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Taber R, Pankowski A, Ludwig AL, Jensen M, Magsamen V, Lashnits E. Bartonellosis in Dogs and Cats, an Update. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1163-1192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Williams M, Rao S, Braff J, Buch JS, Chandrashekar R, Lappin MR. Associations between presence of Bartonella species deoxyribonucleic acid and complete blood cell count and serum biochemical changes in client-owned cats. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:532-540. [PMID: 35132685 PMCID: PMC8965275 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infection with Bartonella species is common in cats but reported effects of bacteremia on laboratory variables differ. Objectives Evaluate for associations between Bartonella bacteremia and CBC and serum biochemical changes in sick and healthy cats throughout the United States. Animals A total of 3964 client‐owned cats. Methods Retrospective cohort study using submissions to a commercial laboratory between 2011 and 2017. Serum biochemistry and CBC abnormalities (categorized as above or below reference intervals), age, and location (high‐ or low‐risk state for Ctenocephalides felis) in presumed healthy and sick cats were evaluated for associations with presence of Bartonella spp. DNA, detected by PCR. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified from 127 (3.2%) of 3964 cats; 126 (99.2%) of 127 were from high flea risk states and 121 (95.3%) of 127 were presumed sick. Fever of unknown origin was the most common PCR panel requested. In the multivariable analysis, neutrophilia, decreased ALP activity, clinical status (presumed sick), and young age (≤2 years) each were positively associated whereas neutropenia and hyperproteinemia both were negatively associated with Bartonella spp. bacteremia. Presence of Bartonella spp. DNA had no association with test results for other infectious disease agents. Conclusions and Clinical Importance In both healthy and sick cats, active Bartonella infections had minimal association with clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities. However, based on these results, in areas considered high risk for C. felis, active infection with Bartonella spp. is a reasonable differential diagnosis for cats presented with unexplained fever and neutrophilia, particularly if the cat is young.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Williams
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Sangeeta Rao
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michael R Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Ernst E, Qurollo B, Olech C, Breitschwerdt EB. Bartonella rochalimae, a newly recognized pathogen in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:1447-1453. [PMID: 32415797 PMCID: PMC7379054 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bartonella spp. comprise a genus of bacteria that frequently cause persistent, often subclinical infection. Although many Bartonella spp. have been implicated in a variety of clinical presentations, Bartonella rochalimae has yet to be documented in association with a clinical presentation other than infectious endocarditis (IE) in dogs. Objectives To document a spectrum of clinical presentations accompanied by mild hematological abnormalities in B rochalimae‐infected dogs from the United States. Animals Eight dogs with documented B rochalimae infection. Methods Retrospective 10‐year study of B rochalimae naturally infected dogs. Clinical and clinicopathologic data, including medical history, CBC, serum biochemistry panel, urinalysis, echocardiogram, and comprehensive vector‐borne disease diagnostic panel results, were reviewed. Results Eight dogs were diagnosed with B rochalimae via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Five dogs were diagnosed with IE. Three dogs, PCR positive for B rochalimae, were diagnosed with seizures or antibiotic responsive lameness or during routine screening of a military working dog. Conclusions This case series provides support for an association between B rochalimae and IE and provides documentation of dogs infected with B rochalimae with other clinical diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah Ernst
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Barbara Qurollo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carolyn Olech
- Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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André MR, Canola RAM, Braz JB, Perossi IFS, Calchi AC, Ikeda P, Machado RZ, Vasconcelos RDO, Camacho AA. Aortic valve endocarditis due to Bartonella clarridgeiae in a dog in Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:661-670. [PMID: 31618303 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We report the first documented case of endocarditis associated with Bartonella clarridgeiae in a dog in Latin America. Infective vegetative valvular aortic endocarditis was diagnosed in a 10-year-old male mixed breed dog. The dog presented grade V/VI systolic and diastolic murmur, hyperthermia, and progressive weight loss. Cardiomegaly and presence of diffuse alveolar pattern in the lung fields were observed in the thorax radiography evaluation. Irregular and hyperechogenic structures adhered to the aortic leaflets, causing obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract and severe aortic insufficiency, were observed in the echocardiography evaluation. A vegetative, whitish, hardened structure measuring 1.0 cm in diameter was observed in aortic semilunar valve at necropsy. Based on a combination of pre-enrichment insect-based medium liquid culture, quantitative real-time and conventional PCR assays based on nuoG and gltA genes, respectively, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic inferences, B. clarridgeiae DNA was detected in the patient's aortic valve lesions. Clinical, echocardiographic, anatomopathologic and molecular features supported the diagnosis of severe aortic vegetative endocarditis possibly caused by B. clarridgeiae in a dog in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Raphaela Arantes Marques Canola
