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Cocco R, Sechi S, Marín-García PJ, Liotta L, Llobat L. Seroprevalence of zoonotic pathogens and related haematological and biochemical profiles in Fonni's dogs in rural conditions. Vet Microbiol 2025; 305:110540. [PMID: 40339256 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2025] [Revised: 04/21/2025] [Accepted: 04/26/2025] [Indexed: 05/10/2025]
Abstract
Fonni's dog is a canine breed autochthonous to the Mediterranean area, specifically from Sardinia (Italy). A total of 190 dogs were examined to determine the seroprevalence of different pathogens endemic in this region and related haematological profile. The seropositivity of pathogens was 65.0 %, 41.3 %, 28.7 %, and 18.9 % for Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma. phagocytophilum, and Bartonella spp., respectively. Leishmania infantum and Toxoplasma gondii presented the same seroprevalence (5.6 %) respectively. The number of pathogens in co-seropositivity did not change the haematological parameters evaluated, whereas the age had an effect on several of them, including albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium (CAL), total cholesterol (COL), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatinine (CRE), aspartate aminotransferase (GOT), lipase (LIP), phosphorus (P), total protein (PRO) and triglycerides (TRI). Pathogens evaluated influenced different parameters. Specifically, Rickettsia spp. decreased CPK activity, creatine and glucose levels and increased phosphorus. T. gondii increased CPK activity and decreased glucose levels, and E. canis decreased gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity. Finally, L. infantum seropositivity decreased CPK and increased GOT activities. The results observed in Fonni's dogs related to seroprevalence of L. infantum and associated haematological parameters indicate that this canine breed could exhibit different behaviour from that of other canine breeds when faced with this pathogen. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the cause of these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaela Cocco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Sara Sechi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Pablo Jesús Marín-García
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Public Veterinary Health and Food Science and Technology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia 46113, Spain
| | - Luigi Liotta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina 98168, Italy.
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research group, Department of Animal Production and Health, Public Veterinary Health and Food Science and Technology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia 46113, Spain.
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Robveille C, Atkinson C, Cowart J, Maggi RG, Narurkar N, Breitschwerdt EB. Peliosis hepatis and hepatic fibrosis in a dog infected with multiple Bartonella species. J Vet Diagn Invest 2025; 37:358-362. [PMID: 39773236 PMCID: PMC11707757 DOI: 10.1177/10406387241310868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
A 13-y-old, spayed female dog had regenerative anemia, lymphopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated hepatic biochemical parameters. Liver biopsy revealed hepatic peliosis (hepatic sinusoidal angiectasis), frequently associated with perisinusoidal fibrosis. The dog was seroreactive to Bartonella antigens by indirect fluorescent antibody assays, and quantitative PCR from blood identified Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotype II. The dog was euthanized 9 mo later because of acute decompensation. Autopsy revealed icteric adipose tissues, end-stage liver, and abdominal effusion. Microscopically, there was marked mixed-cell chronic hepatitis with hepatocellular loss, nodular hepatocellular regeneration, and capillary proliferation. Retrospective molecular testing documented B. koehlerae and B. rochalimae DNA in the dog's blood at 2 or more times during liver disease progression. B. koehlerae DNA was also amplified and sequenced from the autopsy sample of liver. Our case emphasizes that Bartonella infection may be associated with hepatic peliosis and end-stage liver in dogs and expands the spectrum of Bartonella species that potentially play a role in canine hepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Robveille
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Cody Atkinson
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Jerry Cowart
- Texas Veterinary Pathology, Spring Branch, TX, USA
| | - Ricardo G. Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Sepúlveda-García P, Alabi A, Álvarez K, Rojas L, Mella A, Gonçalves LR, André MR, Machado RZ, Müller A, Monti G. Bartonella spp. in households with cats: Risk factors for infection in cats and human exposure. One Health 2023; 16:100545. [PMID: 37363214 PMCID: PMC10288095 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the occurrence of Bartonella spp. per household in cats and the risk factors for Bartonella spp. positivity in cats and their owners from Valdivia, Chile. A total of 464 cats (distributed within 324 households) and 326 humans (control group [n = 112] and cat owner [n = 214]) distributed in 262 households were sampled. From the cat owners (n = 214), 128 humans were in households where the cat was also sampled, totaling 84 households with dual sampling. Real-time PCR (qPCR) was used for Bartonella spp. detection in blood from cats and humans, and immunofluorescent immunoassay (IFA) anti-Bartonella henselae was performed in human serum samples. Out