which have been newly described in recent years. Thus, another focus of this review are these recently proposed species. Conclusions Worldwide, only 24 cases of bartonellosis caused by rodent-associated bartonellae have been reported in humans. Possible reasons for this low number of cases in comparison to the high prevalences of Bartonella in small mammal species are (i) a lack of awareness amongst physicians of Bartonella infections in humans in general, and especially those caused by rodent-associated bartonellae; and (ii) a frequent lack of the sophisticated equipment required for the confirmation of Bartonella infections in laboratories that undertake routine diagnostic testing. As regards recently described Bartonella spp., there are presently 14 rodent-associated Candidatus taxa. In contrast to species which have been taxonomically classified, there is no official process for the review of proposed Candidatus species and their names before they are published. This had led to the use of malformed names that are not based on the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Researchers are thus encouraged to propose Candidatus names to the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes for approval before publishing them, and only to propose new species of Bartonella when the relevant datasets allow them to be clearly differentiated from known species and subspecies. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05162-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Krügel
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nina Król
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,National Consiliary Laboratory for Bartonella, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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3
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Volpiano CG, Sant'Anna FH, Ambrosini A, de São José JFB, Beneduzi A, Whitman WB, de Souza EM, Lisboa BB, Vargas LK, Passaglia LMP. Genomic Metrics Applied to Rhizobiales ( Hyphomicrobiales): Species Reclassification, Identification of Unauthentic Genomes and False Type Strains. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:614957. [PMID: 33841347 PMCID: PMC8026895 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.614957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Taxonomic decisions within the order Rhizobiales have relied heavily on the interpretations of highly conserved 16S rRNA sequences and DNA–DNA hybridizations (DDH). Currently, bacterial species are defined as including strains that present 95–96% of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and 70% of digital DDH (dDDH). Thus, ANI values from 520 genome sequences of type strains from species of Rhizobiales order were computed. From the resulting 270,400 comparisons, a ≥95% cut-off was used to extract high identity genome clusters through enumerating maximal cliques. Coupling this graph-based approach with dDDH from clusters of interest, it was found that: (i) there are synonymy between Aminobacter lissarensis and Aminobacter carboxidus, Aurantimonas manganoxydans and Aurantimonas coralicida, “Bartonella mastomydis,” and Bartonella elizabethae, Chelativorans oligotrophicus, and Chelativorans multitrophicus, Rhizobium azibense, and Rhizobium gallicum, Rhizobium fabae, and Rhizobium pisi, and Rhodoplanes piscinae and Rhodoplanes serenus; (ii) Chelatobacter heintzii is not a synonym of Aminobacter aminovorans; (iii) “Bartonella vinsonii” subsp. arupensis and “B. vinsonii” subsp. berkhoffii represent members of different species; (iv) the genome accessions GCF_003024615.1 (“Mesorhizobium loti LMG 6125T”), GCF_003024595.1 (“Mesorhizobium plurifarium LMG 11892T”), GCF_003096615.1 (“Methylobacterium organophilum DSM 760T”), and GCF_000373025.1 (“R. gallicum R-602 spT”) are not from the genuine type strains used for the respective species descriptions; and v) “Xanthobacter autotrophicus” Py2 and “Aminobacter aminovorans” KCTC 2477T represent cases of misuse of the term “type strain”. Aminobacter heintzii comb. nov. and the reclassification of Aminobacter ciceronei as A. heintzii is also proposed. To facilitate the downstream analysis of large ANI matrices, we introduce here ProKlust (“Prokaryotic Clusters”), an R package that uses a graph-based approach to obtain, filter, and visualize clusters on identity/similarity matrices, with settable cut-off points and the possibility of multiple matrices entries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Gazolla Volpiano
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fernando Hayashi Sant'Anna
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Adriana Ambrosini
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Anelise Beneduzi
- Departamento de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa Agropecuária, Secretaria Estadual da Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - William B Whitman
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Emanuel Maltempi de Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro Politécnico, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Bruno Brito Lisboa
- Departamento de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa Agropecuária, Secretaria Estadual da Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luciano Kayser Vargas
- Departamento de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa Agropecuária, Secretaria Estadual da Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Hördt A, López MG, Meier-Kolthoff JP, Schleuning M, Weinhold LM, Tindall BJ, Gronow S, Kyrpides NC, Woyke T, Göker M. Analysis of 1,000+ Type-Strain Genomes Substantially Improves Taxonomic Classification of Alphaproteobacteria. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:468. [PMID: 32373076 PMCID: PMC7179689 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The class Alphaproteobacteria is comprised of a diverse assemblage of Gram-negative bacteria that includes organisms of varying morphologies, physiologies and habitat preferences many of which are of clinical and ecological importance. Alphaproteobacteria classification has proved to be difficult, not least when taxonomic decisions rested heavily on a limited number of phenotypic features and interpretation of poorly resolved 16S rRNA gene trees. Despite progress in recent years regarding the classification of bacteria assigned to the class, there remains a need to further clarify taxonomic relationships. Here, draft genome sequences of a collection of genomes of more than 1000 Alphaproteobacteria and outgroup type strains were used to infer phylogenetic trees from genome-scale data using the principles drawn from phylogenetic systematics. The majority of taxa were found to be monophyletic but several orders, families and genera, including taxa recognized as problematic long ago but also quite recent taxa, as well as a few species were shown to be in need of revision. According proposals are made for the recognition of new orders, families and genera, as well as the transfer of a variety of species to other genera and of a variety of genera to other families. In addition, emended descriptions are given for many species mainly involving information on DNA G+C content and (approximate) genome size, both of which are confirmed as valuable taxonomic markers. Similarly, analysis of the gene content was shown to provide valuable taxonomic insights in the class. Significant incongruities between 16S rRNA gene and whole genome trees were not found in the class. The incongruities that became obvious when comparing the results of the present study with existing classifications appeared to be caused mainly by insufficiently resolved 16S rRNA gene trees or incomplete taxon sampling. Another probable cause of misclassifications in the past is the partially low overall fit of phenotypic characters to the sequence-based tree. Even though a significant degree of phylogenetic conservation was detected in all characters investigated, the overall fit to the tree varied considerably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Hördt
- Department of Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Marina García López
- Department of Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Jan P. Meier-Kolthoff
- Department of Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Marcel Schleuning
- Department of Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Lisa-Maria Weinhold
- Department of Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Brunswick, Germany
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Brian J. Tindall
- Department of Microorganisms, Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Sabine Gronow
- Department of Microorganisms, Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Nikos C. Kyrpides
- Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Tanja Woyke
- Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Markus Göker
- Department of Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Brunswick, Germany
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Arenas P, Gil-Alarcón G, Sánchez-Montes S, Soto-Trujillo MP, Fernández-Figueroa E, Rangel-Escareño C. Molecular detection of Bartonella, Ehrlichia and Mycoplasma in feral dogs of El Pedregal de San Angel Ecological Reserve in Mexico City. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:728-734. [PMID: 31721928 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Free-ranging and feral dogs represent a group of unattended companion animals. They impact wild animal populations by predating native species, displacing predators and introducing exotic pathogens. The aim of this work was to describe the molecular occurrence of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Mycoplasma and Bartonella in feral dogs. The study was carried out in the last relict of a protected area in Mexico City. Blood clots samples from 19 dogs were obtained and analyzed for detection of specific fragments of the 16S-rRNA gene for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Mycoplasma and citrate synthase (gltA) for Bartonella and Rickettsia. Our results showed that DNA from three bacteria species (Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, Ehrlichia canis and Mycoplasma haemocanis) was present with frequencies ranging from 5.3 to 15.8%. This is the first record of B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and M. haemocanis in dogs from México, and also the first finding of Ehrlichia canis in Mexico City. It is important to perform surveillance of feral dog populations in order to identify the impact of these pathogens on wild animal populations and Public Health in order to establish prevention and protection programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Arenas
- Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel - REPSA, Secretaría de la Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México - UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guillermo Gil-Alarcón
- Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel - REPSA, Secretaría de la Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México - UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México - UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mariana Paola Soto-Trujillo
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México - UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edith Fernández-Figueroa
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México - UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Genómica Computacional, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia Rangel-Escareño
- Laboratorio de Genómica Computacional, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
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Breitschwerdt EB, Maggi RG. My Mother's Story: Tick Borne Ehrlichiosis and a Life Well-Lived. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 20:319-324. [PMID: 31841654 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Davis AZ, Jaffe DA, Honadel TE, Lapsley WD, Wilber-Raymond JL, Kasten RW, Chomel BB. Prevalence of Bartonella sp. in United States military working dogs with infectious endocarditis: a retrospective case-control study. J Vet Cardiol 2019; 27:1-9. [PMID: 31830708 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bartonella infection has been associated with endocarditis in humans, dogs, cats and cattle. In order to evaluate the importance of this pathogen as a possible source of endocarditis in United States military working dogs (MWDs), we performed a retrospective case-control study on 26 dogs with histological diagnosis of culture negative endocarditis (n = 18), endomyocarditis (n = 5) or endocardiosis (n = 3) and 28 control dogs without any histological cardiac lesions. METHODS DNA was extracted from paraffin embedded cardiac valves and tissues from case and control dogs and submitted to PCR testing with primers targeting the Bartonella gltA gene. PCR-RFLP using four restriction endonucleases and partial sequencing was then performed to determine the Bartonella species involved. RESULTS Nineteen (73%) cases were PCR positive for Bartonella, including B. henselae (8 dogs), B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (6 dogs), B. washoensis (2 dogs) and B. elizabethae (1 dog). Only one control dog was weakly PCR positive for Bartonella. Based on the type of histological diagnosis, 13 (72.2%) dogs with endocarditis, 3 (60%) dogs with endomyocarditis and all 3 dogs with endocardiosis were Bartonella PCR positive. CONCLUSIONS Bartonella sp. Infections were correlated with cardiopathies in US military working dogs. Systemic use of insecticides against ectoparasites and regular testing of MWDs for Bartonella infection seem highly appropriate to prevent such life-threatening exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Z Davis
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - D A Jaffe
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - T E Honadel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Army Public Health Center (APHC), 5158 Blackhawk Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010-5403, USA
| | - W D Lapsley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - J L Wilber-Raymond
- Comparative Pathology Branch, Pathology Division, United States Army Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - R W Kasten
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - B B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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Álvarez-Fernández A, Breitschwerdt EB, Solano-Gallego L. Bartonella infections in cats and dogs including zoonotic aspects. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:624. [PMID: 30514361 PMCID: PMC6280416 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonellosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution that can infect humans and a large number of mammals including small companion animals (cats and dogs). In recent years, an increasing number of studies from around the world have reported Bartonella infections, although publications have predominantly focused on the North American perspective. Currently, clinico-pathological data from Europe are more limited, suggesting that bartonellosis may be an infrequent or underdiagnosed infectious disease in cats and dogs. Research is needed to confirm or exclude Bartonella infection as a cause of a spectrum of feline and canine diseases. Bartonella spp. can cause acute or chronic infections in cats, dogs and humans. On a comparative medical basis, different clinical manifestations, such as periods of intermittent fever, granulomatous inflammation involving the heart, liver, lymph nodes and other tissues, endocarditis, bacillary angiomatosis, peliosis hepatis, uveitis and vasoproliferative tumors have been reported in cats, dogs and humans. The purpose of this review is to provide an update and European perspective on Bartonella infections in cats and dogs, including clinical, diagnostic, epidemiological, pathological, treatment and zoonotic aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Álvarez-Fernández
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607 USA
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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Breitschwerdt EB, Maggi RG. Bartonella quintana and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. vinsonii bloodstream co-infection in a girl from North Carolina, USA. Med Microbiol Immunol 2018; 208:101-107. [PMID: 30250981 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-018-0563-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The genus Bartonella consists of globally distributed and highly diverse alpha-proteobacteria that infect a wide-range of mammals. Medically, Bartonella spp. constitute emerging, vector-borne, zoonotic, intravascular organisms that induce long-lasting bacteremia in reservoir-adapted (passive carrier of a microorganism) hosts. At times, these bacteria are accidentally transmitted by animal scratches, bites, needles sticks or vectors to animal or human hosts. We report the first documented human case of blood stream infection with Bartonella vinsonii subsp. vinsonii in a girl from North Carolina, USA, who was co-infected with Bartonella quintana. Limitations of Bartonella spp. serology and the challenges of microbiological culture and molecular diagnostic confirmation of co-infection with more than one Bartonella spp. are discussed. When and where these infections were acquired is unknown; however, exposure to rodents, fleas and cats in the peri-equestrian environment was a suspected source for transmission of both organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
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Roura X, Santamarina G, Tabar MD, Francino O, Altet L. Polymerase chain reaction detection of Bartonella spp. in dogs from Spain with blood culture-negative infectious endocarditis. J Vet Cardiol 2018; 20:267-275. [PMID: 29807750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The presence of Bartonella spp. was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in dogs from Spain with blood culture-negative endocarditis. The aim of this study is to add information about canine infectious endocarditis in Europe. ANIMALS Thirty dogs with naturally occurring blood culture-negative endocarditis were examined from 2010 to 2017 at three veterinary referral hospitals, located in northwest, northeast, and southeast of Spain. METHODS It is a retrospective study. Medical records were reviewed to extract relevant data. Frozen or paraffin-embedded cardiac valve tissue and/or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid blood samples were evaluated by PCR for the presence of Bartonella DNA. Positive results were sequenced to confirm the species. RESULTS Polymerase chain reaction was positive for eight out of 30 dogs included (26.6%). Bartonella rochalimae, Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, and Bartonella koehlerae were detected in valve tissue or blood. CONCLUSIONS Bartonella could be an important cause of blood culture-negative infectious endocarditis in dogs from Spain. The outcome for those dogs affected with Bartonella spp. was grave. Prompt empirical treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanate plus fluoroquinolones could be of value in cases of blood culture-negative endocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - G Santamarina
- Hospital Veterinario Universitario Rof Codina, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - M-D Tabar
- Hospital Veterinario San Vicente, Calle Del Veterinario Manuel Isidro Rodríguez García N°17, San Vicente Del Raspeig, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - O Francino
- Molecular Genetics Veterinary Service, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Altet
- Vetgenomics, Edifici Eureka, Parc de Recerca de La UAB, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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BARTONELLA ROCHALIMAE AND B. VINSONII SUBSP. BERKHOFFII IN WILD CARNIVORES FROM COLORADO, USA. J Wildl Dis 2016; 52:844-849. [PMID: 27529290 DOI: 10.7589/2016-01-015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Spleen samples from 292 wild carnivores from Colorado, US were screened for Bartonella infection. Bartonella DNA was detected in coyotes ( Canis latrans ) (28%), striped skunks ( Mephitis mephitis ) (23%), red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) (27%), and raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) (8%) but not in black bears ( Ursus americanus ), gray foxes ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus ), and mountain lions ( Puma concolor ). Two Bartonella species, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and B. rochalimae, were identified. All 10 infected striped skunks exclusively carried B. rochalimae while coyotes, red foxes, and raccoons could be infected with both Bartonella species. Five of seven infected coyotes carried B. v. berkhoffii whereas five of seven infected red foxes and 11 of 14 infected raccoons carried B. rochalimae. Further studies are needed to understand relationships between Bartonella species, wild carnivores, and their ectoparasites.