- Serviço de Cardiologia Veterinária, Hospital Veterinário e Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Jaislane Bastos Braz
- Serviço de Cardiologia Veterinária, Hospital Veterinário e Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Isabella Fernanda Spinelli Perossi
- Serviço de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Ana Claudia Calchi
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Priscila Ikeda
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosemeri de Oliveira Vasconcelos
- Serviço de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Aparecido Antonio Camacho
- Serviço de Cardiologia Veterinária, Hospital Veterinário e Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
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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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Molecular prevalence of Bartonella, Babesia, and hemotropic Mycoplasma species in dogs with hemangiosarcoma from across the United States. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227234. [PMID: 31923195 PMCID: PMC6953799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA), a locally invasive and highly metastatic endothelial cell neoplasm, accounts for two-thirds of all cardiac and splenic neoplasms in dogs. Bartonella spp. infection has been reported in association with neoplastic and non-neoplastic vasoproliferative lesions in animals and humans. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in conjunction with two other hemotropic pathogens, Babesia spp. and hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., in tissues and blood samples from 110 dogs with histopathologically diagnosed HSA from throughout the United States. This was a retrospective, observational study using clinical specimens from 110 dogs with HSA banked by the biospecimen repository of the Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium. Samples provided for this study from each dog included: fresh frozen HSA tumor tissue (available from n = 100 of the 110 dogs), fresh frozen non-tumor tissue (n = 104), and whole blood and serum samples (n = 108 and 107 respectively). Blood and tissues were tested by qPCR for Bartonella, hemotropic Mycoplasma, and Babesia spp. DNA; serum was tested for Bartonella spp. antibodies. Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified and sequenced from 73% of dogs with HSA (80/110). In contrast, hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. DNA was amplified from a significantly smaller proportion (5%, p<0.0001) and Babesia spp. DNA was not amplified from any dog. Of the 100 HSA tumor samples submitted, 34% were Bartonella PCR positive (32% of splenic tumors, 57% of cardiac tumors, and 17% of other tumor locations). Of 104 non-tumor tissues, 63% were Bartonella PCR positive (56% of spleen samples, 93% of cardiac samples, and 63% of skin/subcutaneous samples). Of dogs with Bartonella positive HSA tumor, 76% were also positive in non-tumor tissue. Bartonella spp. DNA was not PCR amplified from whole blood. This study documented a high prevalence of Bartonella spp. DNA in dogs with HSA from geographically diverse regions of the United States. While 73% of all tissue samples from these dogs were PCR positive for Bartonella DNA, none of the blood samples were, indicating that whole blood samples do not reflect tissue presence of this pathogen. Future studies are needed to further investigate the role of Bartonella spp. in the development of HSA.
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Purswell EK, Lashnits EW, Breitschwerdt EB, Vaden SL. A retrospective study of vector-borne disease prevalence in dogs with proteinuria: Southeastern United States. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:742-753. [PMID: 31916316 PMCID: PMC7096618 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Proteinuria is a risk factor for progressive kidney injury in dogs. Enhanced understanding of potential associations between canine vector‐borne diseases (CVBD) and proteinuria is needed. Objectives To determine the proportion of evaluated proteinuric dogs exposed to ≥1 CVBD, including Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., spotted‐fever group Rickettsia, Bartonella spp., Anaplasma spp., hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and Dirofilaria immitis, and to determine if demographic or clinicopathologic differences exist between proteinuric dogs exposed to CVBD versus proteinuric dogs with no evidence of CVBD exposure. Animals Two‐hundred nine proteinuric dogs, concurrently tested for CVBD, which were examined at a single academic veterinary hospital between January 2008 and December 2015. Methods Retrospective cross‐sectional study. Demographic, clinicopathologic, and CVBD test results were extracted from medical records. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess associations between CVBD and selected variables. Results Based on serology and polymerase chain reaction testing, 34% of proteinuric dogs (72/209) were exposed to ≥1 CVBD. Exposure to Rickettsia spp. (19%), Ehrlichia spp. (12%), and B. burgdorferi (9%) were most common. The CVBD exposure was lower in dogs tested in autumn or spring, higher in intact dogs, and higher in dogs with lower serum albumin and higher serum creatinine concentrations. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Exposure to CVBD, particularly exposure to Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and B. burgdorferi was found in proteinuric dogs from the southeast United States. Additional controlled prospective studies examining a potential causal relationship between CVBD and proteinuria are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Purswell
- The Department of Clinical Sciences and North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Erin W Lashnits
- The Department of Clinical Sciences and North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- The Department of Clinical Sciences and North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Shelly L Vaden