of the total of 324 households, 20.43% presented at least one Bartonella positive cat. From the households with dual sampling, 29.7% (25/84) presented at least one qPCR-Bartonella spp. positive cat. However, Bartonella DNA was not amplified in humans, and in 7.3% (6/82) of the households was found at least one of the cat's owners exposed to B. henselae. Cats younger than one year (Odds Ratio (OR) = 5.3), non-neutered (OR 3.46), sampled at home (OR 5.82), and with improper application of tick/flea control products (OR 3.13) showed a higher risk for Bartonella spp. presence. Humans with occupational exposure involving animal contact, were more likely to exhibit B. henselae seropositivity (OR 7.5). Bartonella spp. was present in the cats a moderate number of households, but Bartonella DNA was not detected in owners' blood, inferring that there is a low risk of recent human infection in the studied population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Sepúlveda-García
- Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Amir Alabi
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinaria, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Karla Álvarez
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinaria, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Lisbeth Rojas
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinaria, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Armin Mella
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogerio André
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Ananda Müller
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinaria, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Gustavo Monti
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen 6702 PB, the Netherlands
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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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Gonçalves LR, Merino MMGJ, Freschi CR, Fernandes SDJ, André MR, Machado RZ. Serological evidence of exposure to Bartonella sp. in dogs with suspected vector-borne diseases, toxoplasmosis and neosporosis. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e010422. [PMID: 36134779 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bartonellosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution that infect a broad spectrum of mammalian species. Despite the recent studies carried out in Brazil, information regarding Bartonella in dogs are scarce. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study to investigate the exposure to Bartonella sp. in dogs by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Three hundred and thirty-five archived serum samples from dogs previously tested for vector-borne pathogens, Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum were screened for the presence of IgG antibodies to Bartonella sp. All dogs originated from the Metropolitan region of Ribeirão Preto, northeast of the State of São Paulo. Twenty-eight samples (8.3%) were positive for Bartonella sp. at the cut-off of 64. Among the 28 seropositive samples for Bartonella sp., 16 (57.1%) were also seropositive for Ehrlichia canis, 12 (42.8%) for Babesia vogeli, five (17.8%) for T. gondii and three (10.7%) for L. infantum and N. caninum. Our results demonstrated that dogs sampled were exposed to Bartonella sp. Since all the animals sampled in the present study were from private owners, our findings demonstrate that these people may also be exposed to Bartonella sp. Further studies designed to assess whether the infection by other arthropod-borne pathogens such as B. vogeli and E. canis are risk factors for Bartonella infection are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
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André MR, Neupane P, Lappin M, Herrin B, Smith V, Williams TI, Collins L, Bai H, Jorge GL, Balbuena TS, Bradley J, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. Using Proteomic Approaches to Unravel the Response of Ctenocephalides felis felis to Blood Feeding and Infection With Bartonella henselae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:828082. [PMID: 35155282 PMCID: PMC8831700 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.828082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the Ctenocephalides felis felis-borne pathogens, Bartonella henselae, the main aetiological agent of cat scratch disease (CSD), is of increasing comparative biomedical importance. Despite the importance of B. henselae as an emergent pathogen, prevention of the diseases caused by this agent in cats, dogs and humans mostly relies on the use of ectoparasiticides. A vaccine targeting both flea fitness and pathogen competence is an attractive choice requiring the identification of flea proteins/metabolites with a dual effect. Even though recent developments in vector and pathogen -omics have advanced the understanding of the genetic factors and molecular pathways involved at the tick-pathogen interface, leading to discovery of candidate protective antigens, only a few studies have focused on the interaction between fleas and flea-borne pathogens. Taking into account the period of time needed for B. henselae replication in flea digestive tract, the present study investigated flea-differentially abundant proteins (FDAP) in unfed fleas, fleas fed on uninfected cats, and fleas fed on B. henselae-infected cats at 24 hours and 9 days after the beginning of blood feeding. Proteomics approaches were designed and implemented to interrogate differentially expressed proteins, so as to gain a better understanding of proteomic changes associated with the