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Regier Y, O Rourke F, Kempf VAJ. Bartonella spp. - a chance to establish One Health concepts in veterinary and human medicine. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:261. [PMID: 27161111 PMCID: PMC4862191 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1546-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases remain a remarkable health threat for humans and animals. In the past, the epidemiology, etiology and pathology of infectious agents affecting humans and animals have mostly been investigated in separate studies. However, it is evident, that combined approaches are needed to understand geographical distribution, transmission and infection biology of “zoonotic agents”. The genus Bartonella represents a congenial example of the synergistic benefits that can arise from such combined approaches: Bartonella spp. infect a broad variety of animals, are linked with a constantly increasing number of human diseases and are transmitted via arthropod vectors. As a result, the genus Bartonella is predestined to play a pivotal role in establishing a One Health concept combining veterinary and human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Regier
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Fiona O Rourke
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Jiyipong T, Jittapalapong S, Morand S, Rolain JM. Bartonella species in small mammals and their potential vectors in Asia. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014. [DOI: 10.12980/apjtb.4.2014c742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Minnick MF, Anderson BE, Lima A, Battisti JM, Lawyer PG, Birtles RJ. Oroya fever and verruga peruana: bartonelloses unique to South America. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2919. [PMID: 25032975 PMCID: PMC4102455 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella bacilliformis is the bacterial agent of Carrión's disease and is presumed to be transmitted between humans by phlebotomine sand flies. Carrión's disease is endemic to high-altitude valleys of the South American Andes, and the first reported outbreak (1871) resulted in over 4,000 casualties. Since then, numerous outbreaks have been documented in endemic regions, and over the last two decades, outbreaks have occurred at atypical elevations, strongly suggesting that the area of endemicity is expanding. Approximately 1.7 million South Americans are estimated to be at risk in an area covering roughly 145,000 km2 of Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. Although disease manifestations vary, two disparate syndromes can occur independently or sequentially. The first, Oroya fever, occurs approximately 60 days following the bite of an infected sand fly, in which infection of nearly all erythrocytes results in an acute hemolytic anemia with attendant symptoms of fever, jaundice, and myalgia. This phase of Carrión's disease often includes secondary infections and is fatal in up to 88% of patients without antimicrobial intervention. The second syndrome, referred to as verruga peruana, describes the endothelial cell-derived, blood-filled tumors that develop on the surface of the skin. Verrugae are rarely fatal, but can bleed and scar the patient. Moreover, these persistently infected humans provide a reservoir for infecting sand flies and thus maintaining B. bacilliformis in nature. Here, we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding this life-threatening, neglected bacterial pathogen and review its host-cell parasitism, molecular pathogenesis, phylogeny, sand fly vectors, diagnostics, and prospects for control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Minnick
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Burt E. Anderson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Amorce Lima
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - James M. Battisti
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Phillip G. Lawyer
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Richard J. Birtles
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
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Yore K, DiGangi B, Brewer M, Balakrishnan N, Breitschwerdt EB, Lappin M. Flea species infesting dogs in Florida and Bartonella spp. prevalence rates. Vet Parasitol 2013; 199:225-9. [PMID: 24268654 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2013] [Revised: 10/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Several Bartonella spp. associated with fleas can induce a variety of clinical syndromes in both dogs and humans. However, few studies have investigated the prevalence of Bartonella in the blood of dogs and their fleas. The objectives of this study were to determine the genera of fleas infesting shelter dogs in Florida, the prevalence of Bartonella spp. within the fleas, and the prevalence of Bartonella spp. within the blood of healthy dogs from which the fleas were collected. Fleas, serum, and EDTA-anti-coagulated whole blood were collected from 80 healthy dogs, and total DNA was extracted for PCR amplification of Bartonella spp. The genera of fleas infesting 43 of the dogs were determined phenotypically. PCR amplicons from blood and flea pools were sequenced to confirm the Bartonella species. Amplicons for which sequencing revealed homology to Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (Bvb) underwent specific genotyping by targeting the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region. A total of 220 fleas were collected from 80 dogs and pooled by genus (43 dogs) and flea species. Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified from 14 of 80 dog blood samples (17.5%) and from 9 of 80 pooled fleas (11.3%). B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii DNA was amplified from nine dogs and five of the flea pools. Bartonella rochalimae (Br) DNA was amplified from six dogs and two flea pools. One of 14 dogs was co-infected with Bvb and Br. The dog was infested with Pulex spp. fleas containing Br DNA and a single Ctenocephalides felis flea. Of the Bvb bacteremic dogs, five and four were infected with genotypes II and I, respectively. Of the Bvb PCR positive flea pools, three were Bvb genotype II and two were Bvb genotype I. Amplification of Bvb DNA from Pulex spp. collected from domestic dogs, suggests that Pulex fleas may be a vector for dogs and a source for zoonotic transfer of this pathogen from dogs to people. The findings of this study provide evidence to support the hypothesis that flea-infested dogs may be a reservoir host for Bvb and Br and that ectoparasite control is an important component of shelter intake protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yore
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO, United States.
| | - B DiGangi
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - M Brewer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - N Balakrishnan
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | | | - M Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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16
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Breitschwerdt EB, Linder KL, Day MJ, Maggi RG, Chomel BB, Kempf VAJ. Koch's postulates and the pathogenesis of comparative infectious disease causation associated with Bartonella species. J Comp Pathol 2013; 148:115-25. [PMID: 23453733 PMCID: PMC7094375 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In his homage to Lucretius (‘Georgica’), Vergil is credited with stating: ‘Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas’ (‘Fortunate is he who knows the causes of things’). Based on numerous commentaries and publications it is obvious that clinicians, diagnosticians and biomedical research scientists continue to struggle with disease causation, particularly in the assessment of the pathogenic role of ‘stealth pathogens’ that produce persistent infections in the host. Bartonella species, because of their evolutionary ability to induce persistent intravascular infections, present substantial challenges for researchers attempting to clarify the ability of these stealth bacteria to cause disease. By studying the comparative biological and pathological behaviour of microbes across mammalian genera, researchers might be able more rapidly to advance medical science and, subsequently, patient care by undertaking focused research efforts involving a single mammalian species or by attempting to recapitulate a complex disease in an rodent model. Therefore, in an effort to further assist in the establishment of disease causation by stealth pathogens, we use recent research observations involving the genus Bartonella to propose an additional postulate of comparative infectious disease causation to Koch's postulates.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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Gundi VAKB, Kosoy MY, Makundi RH, Laudisoit A. Identification of diverse Bartonella genotypes among small mammals from Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 87:319-26. [PMID: 22855765 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.11-0555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Small mammals from the Democratic Republic (DR) of the Congo and Tanzania were tested to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella species. The presence of Bartonella DNA was assessed in spleen samples of the animals by rpoB- and gltA-polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). By rpoB-PCR, Bartonella was detected in 8 of 59 animals of DR Congo and in 16 of 39 Tanzanian animals. By gltA-PCR, Bartonella was detected in 5 and 15 animals of DR Congo and Tanzania, respectively. The gene sequences from Arvicanthis neumanni were closely related to Bartonella elizabethae. The genotypes from Lophuromys spp. and from Praomys delectorum were close to Bartonella tribocorum. Five genogroups were not genetically related to any known Bartonella species. These results suggest the need to conduct further studies to establish the zoonotic risks linked with those Bartonella species and, in particular, to verify whether these agents might be responsible for human cases of febrile illness of unknown etiology in Africa.