- The Department of Clinical Sciences and North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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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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Molesan A, Goodman L, Ford J, Lovering SJ, Kelly K. The Causes of Canine Myocarditis and Myocardial Fibrosis Are Elusive by Targeted Molecular Testing: Retrospective Analysis and Literature Review. Vet Pathol 2019; 56:761-777. [PMID: 31106678 PMCID: PMC10957289 DOI: 10.1177/0300985819839241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Myocarditis can cause death or permanent heart damage. As epidemiologic and etiopathologic data for canine myocarditis are lacking, we performed a retrospective study using nucleic acid extracted from archived (2007 to 2015) tissues from myocarditis cases and control dogs without myocardial lesions. Heart tissue from pediatric/juvenile and adult dogs was tested with a comprehensive panel of conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting recognized agents of canine myocarditis based on a literature review and informed by the comparative epidemiology of human myocarditis. The PCR screen, which included canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2), canine distemper virus, canine herpesvirus, Borrelia spp, West Nile virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, pneumovirus, respiratory coronavirus, influenza virus, Bartonella spp, Rickettsia spp, Mycoplasma spp, and Neospora caninum, did not detect agents in 35 of 66 cases (53%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 41%-65%) and was frequently negative in adults (21/26); by comparison, agents were not detected in 27 of 57 controls (47%; 95% CI, 35%-60%). Canine distemper virus, herpesvirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza virus, Mycoplasma haemocanis, and N. caninum were occasionally detected in both cases and controls; thus, PCR detection was not considered to indicate causation. We previously reported that CPV-2 continues to be associated with myocarditis in young dogs despite widespread vaccination; in adults, CPV-2 was detected in 2 of 26 cases and 4 of 22 controls. As several agents were similarly detected in cases and controls, it is unclear if these are cardiopathogenic, incidental, or latent. West Nile virus was detected at the analytic limit in 1 adult case. We did not detect Borrelia spp, Bartonella spp, Rickettsia spp, or influenza A virus in the myocarditis cases. These data demonstrate the limitations of current targeted diagnostic tests and the need for additional research to identify unknown agents and develop testing strategies for canine myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Molesan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Laura Goodman
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Services, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jordan Ford
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Samantha J. Lovering
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Kathleen Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Regier Y, Komma K, Weigel M, Kraiczy P, Laisi A, Pulliainen AT, Hain T, Kempf VAJ. Combination of microbiome analysis and serodiagnostics to assess the risk of pathogen transmission by ticks to humans and animals in central Germany. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:11. [PMID: 30616666 PMCID: PMC6322329 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3240-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arthropod-borne diseases remain a major health-threat for humans and animals worldwide. To estimate the distribution of pathogenic agents and especially Bartonella spp., we conducted tick microbiome analysis and determination of the infection status of wild animals, pets and pet owners in the state of Hesse, Germany. RESULTS In total, 189 engorged ticks collected from 163 animals were tested. Selected ticks were analyzed by next generation sequencing (NGS) and confirmatory PCRs, blood specimens of 48 wild animals were analyzed by PCR to confirm pathogen presence and sera of 54 dogs, one cat and 11 dog owners were analyzed by serology. Bartonella spp. were detected in 9.5% of all ticks and in the blood of 17 roe deer. Further data reveal the presence of the human and animal pathogenic species of genera in the family Spirochaetaceae (including Borrelia miyamotoi and Borrelia garinii), Bartonella spp. (mainly Bartonella schoenbuchensis), Rickettsia helvetica, Francisella tularensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks. Co-infections with species of several genera were detected in nine ticks. One dog and five dog owners were seropositive for anti-Bartonella henselae-antibodies and one dog had antibodies against Rickettsia conorii. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a snapshot of pathogens circulating in ticks in central Germany. A broad range of tick-borne pathogens are present in ticks, and especially in wild animals, with possible implications for animal and human health. However, a low incidence of Bartonella spp., especially Bartonella henselae, was detected. The high number of various detected pathogens suggests that ticks might serve as an excellent sentinel to detect and monitor zoonotic human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Regier
- University Hospital, Goethe-University, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kassandra Komma
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Markus Weigel
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter Kraiczy
- University Hospital, Goethe-University, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Arttu Laisi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Arto T. Pulliainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Torsten Hain
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Volkhard A. J. Kempf