initial B. henselae transmission period (24 hour timepoint) and a subsequent time point 9 days after blood ingestion and flea infection. As a result, serine proteases, ribosomal proteins, proteasome subunit α-type, juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase 1, vitellogenin C, allantoinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, glycinamide ribotide transformylase, secreted salivary acid phosphatase had high abundance in response of C. felis blood feeding and/or infection by B. henselae. In contrast, high abundance of serpin-1, arginine kinase, ribosomal proteins, peritrophin-like protein, and FS-H/FSI antigen family member 3 was strongly associated with unfed cat fleas. Findings from this study provide insights into proteomic response of cat fleas to B. henselae infected and uninfected blood meal, as well as C. felis response to invading B. henselae over an infection time course, thus helping understand the complex interactions between cat fleas and B. henselae at protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, The Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Pradeep Neupane
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, The Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Michael Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Center for Companion Animal Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Brian Herrin
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Vicki Smith
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Taufika Islam Williams
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Leonard Collins
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Hongxia Bai
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Gabriel Lemes Jorge
- Departmento de Biotecnologia Agropecuária e Ambiental, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Tiago Santana Balbuena
- Departmento de Biotecnologia Agropecuária e Ambiental, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Julie Bradley
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, The Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Ricardo G. Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, The Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, The Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Edward B. Breitschwerdt,
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Neupane P, Maggi RG, Basnet M, Lashnits E, Andrews GP, Breitschwerdt EB. Bartonella henselae Recombinant Pap31 for the Diagnosis of Canine and Human Bartonelloses. Pathogens 2022; 11:182. [PMID: 35215127 PMCID: PMC8877253 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. comprise a genus of Gram-negative alphaproteobacteria that are slow growing, fastidious, and facultative intracellular pathogens with zoonotic potential. Immunofluorescent antibody assays (IFAs), Western blot (WB), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), the frequently used modalities for the serological diagnosis of canine and human Bartonelloses, generate numerous false negative results. Therefore, the development of a reliable serodiagnostic assay for Bartonelloses is of clinical and epidemiological importance. Pap31, a heme binding surface protein of B. henselae, is associated with bacterial adhesion and related to bacterial colonization. To our knowledge, B. henselae Pap31 and its fragments (N-terminal (NTD), middle (MD), and C-terminal (CTD) domains) have not been investigated for the serodiagnosis of canine and human Bartonelloses. In this study, we evaluate the diagnostic utility of B. henselae recombinant whole Pap31 (rPap31) and Pap31 fragments by ELISA using sera from 70 dogs (36 Bartonella spp. IFA-positive (naturally infected), and 34 Bartonella spp. IFA- and PCR-negative (control dogs)) and 36 humans (18 Bartonella spp. IFA-positive (naturally infected) and 18 controls)). In the dogs, the area under the curve (AUC) score of recombinant whole Pap31 was 0.714 with a sensitivity of 42% and specificity of 94% at an OD cutoff value of 0.8955. Among the evaluated recombinant Pap31 proteins for the diagnosis of canine Bartonelloses, rPap31-NTD yielded the highest AUC score of 0.792 (95% CI 0.688-0.895) with a sensitivity of 44% and specificity of 100% at a cutoff value of 1.198. In concordance with this finding, rPap31-NTD also had the highest AUC score of 0.747 (95% CI 0.581-0.913) among the Pap31 recombinant proteins for the diagnosis of human Bartonelloses, with 39% sensitivity and 94% specificity at a cutoff value of 1.366. Recombinant whole Pap31 (rPap31) resulted in 72% sensitivity and 61% specificity at a cutoff value of 0.215 for human Bartonelloses. Due to either low sensitivity or questionable specificity, our findings indicate that recombinant Pap31 and the selected fragments may not be appropriate diagnostic targets in detecting anti-Bartonella antibodies in Bartonella-infected dogs and humans. The findings from this study can be used to further assess the antigenicity and immunogenicity of B. henselae Pap31 as a diagnostic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Neupane
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27607, USA; (P.N.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Ricardo G. Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27607, USA; (P.N.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Manoj Basnet
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38111, USA;
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53713, USA;
| | - Gerard P. Andrews
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82070, USA;
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27607, USA; (P.N.); (R.G.M.)