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Invasion of canine erythrocytes by Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii. Vet Microbiol 2012; 156:213-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Revised: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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19
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Beerlage C, Varanat M, Linder K, Maggi RG, Cooley J, Kempf VAJ, Breitschwerdt EB. Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and Bartonella henselae as potential causes of proliferative vascular diseases in animals. Med Microbiol Immunol 2012; 201:319-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s00430-012-0234-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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20
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Kosoy M, Hayman DTS, Chan KS. Bartonella bacteria in nature: where does population variability end and a species start? INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2012; 12:894-904. [PMID: 22449771 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2011] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The application of new molecular approaches has permitted the differentiation of numerous strains belonging to the genus Bartonella and identification of new Bartonella species. However, the molecular typing of these organisms should be coupled with studies aimed at defining the biological properties of the newly described species. The long-history of co-adaptation between bartonella(1) bacteria and their mammalian hosts and possibly arthropod vectors provides a unique opportunity for applying this information for the sub-genus taxonomy. There can be a varying level of association between the bacteria and their hosts, ranging from animal species to animal genus to animal community. The commonality is that any level of association provides a certain degree of isolation for a given bartonella population that can mimic 'biological isolation'. Such an association defines a specific ecological niche and determines some specific characteristics, including sequence types that can be used as markers for demarcation of bacterial species. Usage of a combination of genetic markers and ecological information can delineate a number of species complexes that might combine several genospecies, named strains, and unique genotypes. The identification of such species complexes can be presented as (1) separate phylogenetic lineages distantly related to other species (e.g. Bartonella bacilliformis); (2) clusters of genetically similar strains associated with a specific mammalian group (e.g. Bartonella elizabethae species complex); and (3) clusters of genetically similar strains that combine a number of ecotypes (e.g. Bartonella vinsonii species complex).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kosoy
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521, USA.
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21
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Billeter SA, Kasten RW, Killmaster LF, Breitschwerdt EB, Levin ML, Levy MG, Kosoy MY, Chomel BB. Experimental infection by capillary tube feeding of Rhipicephalus sanguineus with Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2011; 35:9-15. [PMID: 22062313 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
It has been speculated that ticks may serve as vectors of Bartonella species. Circumstantial, clinical, epidemiological and serological evidence suggest that B. vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii (B. v. berkhoffii) might be transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether adult R. sanguineus ticks can be infected with a B. v. berkhoffii genotype II isolate via capillary tube feeding and whether the infection can then be transmitted from adult females to their eggs via trans-ovarial transmission. Furthermore, tick fecal material was also collected and screened as a possible source of infectious inoculum for canine infections. B. v. berkhoffii DNA was detected in 50% (7 of 14) of females that did not oviposit and in 14.3% (2 of 14) of female ticks that laid eggs, but not detected in egg clutches (100 eggs/female). DNA was also detected in tick feces collected on days 2 through 6 post-capillary tube feeding, however, dogs (n=3) did not become bacteremic or seroconvert when inoculated with tick fecal material. Therefore, trans-ovarial transmission of B. v. berkhoffii by R. sanguineus is unlikely, but further studies are needed to determine if tick fecal material can serve as a source of infection to canines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Billeter
- Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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22
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Biswas S, Rolain JM. Bartonella infection: treatment and drug resistance. Future Microbiol 2011; 5:1719-31. [PMID: 21133691 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.10.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella species, which belong to the α-2 subgroup of Proteobacteria, are fastidious Gram-negative bacteria that are highly adapted to their mammalian host reservoirs. Bartonella species are responsible for different clinical conditions affecting humans, including Carrion's disease, cat scratch disease, trench fever, bacillary angiomatosis, endocarditis and peliosis hepatis. While some of these diseases can resolve spontaneously without treatment, in other cases, the disease is fatal without antibiotic treatment. In this article, we discuss the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Bartonella species, detected using several methods. We also provide an overview of Bartonella infection in humans and animals and discuss the antibiotic treatment recommendations for the different infections, treatment failure and the molecular mechanism of antibiotic resistance in these bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silpak Biswas
- CNRS-IRD, UMR 6236, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Université de la Méditerranée, 27 boulevard Jean-Moulin, Marseille cedex 05, France
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23
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Lamas CC, Mares-Guia MA, Rozental T, Moreira N, Favacho ARM, Barreira J, Guterres A, Bóia MN, de Lemos ERS. Bartonella spp. infection in HIV positive individuals, their pets and ectoparasites in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: serological and molecular study. Acta Trop 2010; 115:137-41. [PMID: 20206113 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2010.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2010] [Revised: 02/20/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bartonella is the agent of cat-scratch disease, but is also responsible for more severe conditions such as retinitis, meningoencephalitis, endocarditis and bacillary angiomatosis. Its seroprevalence is unknown in Brazil. METHODS Patients in an AIDS clinic, asymptomatic at the time of the study, were enrolled prospectively. They answered a structured questionnaire and had blood taken for serological and molecular assays. Cat breeder's pets were tested serologically and collected ectoparasites were tested by molecular biology techniques. Blood donors, paired by age and sex, were tested for Bartonella IgG antibodies. RESULTS 125 HIV positive patients with a median age of 34 were studied; 61 were male and 75% were on HAART. Mean most recent CD4 count was 351-500 cells/mm(3). A high rate of contact with ticks, fleas and lice was observed. Bartonella IgG seroreactivity rate was 38.4% in HIV positive individuals and breeding cats was closely associated with infection (OR 3.6, CI 1.1-11.9, p<0.05). No difference was found between the sexes. Titers were 1:32 in 39 patients, 1:64 in seven, 1:128 in one and 1:256 in one. In the control group, IgG seroreactivity to Bartonella spp. was 34%, and female sex was correlated to seropositivity. Fourteen of 61 (23%) males vs 29/64 (45.3%) females were seroreactive to Bartonella (OR 2.8, CI 1.2-6.5, p<0.01). Titers were 1:32 in 29 patients, 1:64 in ten and 1:128 in four. CONCLUSIONS Bartonella spp. seroprevalence is high in HIV positive and in blood donors in Rio de Janeiro. This may be of public health relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane C Lamas
- Laboratório de Hantaviroses e Rickettsioses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Yager JA, Best SJ, Maggi RG, Varanat M, Znajda N, Breitschwerdt EB. Bacillary angiomatosis in an immunosuppressed dog. Vet Dermatol 2010; 21:420-8. [PMID: 20374571 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2010.00879.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A dog being treated with immunosuppressive doses of prednisone and azathioprine for pancytopenia of unknown origin, developed, over a 2-week period, multiple erythematous nodular lesions in the skin including footpads. Skin samples revealed lesions identical to those of human bacillary angiomatosis (BA). The nodules were composed of multifocal proliferations of capillaries, each lined by protuberant endothelial cells. The capillary clusters were separated by an oedematous connective tissue, lightly infiltrated with degenerate inflammatory cells, including neutrophils and macrophages. Tissue sections stained with Warthin-Starry silver stain revealed large numbers of positively stained bacilli in the stromal tissue, most heavily concentrated around the proliferating capillaries. Lesions of vascular degeneration and inflammation were evident. Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotype 1 was independently amplified and sequenced from the blood and the skin tissue. The pathognomonic nature of the histological lesions, demonstration of compatible silver-stained bacilli in the tissue, and identification of B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii in the blood and tissue indicates that this is most likely the aetiologic agent responsible for the lesions. Antibiotic therapy was successful in resolving the nodules. It would appear that B. vinsonii subsp berkhoffii, like Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana, has the rare ability to induce angioproliferative lesions, most likely in association with immunosuppression. The demonstration of lesions identical to those of human BA in this dog is further evidence that the full range of clinical manifestations of human Bartonella infection occurs also in canines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Yager
- Yager-Best Veterinary Surgical Pathology, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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Celebi B, Carhan A, Kilic S, Babur C. Detection and genetic diversity of Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii strains isolated from dogs in Ankara, Turkey. J Vet Med Sci 2010; 72:969-73. [PMID: 20234114 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.09-0466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii has been identified as an important pathogen in dogs and is an emerging pathogen in people with zoonotic potential. This study aimed to isolate Bartonella spp. in 250 blood samples collected from dogs in the province of Ankara, Turkey, between October 2006 and March 2007. The typing of the 23 isolates was carried out by PCR for citrate synthase (gltA) and the 16S-23S intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS). The prevalence of bacteremia was 9.2% in 250 samples. Among 170 shelter dogs, 21 (12.4%) were bacteremic for B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, while the B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii bacteremia rate was 5% (2/40) for the stray dogs. B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii was not isolated from the pet dogs. The prevalence of bacteremia was found to be 25.5% (13/51) in shelter dogs aged less than one year old. All of the isolates were identified as B.vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotype III. In some isolates, MseI digest for gltA was found to be different from the American and European strains due to a single nucleotide change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekir Celebi
- Department of Communicable Diseases Research, Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency, Ankara, Turkey.