- University Hospital, Goethe-University, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Regier Y, Komma K, Weigel M, Pulliainen AT, Göttig S, Hain T, Kempf VAJ. Microbiome Analysis Reveals the Presence of Bartonella spp. and Acinetobacter spp. in Deer Keds ( Lipoptena cervi). Front Microbiol 2018; 9:3100. [PMID: 30619179 PMCID: PMC6306446 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) is distributed in Europe, North America, and Siberia and mainly infests cervids as roe deer, fallow deer, and moose. From a one health perspective, deer keds occasionally bite other animals or humans and are a potential vector for Bartonella schoenbuchensis. This bacterium belongs to a lineage of ruminant-associated Bartonella spp. and is suspected to cause dermatitis and febrile diseases in humans. In this study, we analyzed the microbiome from 130 deer keds collected from roe deer, fallow deer and humans in the federal states of Hesse, Baden-Wuerttemberg, and Brandenburg, Germany. Endosymbiontic Arsenophonus spp. and Bartonella spp. represented the biggest portion (~90%) of the microbiome. Most Bartonella spp. (n = 93) were confirmed to represent B. schoenbuchensis. In deer keds collected from humans, no Bartonella spp. were detected. Furthermore, Acinetobacter spp. were present in four samples, one of those was confirmed to represent A. baumannii. These data suggest that deer keds harbor only a very narrow spectrum of bacteria which are potentially pathogenic for animals of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Regier
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kassandra Komma
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Markus Weigel
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Arto T. Pulliainen
- Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Stephan Göttig
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Torsten Hain
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Volkhard A. J. Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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12
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Bartner LR, McGrath S, Drury A, Chen AV, Morris A, Brewer M, Hall M, Lappin MR. Testing for Bartonella ssp. DNA in cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with inflammatory central nervous system disease. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1983-1988. [PMID: 30381844 PMCID: PMC6271302 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurobartonellosis occurs in people. The role these organisms might play in inflammatory brain disease of dogs is unclear. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES That Bartonella spp. DNA would be amplified more commonly from the CSF of dogs with inflammatory disease compared to those with noninflammatory disease. To report the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in dogs with and without inflammatory CNS disease with a commercially available PCR assay. ANIMALS Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 172 dogs from either Washington State University or Colorado State University. METHODS Retrospective study. A search was performed of all medical records from dogs with CSF samples submitted to CSU's Center for Companion Animal Studies or Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from CSU or WSU for Toxoplasma or Neospora PCR assay. Increased CSF nucleated cell counts and an adequate volume of CSF must have been present to evaluate Bartonella spp. by PCR assay. RESULTS Inflammatory CNS disease was confirmed in 65 dogs, none of which were positive for Bartonella spp. DNA. Of the other 107 dogs, one was positive for B. henselae DNA. The CSF from this dog contained red blood cells. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Failure to amplify Bartonella spp. DNA from the CSF of the dogs with inflammatory disease suggests the organism was not involved in the etiology of the disease, the organism was in the CNS tissues but not in the CSF, or the organism was present but in quantities undetectable by this PCR assay. The combination of PCR and culture is the most sensitive way to detect Bartonella spp. and the use of that technique should be considered in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R. Bartner
- From the Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Stephanie McGrath
- From the Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Adam Drury
- From the Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Annie V. Chen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State UniversityPullmanWashington
| | - Arianne Morris
- From the Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Melissa Brewer
- From the Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Meri Hall
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State UniversityPullmanWashington
| | - Michael R. Lappin
- From the Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
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13
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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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14
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Tabar MD, Altet L, Maggi RG, Altimira J, Roura X. First description of Bartonella koehlerae infection in a Spanish dog with infective endocarditis. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:247. [PMID: 28526098 PMCID: PMC5437684 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2188-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bartonella koehlerae has been recently described as a new cat- and cat fleas-associated agent of culture-negative human endocarditis. It has been also encountered in one dog from Israel and six dogs from the USA, but other clinically relevant reports involving this bacterium are lacking. RESULTS A 7-year-old intact male mixed dog presented with clinico-pathological signs consistent with mitral endocarditis and cutaneous hemangiosarcoma. Molecular studies revealed the presence of Bartonella koehlerae DNA in samples from blood and mitral valve tissue. CONCLUSIONS This is the first description of B. koehlerae in Spain, corroborating that it can also be detected in dogs. Bartonella koehlerae infection should also be considered in Spain in humans and dogs presenting with clinical disease suggestive of it, such as culture-negative endocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Dolores Tabar
- Hospital Veterinario San Vicente, Calle del Veterinario Manuel Isidro Rodríguez García N°17, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, 03690, Spain.