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Álvarez-Fernández A, Maggi R, Martín-Valls GE, Baxarias M, Breitschwerdt EB, Solano-Gallego L. Prospective serological and molecular cross-sectional study focusing on Bartonella and other blood-borne organisms in cats from Catalonia (Spain). Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:6. [PMID: 34983610 PMCID: PMC8729136 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05105-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is limited clinical or epidemiological knowledge regarding Bartonella infection in cats, and no serological studies have compared the presence of antibodies against different Bartonella species. Moreover, there are limited feline Bartonella studies investigating co-infections with other vector-borne pathogens and the associated risk factors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate Bartonella spp. infections and co-infections with other pathogens in cats from Barcelona (Spain) based on serological and/or molecular techniques and to determine associated risk factors. Methods We studied colony and owned cats (n = 135). Sera were tested for Bartonella henselae-, Bartonella quintana-, and Bartonella koehlerae-specific antibodies using endpoint in-house immunofluorescence antibody assays. Bartonella real-time PCR (qPCR) and conventional PCR (cPCR) were performed. In addition, cPCR followed by DNA sequencing was performed for other pathogenic organisms (Anaplasma, Babesia, Cytauxzoon, Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, hemotropic Mycoplasma, and Theileria spp.). Results From 135 cats studied, 80.7% were seroreactive against at least one Bartonella species. Bartonella quintana, B. koehlerae, and B. henselae seroreactivity was 67.4, 77.0, and 80.7%, respectively. Substantial to almost perfect serological agreement was found between the three Bartonella species. Colony cats were more likely to be Bartonella spp.-seroreactive than owned cats. Moreover, cats aged ≤ 2 years were more likely to be Bartonella spp.-seroreactive. Bartonella spp. DNA was detected in the blood of 11.9% (n = 16) of cats. Cats were infected with B. henselae (n = 12), B. clarridgeiae (n = 3), and B. koehlerae (n = 1). Mycoplasma spp. DNA was amplified from 14% (n = 19) of cat blood specimens. Cats were infected with Mycoplasma haemofelis (n = 8), Candidatus M. haemominutum (n = 6), Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (n = 4), and Mycoplasma wenyonii (n = 1). Anaplasma, Babesia, Cytauxzoon, Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon, and Theileria spp. DNA was not amplified from any blood sample. Of the 16 Bartonella spp.-infected cats based on PCR results, six (37%) were co-infected with Mycoplasma spp. Conclusions Bartonella spp. and hemoplasma infections are prevalent in cats from the Barcelona area, whereas infection with Anaplasma spp., Babesia, Cytauxzoon, Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon, and Theileria infections were not detected. Co-infection with hemotropic Mycoplasma appears to be common in Bartonella-infected cats. To our knowledge, this study is the first to document M. wenyonii is infection in cats. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Álvarez-Fernández
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain
| | - Ricardo Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Gerard Eduard Martín-Valls
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain
| | - Marta Baxarias
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain
| | - Edward Bealmear Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain.
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Lashnits E, Thatcher B, Carruth A, Mestek A, Buch J, Beall M, Neupane P, Chandrashekar R, Breitschwerdt EB. Bartonella spp. seroepidemiology and associations with clinicopathologic findings in dogs in the United States. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 36:116-125. [PMID: 34788481 PMCID: PMC8783365 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Improved understanding of Bartonella spp. serology in dogs may aid clinical decision making. Objective Describe demographic and geographic patterns of Bartonella spp. seroreactivity in dogs, and describe hematologic and serum biochemical abnormalities in Bartonella spp. seroreactive and nonseroreactive dogs. Animals Serum samples from 5957 dogs in the United States, previously submitted to IDEXX Reference Laboratories. Methods Serum was tested using 3 indirect ELISAs for B. henselae, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, and B. koehlerae. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry panel results were reviewed retrospectively. Results Overall, 6.1% of dogs were Bartonella spp. seroreactive. Toy breeds were less likely to be seroreactive (3.9%) than mixed breeds (7.5%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32‐0.72), and dogs <1 year old were less likely to be seroreactive (3.4%) than dogs 1 to 5.5 years of age (7.3%; aOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23‐0.72). Dogs in the West South Central (9.8%) and South Atlantic (8.8%) regions were more likely than dogs elsewhere in the United States to be seroreactive (aOR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.31‐3.87; aOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.38‐4.36). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Demographic and geographic findings for Bartonella spp. exposure were broadly comparable to previously reported patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Lashnits
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jesse Buch