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26
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Perez C, Hummel JB, Keene BW, Maggi RG, Diniz PPVP, Breitschwerdt EB. Successful treatment of Bartonella henselae endocarditis in a cat. J Feline Med Surg 2010; 12:483-6. [PMID: 20138559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2009.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This report describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of a cat with vegetative valvular endocarditis temporally associated with natural infection with Bartonella henselae. Lethargy, abnormal gait and weakness were the main clinical signs that resulted in referral for diagnostic evaluation. Using a novel and sensitive culture approach, B henselae was isolated from the blood. Following antibiotic therapy there was total resolution of clinical signs, the heart murmur, the valvular lesion by echocardiography, and no Bartonella species was isolated or amplified from a post-treatment blood culture. In conjunction with previous case reports, infective endocarditis can be associated with natural B henselae infection in cats; however, early diagnosis and treatment may result in a better prognosis than previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Perez
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, NC, United States
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27
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CELEBI B, TAYLAN OZKAN A, KILIC S, AKCA A, KOENHEMSI L, PASA S, YILDIZ K, MAMAK N, GUZEL M. Seroprevalence of Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii in Urban and Rural Dogs in Turkey. J Vet Med Sci 2010; 72:1491-4. [DOI: 10.1292/jvms.10-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bekir CELEBI
- Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency, Communicable Diseases Research Department
| | - Aysegul TAYLAN OZKAN
- Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency, Communicable Diseases Research Department
| | - Selcuk KILIC
- Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency, Communicable Diseases Research Department
| | - Atilla AKCA
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kafkas
| | - Lora KOENHEMSI
- Deparment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Istanbul
| | - Serdar PASA
- Deparment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Adnan Menderes
| | - Kader YILDIZ
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Krkkale
| | - Nuri MAMAK
- Deparment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mehmet Akif Ersoy
| | - Murat GUZEL
- Deparment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mustafa Kemal
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28
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Billeter SA, Diniz PPVP, Battisti JM, Munderloh UG, Breitschwerdt EB, Levy MG. Infection and replication of Bartonella species within a tick cell line. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2009; 49:193-208. [PMID: 19242658 PMCID: PMC4465226 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-009-9255-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2008] [Accepted: 02/11/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella species are fastidious, gram negative bacteria, some of which are transmitted by arthropod vectors, including fleas, sandflies, and lice. There is very little information regarding the interaction and/or transmission capabilities of Bartonella species by ticks. In the present study, we demonstrate successful infection of the Amblyomma americanum cell line, AAE12, by seven Bartonella isolates and three Candidatus Bartonella species by electron or light microscopy. With the exception of Bartonella bovis, infection with all other examined Bartonella species induced cytopathic effects characterized by heavy cellular vacuolization and eventually cell lysis. Furthermore, using quantitative real time PCR (qPCR), we demonstrated significant amplification of two B. henselae genotype I isolates in the A. americanum cell line over a 5 days period. Ultimately, tick-cell derived Bartonella antigens may prove useful for the development of more sensitive diagnostic reagents and may assist in the development of an effective vaccine to prevent the further spread of disease caused by these organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Billeter
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Room 456, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Pedro Paulo V. P. Diniz
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Room 456, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - James M. Battisti
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | | | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Room 456, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Michael G. Levy
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Room 456, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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29
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Chomel BB, Kasten R, Williams C, Wey A, Henn J, Maggi R, Carrasco S, Mazet J, Boulouis H, Maillard R, Breitschwerdt E. Bartonella Endocarditis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1166:120-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04523.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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30
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Inoue K, Kabeya H, Kosoy MY, Bai Y, Smirnov G, McColl D, Artsob H, Maruyama S. Evolutional and geographical relationships of Bartonella grahamii isolates from wild rodents by multi-locus sequencing analysis. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2009; 57:534-541. [PMID: 19219487 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-009-9488-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2008] [Accepted: 01/19/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
To clarify the relationship between Bartonella grahamii strains and both the rodent host species and the geographic location of the rodent habitat, we have investigated 31 B. grahamii strains from ten rodent host species from Asia (Japan and China), North America (Canada and the USA), and Europe (Russia and the UK). On the basis of multi-locus sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA, ftsZ, gltA, groEL, ribC, and rpoB, the strains were classified into two large groups, an Asian group and an American/European group. In addition, the strains examined were clearly clustered according to the geographic locations where the rodents had been captured. In the phylogenetic analysis based on gltA, the Japanese strains were divided into two subgroups: one close to strains from China, and the other related to strains from Far Eastern Russia. Thus, these observations suggest that the B. grahamii strains distributed in Japanese rodents originated from two different geographic regions. In the American/European group, B. grahamii from the North American continent showed an ancestral lineage and strict host specificity; by contrast, European strains showed low host specificity. The phylogenetic analysis and host specificity of B. grahamii raise the possibility that B. grahamii strains originating in the North American continent were distributed to European countries by adapting to various rodent hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Inoue
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
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31
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Breitschwerdt EB, Maggi RG. A confusing case of canine vector-borne disease: clinical signs and progression in a dog co-infected with Ehrlichia canis and Bartonella vinsonii ssp. berkhoffii. Parasit Vectors 2009; 2 Suppl 1:S3. [PMID: 19426442 PMCID: PMC2679395 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-2-s1-s3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are important pathogens in human and veterinary medicine, and bartonellosis is considered as an emerging zoonosis that is being reported with increasing frequency. Of 22 known species and subspecies of Bartonella, seven have been isolated from dogs, causing disease manifestations similar to those seen in human beings. The wide variety of clinical signs and the possible chronic progression of disease manifestations are illustrated in the case of an infected Labrador retriever. Here, the authors discuss the seemingly diverse spectrum of disease manifestations, the co-infections of Bartonella spp. with other vector-borne pathogens (mainly Ehrlichia spp. or Babesia spp.) and the difficulties in microbiological confirmation of an active Bartonella infection, all of which make the disease pathogenesis and clinical diagnosis more problematic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
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32
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Molecular documentation of Bartonella infection in dogs in Greece and Italy. J Clin Microbiol 2009; 47:1565-7. [PMID: 19261798 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00082-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reports the occurrence of "Bartonella rochalimae" in Europe and the presence of Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotypes II and III in dogs in southern Italy and provides DNA sequencing evidence of a potentially new Bartonella sp. infecting dogs in Greece and Italy.