| | - Laura Altet
- Vetgenomics, Parc de Recerca UAB Edifici Eureka, Campus de la UAB Bellaterra, 08913, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Lab, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Room 462ª, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - Jaume Altimira
- Histovet, Servicio de Diagnóstico Histopatológico Veterinario, Avda. Països Catalans 12, 12 local D, 08192 Sant Quirze del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Carrer de l´Hospital, Campus UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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15
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Detmer SE, Bouljihad M, Hayden DW, Schefers JM, Armien A, Wünschmann A. Fatal pyogranulomatous myocarditis in 10 Boxer puppies. J Vet Diagn Invest 2016; 28:144-9. [PMID: 26965234 DOI: 10.1177/1040638715626486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Over a period of 5 years, 10 pure-bred Boxer puppies, 9-16 weeks old, were presented with a history of sudden death and were diagnosed with pyogranulomatous myocarditis. The myocarditis was characterized by a mixed infiltrate composed predominantly of neutrophils and macrophages. In our retrospective study, original case records and archived materials were examined. All dogs were positive for Borrelia burgdorferi on immunohistochemistry (IHC). There was no evidence of infectious agents in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) heart tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Ziehl-Neelsen, Gram, Grocott methenamine silver, Warthin-Starry, Von Kossa, and Steiner-Chapman stains. IHC for Chlamydia sp., Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, West Nile virus, and canine parvovirus also yielded a negative result in all dogs. Polymerase chain reaction testing for vector-borne pathogens on heart tissue from 9 of the dogs (1 frozen and 8 FFPE samples) yielded positive results for 1 dog with B. burgdorferi as well as Anaplasma phagocytophilum in another dog. Subsequently, 2 additional cases were found in a French Bulldog and a French Bulldog-Beagle mix that had identical morphology, test results, age, and seasonality to these 10 Boxer dogs. The similarities in the seasonality, signalment of the affected dogs, and the gross and microscopic lesions suggest a common etiology. Positive IHC and morphologic similarities to human Lyme carditis indicate that B. burgdorferi is likely the agent involved. An additional consideration for these cases is the possibility of a breed-specific autoimmune myocarditis or potential predisposition for cardiopathogenic agents in young Boxers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Detmer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Detmer)Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA (Bouljihad)Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Hayden, Schefers, Armien, Wünschmann)
| | - Mostafa Bouljihad
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Detmer)Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA (Bouljihad)Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Hayden, Schefers, Armien, Wünschmann)
| | - David W Hayden
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Detmer)Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA (Bouljihad)Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Hayden, Schefers, Armien, Wünschmann)
| | - Jeremy M Schefers
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Detmer)Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA (Bouljihad)Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Hayden, Schefers, Armien, Wünschmann)
| | - Anibal Armien
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Detmer)Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA (Bouljihad)Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Hayden, Schefers, Armien, Wünschmann)
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Detmer)Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA (Bouljihad)Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Hayden, Schefers, Armien, Wünschmann)
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16
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Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii exposure in captive wild canids in Brazil. Epidemiol Infect 2014; 143:573-7. [PMID: 24892580 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814001277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Wild canids are potential hosts for numerous species of Bartonella, yet little research has been done to quantify their infection rates in South America. We sought to investigate Bartonella seroprevalence in captive wild canids from 19 zoos in São Paulo and Mato Grosso states, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 97 wild canids belonging to four different native species and three European wolves (Canis lupus). Indirect immunofluorescent antibody testing was performed to detect the presence of B. henselae, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, B. clarridgeiae, and B. rochalimae. Overall, Bartonella antibodies were detected in 11 of the canids, including five (12·8%) of 39 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous), three (11·1%) of 27 bush dogs (Speothos venaticus), two (8·7%) of 23 maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and one (12·5%) of eight hoary foxes (Lycalopex vetulus), with titres ranging from 1:64 to 1:512. Knowing that many species of canids make excellent reservoir hosts for Bartonella, and that there is zoonotic potential for all Bartonella spp. tested for, it will be important to conduct further research in non-captive wild canids to gain an accurate understanding of Bartonella infection in free-ranging wild canids in South America.
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Drut A, Bublot I, Breitschwerdt EB, Chabanne L, Vayssier-Taussat M, Cadoré JL. Comparative microbiological features of Bartonella henselae infection in a dog with fever of unknown origin and granulomatous lymphadenitis. Med Microbiol Immunol 2013; 203:85-91. [DOI: 10.1007/s00430-013-0318-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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18
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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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