- IDEXX Laboratories Inc., Westbrook, Maine, USA
| | | | - Pradeep Neupane
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Easley F, Taylor L, B. Breitschwerdt E. Suspected Bartonella osteomyelitis in a dog. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:e04512. [PMID: 34306698 PMCID: PMC8294148 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.4512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella associated osteomyelitis, while described in humans and a cat, has to our knowledge not been described in dogs. Infection with Bartonella spp. should be considered as a potential bacterial cause of osteomyelitis in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frankie Easley
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | | | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
- Intracellular Pathogens Research LaboratoryComparative Medicine InstituteCollege of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
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11
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Lashnits E, Neupane P, Bradley JM, Richardson T, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. Comparison of Serological and Molecular Assays for Bartonella Species in Dogs with Hemangiosarcoma. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070794. [PMID: 34201572 PMCID: PMC8308881 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, a gold standard diagnostic test for Bartonella infection in dogs is lacking. This represents a critical limitation for the development and evaluation of new diagnostic tests, as well as for the diagnosis of, and research on, bartonellosis in dogs. This retrospective observational study aims to compare the results of commonly performed and newly-reported Bartonella spp. diagnostic tests in banked clinical specimens from 90 dogs with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) using composite reference standard (CRS) and random effects latent class analysis (RE-LCA) techniques. Samples from each dog were tested using six serological or molecular diagnostic assays, including indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) and Western blot (WB) for the detection of antibodies in serum, and qPCR and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in blood and fresh frozen tissue biopsy samples (mainly splenic HSA tumors and histopathologically normal spleen or skin/adipose tissue). Bartonella infection prevalence was estimated to be 78% based on the CRS (parallel testing with all six assays), and 64% based on the RE-LCA model. The assay with the highest diagnostic accuracy was qPCR performed on fresh frozen tissue biopsy samples (sensitivity: 94% by RE-LCA and 80% by CRS; specificity: 100%). When comparing newly-reported to traditional Bartonella diagnostic assays, ddPCR was more sensitive for the detection of Bartonella DNA than qPCR when testing blood samples (36% vs. 0%, p < 0.0001). Dogs that were positive on serological assays alone with negative molecular assays were highly unlikely (<3%) to be classified as infected by the RE-LCA model. These data indicate that Bartonella spp. DNA can be PCR amplified from fresh frozen tissues from a majority of dogs with HSA using both qPCR and ddPCR, supporting the use of these methods for future controlled studies comparing the prevalence of Bartonella spp. DNA in the tissue of dogs with HSA to that of unaffected controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Lashnits
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53713, USA;
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Pradeep Neupane
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Julie M. Bradley
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Toni Richardson
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Ricardo G. Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
- Correspondence:
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12
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Antibiotic Susceptibility of Bartonella Grown in Different Culture Conditions. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060718. [PMID: 34201011 PMCID: PMC8229624 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonellosis is caused by a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium with a zoonotic transmission. The disease, caused by any of several genospecies of Bartonella can range from a benign, self-limited condition to a highly morbid and life-threatening illness. The current standard of care antibiotics are generally effective in acute infection; these include azithromycin or erythromycin, doxycycline, gentamicin, rifampin, and ciprofloxacin. However, treatment of chronic infection remains problematic. We tested six different antibiotics for their ability to stop the growth of Bartonella sp. in the standard insect media and in an enrichment media. All antibiotics (ceftriaxone, doxycycline, gentamycin, azithromycin, ampicillin, and azlocillin) had minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) below 0.5 µg/mL in the BAPGM enrichment media but were ineffective at inhibiting growth when the standard insect media was used. Azlocillin was the most potent, with a MIC of 0.01 µg/mL. When Bartonella was tested under intracellular growth conditions, none of the antibiotics were efficacious singly. However, growth inhibition was observed when azlocillin and azithromycin were combined. These studies illustrate the impact of growth medium and intracellular environment on antibiotic susceptibility testing and indicate that azlocillin combined with azithromycin may be an effective drug combination for the treatment of Bartonellosis.