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33
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Lin JW, Chen CY, Chen WC, Chomel BB, Chang CC. Isolation of Bartonella species from rodents in Taiwan including a strain closely related to 'Bartonella rochalimae' from Rattus norvegicus. J Med Microbiol 2009; 57:1496-1501. [PMID: 19018019 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.2008/004671-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of Bartonella species originally isolated from small mammals have been identified as emerging human pathogens. During an investigation of Bartonella infection in rodent populations carried out in Taiwan in 2006, a total of 58 rodents were tested. It was determined that 10.3 % (6/58) of the animals were Bartonella bacteraemic. After PCR/RFLP analysis, four isolates were identified as Bartonella elizabethae and one isolate as Bartonella tribocorum. However, there was one specific isolate with an unrecognized PCR/RFLP pattern. After further sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the gltA, ftsZ and rpoB genes, and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region, the results indicated that this specific isolate from Rattus norvegicus was closely related to human pathogenic 'Bartonella rochalimae'. Further studies need to be conducted to evaluate whether this rodent species could be a reservoir for 'B. rochalimae'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Wei Lin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Chen
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Public Health, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ching Chen
- Department of Safety Health and Environmental Engineering, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung 406, Taiwan
| | - Bruno B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Chao-Chin Chang
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Public Health, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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34
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Infective endocarditis in a dog and the phylogenetic relationship of the associated "Bartonella rochalimae" strain with isolates from dogs, gray foxes, and a human. J Clin Microbiol 2008; 47:787-90. [PMID: 19109472 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01351-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The first case of canine endocarditis caused by "Bartonella rochalimae" is reported. By PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, sequence, and phylogenetic analyses, Bartonella isolates from a dog with endocarditis, 22 gray foxes, and three dogs, described as B. clarridgeiae like, were confirmed to belong to the new species "B. rochalimae," suggesting canids as the natural reservoir.
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35
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Harms CA, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB, Clemons-Chevis CL, Solangi M, Rotstein DS, Fair PA, Hansen LJ, Hohn AA, Lovewell GN, McLellan WA, Pabst DA, Rowles TK, Schwacke LH, Townsend FI, Wells RS. Bartonellaspecies detection in captive, stranded and free-ranging cetaceans. Vet Res 2008; 39:59. [DOI: 10.1051/vetres:2008036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2008] [Accepted: 08/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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36
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Welc-Faleciak R, Paziewska A, Bajer A, Behnke JM, Siński E. Bartonellaspp. Infection in Rodents from Different Habitats in the Mazury Lake District, Northeast Poland. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2008; 8:467-74. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2007.0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Welc-Faleciak
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Paziewska
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy M. Behnke
- School of Biology, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Siński
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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37
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Bai Y, Kosoy MY, Ray C, Brinkerhoff RJ, Collinge SK. Temporal and spatial patterns of Bartonella infection in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2008; 56:373-382. [PMID: 18176820 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-007-9355-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2007] [Revised: 10/29/2007] [Accepted: 12/14/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We describe the temporal dynamics and spatial distribution of Bartonella in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) based on a longitudinal study conducted in 20 black-tailed prairie dog (BTPD) colonies in Boulder County, CO from 2003 to 2005. Bartonella infection was widely distributed in all colonies with an overall prevalence of 23.1%, but varied by colony from 4.8% to 42.5% and by year from 9.1 to 39.0%, with a marked increase in Bartonella activity in 2005. Levels of bacteremia varied from 40 to 12,000 colony forming units (CFU) per milliliter of BTPD blood, but were highly skewed with a median of 240 CFU. Bartonella infection rates were unimodal with respect to BTPD body mass, first increasing among growing juveniles, then declining among adults. Infection rates exhibited a sigmoidal response to body mass, such that 700g may prove to be a useful threshold value to evaluate the likelihood of Bartonella infection in BTPDs. Bartonella prevalence increased throughout the testing season for each year, as newly emerged juveniles developed bacteremia. Data from recaptured animals suggest that Bartonella infections did not persist in individual BTPDs, which may explain the relatively low prevalence of Bartonella in BTPDs compared to other rodent species. No association was found between Bartonella prevalence and host population density. Prevalence did not differ between males and females. The spatio-temporal pattern of Bartonella infection among colonies suggests epizootic spread from northern to central and southern portions of the study area. The potential significance of the BTPD-associated Bartonella for public health needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Bai
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
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38
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Bai Y, Kosoy MY, Cully JF, Bala T, Ray C, Collinge SK. Acquisition of nonspecific Bartonella strains by the northern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys leucogaster). FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2007; 61:438-48. [PMID: 17672850 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2007.00364.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodent-associated Bartonella species are generally host-specific parasites in North America. Here evidence that Bartonella species can 'jump' between host species is presented. Northern grasshopper mice and other rodents were trapped in the western USA. A study of Bartonella infection in grasshopper mice demonstrated a high prevalence that varied from 25% to 90% by location. Bartonella infection was detected in other rodent species with a high prevalence as well. Sequence analyses of gltA identified 29 Bartonella variants in rodents, 10 of which were obtained from grasshopper mice. Among these 10, only six variants were specific to grasshopper mice, whereas four were identical to variants specific to deer mice or 13-lined ground squirrels. Fourteen of 90 sequenced isolates obtained from grasshopper mice were strains found more commonly in other rodent species and were apparently acquired from these animals. The ecological behavior of grasshopper mice may explain the occurrence of Bartonella strains in occasional hosts. The observed rate at which Bartonella jumps from a donor host species to the grasshopper mouse was directly proportional to a metric of donor host density and to the prevalence of Bartonella in the donor host, and inversely proportional to the same parameters for the grasshopper mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Bai
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
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39
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Diniz PPVDP, Maggi RG, Schwartz DS, Cadenas MB, Bradley JM, Hegarty B, Breitschwerdt EB. Canine bartonellosis: serological and molecular prevalence in Brazil and evidence of co-infection with Bartonella henselae and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii. Vet Res 2007; 38:697-710. [PMID: 17583666 DOI: 10.1051/vetres:2007023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2006] [Accepted: 04/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the serological and molecular prevalence of Bartonella spp. infection in a sick dog population from Brazil. At the São Paulo State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Botucatu, 198 consecutive dogs with clinicopathological abnormalities consistent with tick-borne infections were sampled. Antibodies to Bartonella henselae and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii were detected in 2.0% (4/197) and 1.5% (3/197) of the dogs, respectively. Using 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) primers, Bartonella DNA was amplified from only 1/198 blood samples. Bartonella seroreactive and/or PCR positive blood samples (n=8) were inoculated into a liquid pre-enrichment growth medium (BAPGM) and subsequently sub-inoculated onto BAPGM/blood-agar plates. PCR targeting the ITS region, pap31 and rpoB genes amplified B. henselae from the blood and/or isolates of the PCR positive dog (ITS: DQ346666; pap31 gene: DQ351240; rpoB: EF196806). B. henselae and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (pap31: DQ906160; rpoB: EF196805) co-infection was found in one of the B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii seroreactive dogs. We conclude that dogs in this study population were infrequently exposed to or infected with a Bartonella species. The B. henselae and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii strains identified in this study are genetically similar to strains isolated from septicemic cats, dogs, coyotes and human beings from other parts of the world. To our knowledge, these isolates provide the first Brazilian DNA sequences from these Bartonella species and the first evidence of Bartonella co-infection in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Paulo Vissotto De Paiva Diniz