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13
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Exposure of Domestic Cats to Three Zoonotic Bartonella Species in the United States. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030354. [PMID: 33802644 PMCID: PMC8002574 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cat-associated Bartonella species, which include B. henselae, B. koehlerae, and B. clarridgeiae, can cause mild to severe illness in humans. In the present study, we evaluated 1362 serum samples obtained from domestic cats across the U.S. for seroreactivity against three species and two strain types of Bartonella associated with cats (B. henselae type 1, B. henselae type 2, B. koehlerae, and B. clarridgeiae) using an indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA). Overall, the seroprevalence at the cutoff titer level of ≥1:64 was 23.1%. Seroreactivity was 11.1% and 3.7% at the titer level cutoff of ≥1:128 and at the cutoff of ≥1:256, respectively. The highest observation of seroreactivity occurred in the East South-Central, South Atlantic, West North-Central, and West South-Central regions. The lowest seroreactivity was detected in the East North-Central, Middle Atlantic, Mountain, New England, and Pacific regions. We observed reactivity against all four Bartonella spp. antigens in samples from eight out of the nine U.S. geographic regions.
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14
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Bartonella henselae Antibodies in Serum and Oral Fluid Specimens from Cats. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030329. [PMID: 33799577 PMCID: PMC8001045 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats are the primary reservoir host for Bartonella henselae(B. henselae), an etiological agent of human bartonellosis, including cat scratch disease. Although Bartonella DNA has been amplified from salivary swabs from cats, dogs and humans, we are not aware of studies investigating Bartonella antibodies in oral fluid (OF). Using inhouse and commercial immunofluorescence antibody assays (IFA), the objective of this study was to detect and compare antibodies against B. henselae in paired OF and serum specimens from cats. Specimens were collected from shelter and client-owned cats. For serum specimens, B. henselae seroreactivity was 78% for both the inhouse and commercial IFA assays and 56.8% for OF specimens. Comparing serum and OF specimens, there was moderate Kappa agreement (Cohen's k = 0.434) for detection of B. henselae antibodies. Oral fluid antibodies were more likely measurable in cats with high B. henselae serum antibody titers when compared with low antibody titers. In conclusion, B. henselae OF IFA antibody measurements were less sensitive compared to serum IFA measurements of ≥1:64. Oral fluid antibodies were detected more often in cats with high B. henselae serum antibody titers. Therefore, OF antibodies, detectable by IFA, is of limited utility for epidemiological or diagnostic testing in cats.
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15
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Henriques J, Felisberto R, Almeida B, Ramos J, Constantino-Casas F, Dobson J, Matos R, Santos A, de Sousa R, Alves M. Canine lymphoma and vector-borne diseases: Molecular and serological evaluation of a possible complicity. Vet Comp Oncol 2020; 19:183-190. [PMID: 33068307 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Lymphoma is the most common haematological malignancy in dogs and its aetiology is largely unknown. The presence of canine vector-borne agents (CVBD) in lymphoma tissues has been described and its causative effects questioned. We intended to evaluate the presence and extent of Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Bartonella henselae infection in dogs with lymphoma. Sixty-one dogs, living in the Lisbon metropolitan area, with a diagnosis of lymphoma were enrolled. Immunofluorescence assays were used to detect serum IgG's. The presence of DNA from CVBD agents in tumour tissue was assessed by PCR. All dogs tested negative for B. henselae, A. phagocytophilum and E. canis by both serology and PCR. Regarding L. infantum, 8.2% (n = 5) of the dogs had a positive serologic result. L. infantum DNA was detected in two samples of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). These results show an increased, but not significant, seropositivity (8.2% vs 7.9%) and molecular detection (3.3% vs 1.2%) for L. infantum in dogs with lymphoma, when compared to the reported canine population in the same geographical area. We could not identify an association between lymphoma and E. canis, A. phagocytophilum, B. henselae or Leishmania infantum infection in the studied population. Nevertheless, further studies, following dogs trough their CVBD disease evolution, are worthwhile and may help clarify a possible role of CVBD agents in lymphomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bruno Almeida
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Ramos
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Jane Dobson
- Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Raquel Matos
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Santos
- Centro de Estudos de Vectores e Doenças Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita de Sousa
- Centro de Estudos de Vectores e Doenças Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida Alves
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal.,CBIOS - Universidade Lusófona's Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Lisbon, Portugal
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16
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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: 1.8] [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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17
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Validation of Bartonella henselae Western Immunoblotting for Serodiagnosis of Bartonelloses in Dogs. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.01335-19. [PMID: 31941695 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01335-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are etiological agents of life-threatening zoonotic diseases in dogs worldwide. Due to the poor sensitivity of immunofluorescent-antibody assays (IFAs), a reliable serodiagnostic test for canine bartonelloses is of clinical importance. The utility of Western blotting (WB) for the serodiagnosis of canine bartonelloses has not been critically investigated. The objective of this study was to characterize WB immunodominant proteins that could be used to confirm a serodiagnosis of bartonelloses. Using agar-grown Bartonella henselae San Antonio type 2 (SA2) whole-cell proteins, sera derived from four dog groups were tested by WB to assess immunodominant protein recognition patterns: group I consisted of 92 serum samples (10 preexposure and 82 postexposure serum samples) from 10 adult beagles experimentally inoculated with Bartonella spp., group II consisted of 36 serum samples from Bartonella PCR-positive naturally infected dogs, group III consisted of 26 serum samples from Bartonella PCR-negative and IFA-negative dogs, and group IV consisted of serum samples from 8 Brucella canis IFA-positive and 10 Rickettsia rickettsii IFA-positive dogs. Following experimental inoculation, 9 (90%) group I dogs were variably seroreactive to one or more of six specific immunodominant proteins (13, 17, 29, 50, 56, and 150 kDa). There was a strong but variable recognition of these proteins among 81% of group II dogs. In contrast, 24/26 group III dogs were not reactive to any immunodominant protein. In this study, the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of B. henselae SA2 WB were higher than those of B. henselae SA2 IFA testing. Some B. henselae SA2 immunodominant proteins were recognized by dogs experimentally and naturally infected with Bartonella spp. other than B. henselae Additional research is necessary to more fully define the utility of WB for the serodiagnosis of canine bartonelloses.
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18
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Portillo A, Maggi R, Oteo JA, Bradley J, García-Álvarez L, San-Martín M, Roura X, Breitschwerdt E. Bartonella spp. Prevalence (Serology, Culture, and PCR) in Sanitary Workers in La Rioja Spain. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9030189. [PMID: 32143533 PMCID: PMC7157737 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9030189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are increasingly implicated in association with a spectrum of zoonotic infectious diseases. One hundred sanitary workers in La Rioja, Spain completed a questionnaire and provided blood specimens for Bartonella spp. serology and Bartonella alpha-Proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) enrichment blood culture/PCR. Six immunofluorescence assays (IFA) were performed and aseptically obtained blood specimens were inoculated into liquid BAPGM and subcultured onto blood agar plates. Bartonella DNA was amplified using conventional and real-time PCR assays. The Bartonella spp., strain, or genotype was determined by DNA sequencing. Bartonella seroreactivity was documented in 83.1% and bloodstream infection in 21.6% of participants. Bartonella henselae, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotypes I and III, and B. quintana were identified. IFA seroreactivity and PCR positivity were not statistically associated with self-reported symptoms. Our results suggest that exposure to and non-clinical infection with Bartonella spp. may occur more often than previously suspected in the La Rioja region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aránzazu Portillo
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital U. San Pedro-Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain; (A.P.); (J.A.O.); (L.G.-Á.)
| | - Ricardo Maggi
- Galaxy Diagnostics, Research Triangle Park, Morrisville, NC 27709, USA;
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - José A. Oteo
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital U. San Pedro-Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain; (A.P.); (J.A.O.); (L.G.-Á.)
| | - Julie Bradley
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - Lara García-Álvarez
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital U. San Pedro-Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain; (A.P.); (J.A.O.); (L.G.-Á.)