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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40
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Duncan AW, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. A combined approach for the enhanced detection and isolation of Bartonella species in dog blood samples: pre-enrichment liquid culture followed by PCR and subculture onto agar plates. J Microbiol Methods 2007; 69:273-81. [PMID: 17346836 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2007.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2006] [Revised: 01/23/2007] [Accepted: 01/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Historically, direct plating, lysis centrifugation, or freeze-thaw approaches have proven to be highly insensitive methods for confirming Bartonella species infection in dogs. A prospective study was designed to compare diagnostic methods for the detection of Bartonella using samples submitted to the Vector-Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at North Carolina State University. Methods included indirect immunofluorescence assay, PCR, direct inoculation of a blood agar plate (trypticase soy agar with 5% rabbit blood), and inoculation into a novel pre-enrichment liquid medium, Bartonella/alpha-Proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM). Sequential research efforts resulted in the development of a combinational approach consisting of pre-enrichment culture of Bartonella species in BAPGM, sub-inoculation of the liquid culture onto agar plates, followed by DNA amplification using PCR. The multi-faceted approach resulted in substantial improvement in the microbiological detection and isolation of Bartonella when compared to direct inoculation of a blood agar plate. Importantly, this approach facilitated the detection and subsequent isolation of both single and co-infections with two Bartonella species in the blood of naturally infected dogs. The use of a combinational approach of pre-enrichment culture and PCR may assist in the diagnostic confirmation of bartonellosis in dogs and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee W Duncan
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
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41
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Maggi RG, Chomel B, Hegarty BC, Henn J, Breitschwerdt EB. A Bartonella vinsonii berkhoffii typing scheme based upon 16S-23S ITS and Pap31 sequences from dog, coyote, gray fox, and human isolates. Mol Cell Probes 2006; 20:128-34. [PMID: 16460911 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2005.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2005] [Accepted: 11/15/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Since the isolation of Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii from a dog with endocarditis in 1993, this organism has emerged as an important pathogen in dogs and as an emerging pathogen in people. Current evidence indicates that coyotes, dogs and gray foxes potentially serve as reservoir hosts. Based upon sequence differences within the 16S-23S ITS region and Pap31 gene, we propose a classification scheme that divides B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii isolates into four distinct types. Two conserved sequences, of 37 and 18 bp, respectively, are differentially present within the ITS region of each of the four B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii types. To date, B. vinsonii berkhoffii types I, II, and III have been identified in the US, type III in Europe and type IV in Canada. Based upon the proposed genotyping scheme, the geographic distribution of B. vinsonii berkhoffii types needs to be more thoroughly delineated in future molecular epidemiological studies involving Bartonella infection in coyotes, dogs, gray foxes, human beings and potentially other animals or in arthropod vectors. Strain typing may help to better define the reservoir potential, carriership patterns, modes of transmission, and geographic distribution for each B. vinsonii berkhoffii type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo G Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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42
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Beldomenico PM, Chomel BB, Foley JE, Sacks BN, Baldi CJ, Kasten RW, Gardner IA. Environmental factors associated with Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii seropositivity in free-ranging coyotes from northern California. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2005; 5:110-9. [PMID: 16011426 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2005.5.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii is a newly recognized pathogen of domestic dogs and humans. Coyotes (Canis latrans) are considered an important reservoir of this bacterium in the western United States, but its vectors are still unknown. Our objective was to identify environmental factors associated with Bartonella antibody prevalence in 239 coyotes from northern California, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, associations were evaluated between B. v. berkhoffii and two pathogens with known vectors and habitat requirements, Dirofilaria immitis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Overall, B. v. berkhoffii seroprevalence was 28% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.3%, 33.7%) and Bartonella seropositive coyotes were more likely than seronegative coyotes to be positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Odds ratio = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.8, 5.9) and Dirofilaria immitis (Odds ratio = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.2, 3.8). The most likely geographic clusters of Bartonella and Dirofilaria overlapped. Bartonella seropositivity was associated with higher precipitation (p = 0.003) and proximity to the coast (p = 0.007) in univariate analysis. The association with precipitation varied with season, based on a logistic regression model.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Beldomenico
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
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43
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Maggi RG, Harms CA, Hohn AA, Pabst DA, McLellan WA, Walton WJ, Rotstein DS, Breitschwerdt EB. Bartonella henselae in porpoise blood. Emerg Infect Dis 2005; 11:1894-8. [PMID: 16485476 PMCID: PMC3367652 DOI: 10.3201/eid1112.050969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report detection of Bartonella henselae DNA in blood samples from 2 harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). By using real-time polymerase chain reaction, we directly amplified Bartonella species DNA from blood of a harbor porpoise stranded along the northern North Carolina coast and from a pre-enrichment blood culture from a second harbor porpoise. The second porpoise was captured out of habitat (in a low-salinity canal along the northern North Carolina coast) and relocated back into the ocean. Subsequently, DNA was amplified by conventional polymerase chain reaction for DNA sequencing. The 16S-23S intergenic transcribed spacer region obtained from each porpoise was 99.8% similar to that of B. henselae strain San Antonio 2 (SA2), whereas both heme-binding phage-associated pap31 gene sequences were 100% homologous to that of B. henselae SA2. Currently, the geographic distribution, mode of transmission, reservoir potential, and pathogenicity of bloodborne Bartonella species in porpoises have not been determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo G. Maggi
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Craig A. Harms
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, Morehead City, North Carolina, USA
| | - Aleta A. Hohn
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Beaufort, North Carolina, USA
| | - D. Ann Pabst
- University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Wendy J. Walton
- Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
| | - David S. Rotstein
- University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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44
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Goodman RA, Breitschwerdt EB. Clinicopathologic findings in dogs seroreactive to Bartonella henselae antigens. Am J Vet Res 2005; 66:2060-4. [PMID: 16379647 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.2060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective—To assess the potential clinical relevance
of seroreactivity to Bartonella henselae antigens in
dogs.
Animals—40 dogs seroreactive to B henselae and 45
dogs that did not seroreact to B henselae.
Procedure—A case-control study was conducted.
Clinical and clinicopathologic findings were extracted
from medical records of each dog.
Results—Statistical differences were not detected
between dogs seroreactive or nonseroreactive to
B henselae when analyzed on the basis of disease
category or results of hematologic, biochemical,
urine, or cytologic analysis. However, seroreactivity
to B henselae antigens was detected in 2 of 4 dogs
with a clinical diagnosis of granulomatous meningoencephalitis,
3 of 4 dogs with immune-mediated
hemolytic anemia, 3 of 4 dogs with infective endocarditis,
2 of 3 dogs with lymphoid neoplasia, and 5
of 10 dogs with polyarthritis. Additionally, seroreactivity
to B henselae antigens was detected in 18 of
34 thrombocytopenic dogs and 14 of 27 dogs with
neutrophilia.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Significant
associations were not detected between seroreactivity
to B henselae and various diseases. Prospective
epidemiologic studies investigating specific diseases,
such as meningoencephalitis or polyarthritis, and specific
hematologic abnormalities, such as immunemediated
hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia,
should be conducted to further define the potential
clinical relevance of antibodies against B henselae in
dogs.
Impact for Human Medicine—Bartonella organisms
are increasingly reported as pathogens that induce
are increasingly reported as pathogens that induce
chronic infections in humans and dogs. Dogs may
serve as natural candidates for future study of the disease
in humans. (Am J Vet Res 2005;66:2060–2064)
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Goodman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. Isolation of Bacteriophages from Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and the Characterization of Pap31 Gene Sequences from Bacterial and Phage DNA. J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol 2005; 9:44-51. [PMID: 16254445 DOI: 10.1159/000088145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages enhance bacterial survival, facilitate bacterial adaptation to new environmental conditions, assist in the adaptation to a new host species, and enhance bacterial evasion or inactivation of host defense mechanisms. We describe the detection and purification of a novel tailed bacteriophage from Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, which was previously described as a bacteriophage-negative species. We also compare B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffi Pap31 bacteriophage gene sequences to B. henselae (Houston I), and B. quintana (Fuller) bacteriophage Pap31 sequences. Negative staining electron microscopy of log phase culturesof B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii identified bacteriophages, possessing a 50-nm icosahedric head diameter and a 60- to 80-nm contractile tail. Sequence analysis of the bacteriophage Pap31 gene from B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii showed three consensus sequences and a 12-bp insertion when compared with Pap31 gene sequences from B. henselae (Houston I) and B. quintana (Fuller) bacteriophages. Isolation of B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii bacteriophages containing a Pap31 gene suggests that this heme-binding protein gene might play an important role in bacterial virulence through the genetic exchange of DNA within this subspecies. Defining phage-associated genes may also contribute to the enhanced understanding of the evolutionary relationships among members of the genus Bartonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo G Maggi
- Vector-Borne Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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Breitschwerdt EB, Hegarty BC, Maggi R, Hawkins E, Dyer P. Bartonella species as a potential cause of epistaxis in dogs. J Clin Microbiol 2005; 43:2529-33. [PMID: 15872304 PMCID: PMC1153741 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.43.5.2529-2533.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with a Bartonella species was implicated in three cases of epistaxis in dogs, based upon isolation, serology, or PCR amplification. These cases, in conjunction with previously published reports, support a potential role for Bartonella spp. as a cause of epistaxis in dogs and potentially in other animals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
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Henn JB, Liu CH, Kasten RW, VanHorn BA, Beckett LA, Kass PH, Chomel BB. Seroprevalence of antibodies against Bartonella species and evaluation of risk factors and clinical signs associated with seropositivity in dogs. Am J Vet Res 2005; 66:688-94. [PMID: 15900951 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against Bartonella spp in a population of sick dogs from northern California and identify potential risk factors and clinical signs associated with seropositivity. SAMPLE POPULATION Sera from 3,417 dogs. PROCEDURE Via an ELISA, sera were analyzed for antibodies against Bartonella vinsonii subsp berkhoffii, Bartonella clarridgeiae, and Bartonella henselae; test results were used to classify dogs as seropositive (mean optical density value > or = 0.350 for B henselae or > or = 0.300 for B clarridgeiae or B vinsonii subsp berkhoffi) or seronegative. Overall, 305 dogs (102 seropositive and 203 seronegative dogs) were included in a matched case-control study. RESULTS 102 of 3,417 (2.99%) dogs were seropositive for > or = 1 species of Bartonella. Of these, 36 (35.3%) had antibodies against B henselae only, 34 (33.3%) had antibodies against B clarridgeiae only, 2 (2.0%) had antibodies against B vinsonii subsp berkhoffii only, and 30 (29.4%) had antibodies against a combination of those antigens. Compared with seronegative dogs, seropositive dogs were more likely to be herding dogs and to be female, whereas toy dogs were less likely to be seropositive. Seropositive dogs were also more likely to be lame or have arthritis-related lameness, nasal discharge or epistaxis, or splenomegaly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Only a small percentage of dogs from which serum samples were obtained had antibodies against Bartonella spp. Breed appeared to be an important risk factor for seropositivity. Bartonella infection should be considered in dogs with clinical signs of lameness, arthritis-related lameness, nasal discharge or epistaxis, or splenomegaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B Henn
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. Potential limitations of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic region for molecular detection of Bartonella species. J Clin Microbiol 2005; 43:1171-6. [PMID: 15750079 PMCID: PMC1081238 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.43.3.1171-1176.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PCR targeting the 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region has been proposed as a rapid and reliable method for the detection of Bartonella species DNA in clinical samples. Because of variation in ITS sequences among Bartonella species, a single PCR amplification can be used to detect different species within this genus. Therefore, by targeting the ITS region, multiple PCRs or additional sample-processing steps beyond the primary amplification can be avoided when attempting to achieve molecular diagnostic detection of Bartonella species. Although PCR amplification targeting this region is considered highly sensitive, amplification specificity obviously depends on primer design. We report evidence of nonspecific PCR amplification of Mesorhizobium species with previously published primers that were designed to amplify the Bartonella consensus ITS region. Use of these or other, less species-specific, primers could lead to a false-positive diagnostic test result when evaluating clinical samples. We also report the presence of Mesorhizobium species DNA as a contaminant in molecular-grade water, a series of homologous sequences in the ITS region that are common to Bartonella and Mesorhizobium species, the amplification of Mesorhizobium DNA with unpublished primers designed in our laboratory targeting the ITS region, and the subsequent design of unambiguous ITS primers that avoid nonspecific amplification of Mesorhizobium species. Our results define some potential limitations associated with the molecular detection of Bartonella species in patient samples and indicate that primer specificity is of critical importance if the ITS region is used as a diagnostic target for detection of Bartonella species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo G Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
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Pretorius AM, Beati L, Birtles RJ. Diversity of bartonellae associated with small mammals inhabiting Free State province, South Africa. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2004; 54:1959-1967. [PMID: 15545418 DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.03033-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and diversity of bartonellae infecting the blood of 10 small mammal species inhabiting nine Nature Reserves of the Free State province, South Africa, was assessed using phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic methods. Of 86 small mammals sampled, 38 animals belonging to five different species yielded putative bartonellae. Thirty-two isolates were confirmed as bartonellae and were characterized by comparison of partial citrate synthase gene (gltA) sequences. Phylogenetic reconstructions derived from alignment of these sequences with those available for other bartonellae indicated that the South African rodent-associated isolates formed two distinct clades within the radius of the genus Bartonella. One of these clades also included recognized Bartonella species associated with rodents native to Eurasia but not to the New World, whereas the second clade contained exclusively isolates associated with South African rodents. Comparison of gltA sequences delineated the isolates into a number of ecologically distinct populations and provided an indication that a combination of phylogenetics and the identification of sequence clusters in housekeeping protein-encoding genes could be developed as a key criterion in the classification of bartonellae. This study is the first to investigate wildlife-associated bartonellae in Africa, adding support to their ubiquity and broad diversity and to the paradigm that the phylogenetic positions of the Bartonella species encountered today have been influenced by the geographical distribution of their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marié Pretorius
- National Health Laboratory Service, Department of Medical Microbiology (G4), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Lorenza Beati
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208034, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
| | - Richard J Birtles
- Centre for Comparative Infectious Diseases and Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
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Abstract
The genus Bartonella comprises several important human pathogens that cause a wide range of clinical manifestations: cat-scratch disease, trench fever, Carrion's disease, bacteremia with fever, bacillary angiomatosis and peliosis, endocarditis, and neuroretinitis. Common features of bartonellae include transmission by blood-sucking arthropods and the specific interaction with endothelial cells and erythrocytes of their mammalian hosts. For each Bartonella species, the invasion and persistent intracellular colonization of erythrocytes are limited to a specific human or animal reservoir host. In contrast, endothelial cells are target host cells in probably all mammals, including humans. Bartonellae subvert multiple cellular functions of human endothelial cells, resulting in cell invasion, proinflammatory activation, suppression of apoptosis, and stimulation of proliferation, which may cumulate in vasoproliferative tumor growth. This review summarizes our understanding of Bartonella-host cell interactions and the molecular mechanisms of bacterial virulence and persistence. In addition, current controversies and unanswered questions in this area are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Dehio
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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