| | | | - Xavier Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Edward Breitschwerdt
- Galaxy Diagnostics, Research Triangle Park, Morrisville, NC 27709, USA;
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-919-513-8277
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19
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Lashnits E, Neupane P, Bradley JM, Richardson T, Thomas R, Linder KE, Breen M, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. 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: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [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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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Lashnits
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Pradeep Neupane
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Julie M. Bradley
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Toni Richardson
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Rachael Thomas
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, Comparative Genomics, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Keith E. Linder
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Matthew Breen
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, Comparative Genomics, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ricardo G. Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
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20
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Lashnits E, Neupane P, Maggi RG, Linder KE, Bradley JM, Balakrishnan N, Southern BL, McKeon GP, Chandrashekar R, Breitschwerdt EB. Detection of Bartonella spp. in dogs after infection with Rickettsia rickettsii. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 34:145-159. [PMID: 31891215 PMCID: PMC6979086 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dynamics of infection by Bartonella and Rickettsia species, which are epidemiologically associated in dogs, have not been explored in a controlled setting. Objectives Describe an outbreak investigation of occult Bartonella spp. infection among a group of dogs, discovered after experimentally induced Rickettsia rickettsii (Rr) infection. Animals Six apparently healthy purpose‐bred Beagles obtained from a commercial vendor. Methods Retrospective and prospective study. Dogs were serially tested for Bartonella spp. and Rr using serology, culture, and PCR, over 3 study phases: 3 months before inoculation with Rr (retrospective), 6 weeks after inoculation with Rr (retrospective), and 8 months of follow‐up (prospective). Results Before Rr infection, 1 dog was Bartonella henselae (Bh) immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) seroreactive and 1 was Rickettsia spp. IFA seroreactive. After inoculation with Rr, all dogs developed mild Rocky Mountain spotted fever compatible with low‐dose Rr infection, seroconverted to Rickettsia spp. within 4‐11 days, and recovered within 1 week. When 1 dog developed ear tip vasculitis with intra‐lesional Bh, an investigation of Bartonella spp. infection was undertaken. All dogs had seroconverted to 1‐3 Bartonella spp. between 7 and 18 days after Rr inoculation. Between 4 and 8 months after Rr inoculation, Bh DNA was amplified from multiple tissues from 2 dogs, and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (Bvb) DNA was amplified from 4 of 5 dogs' oral swabs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Vector‐borne disease exposure was demonstrated in research dogs from a commercial vendor. Despite limitations, our results support the possibilities of recrudescence of chronic subclinical Bartonella spp. infection after Rr infection and horizontal direct‐contact transmission between dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Lashnits
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Pradeep Neupane
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Keith E Linder
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Julie M Bradley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Nandhakumar Balakrishnan
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Brittany L Southern
- Laboratory Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Gabriel P McKeon
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Laboratory Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | | | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Neupane P, Hegarty BC, Marr HS, Maggi RG, Birkenheuer AJ, Breitschwerdt EB. Evaluation of cell culture-grown Bartonella antigens in immunofluorescent antibody assays for the serological diagnosis of bartonellosis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1958-1964. [PMID: 30307643 PMCID: PMC6271329 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of poor sensitivity and questionable specificity of immunofluorescent antibody assays (IFAs), serological diagnosis of Bartonella species infections in dogs remains challenging. Despite limitations, IFA testing is the historical "gold standard" for Bartonella serodiagnosis in animals and humans. Because most diagnostic laboratories test against only 1 or 2 Bartonella spp., testing against a broader panel of Bartonella antigens may enhance diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Bartonella IFA using 8 cell culture-grown Bartonella spp. isolates. ANIMALS Archived serum samples from 34 Bartonella spp. naturally exposed, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive dogs and from 26 PCR-negative and IFA-negative dogs. METHODS Bartonella IFA sensitivity and specificity were assessed using cell culture-grown whole cell antigens derived from 3 Bartonella henselae (Bh) strains (Bh Houston 1, Bh San Antonio Type 2, Bh California 1), 3 Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotypes (Bvb I, II, and III), Bartonella koehlerae (Bk), and Bartonella quintana (Bq). RESULTS Only 62% of 34 Bartonella spp. PCR-positive dogs were seroreactive to any of the 8 Bartonella IFA antigens, indicating low IFA sensitivity. PCR-positive dogs were most often IFA seroreactive to Bq (n = 15), to Bvb II (n = 13), or to both (n = 9) antigens. Of the 26 previously IFA-negative/PCR-negative dogs, 4 (15%) were seroreactive using the expanded antigen panel. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Despite IFA testing of dogs against 8 different Bartonella isolates, IFA sensitivity remained poor, and specificity was only 85%. Development of a reliable serological assay is needed to facilitate the diagnosis of Bartonella infection in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Neupane
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Barbara C Hegarty
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Henry S Marr
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Adam J Birkenheuer
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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