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Bento JT, Dahmane A, Santos-Silva S, Reghaissia N, Almeida D, Mesquita JR. Antibody-Based Assessment of Coxiella burnetii Circulation in Algerian Goat Herds. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2926. [PMID: 37760325 PMCID: PMC10525101 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii), a pathogen with a high capability for infection. The disease primarily affects ruminants, leading to reproductive disorders, but can also be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or their products. In Algeria, Q fever is endemic, but little is known about the presence and circulation of C. burnetii in domestic goats. This study aimed to perform a multicentric serological analysis of C. burnetii antibodies in domestic goats from four provinces in the North East Region of Algeria. A total of 504 goat serum samples were collected from 77 herds, and serological analysis was performed using an indirect ELISA. The overall seroprevalence at the herd level was 35.06%, and 8.73% at the individual level. Herds with a history of abortions showed a high seropositivity rate of 88.9%. This research indicates the wide distribution of C. burnetii in goats in this region, suggesting the potential for zoonotic transmission to humans. Further studies and monitoring programs are essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of C. burnetii epidemiology in Algeria and to prevent or mitigate potential outbreaks. Awareness among practitioners and farmers is crucial to address this public health concern effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaqueline T. Bento
- Department of Biology, Campus de Santiago, University of Aveiro (UA), 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Abdeldjalil Dahmane
- Higher National Veterinary School, Rue Issad Abbes, El Alia, Algiers 16000, Algeria;
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (S.S.-S.); (D.A.)
| | - Nassiba Reghaissia
- Laboratory of Sciences and Living Techniques, Institute of Agronomic and Veterinary Sciences, University of Souk Ahras, Souk Ahras 41000, Algeria;
| | - Daniela Almeida
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (S.S.-S.); (D.A.)
| | - João R. Mesquita
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (S.S.-S.); (D.A.)
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
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Abdelbaset AE, Kwak ML, Nonaka N, Nakao R. Human-biting ticks and zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in North Africa: diversity, distribution, and trans-Mediterranean public health challenges. One Health 2023; 16:100547. [PMID: 37363219 PMCID: PMC10288109 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100547] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
North Africa is home to more than 200 million people living across five developing economies (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco) and two Spanish exclaves (Ceuta and Melilla), many of whom are impacted by ticks and tick-borne zoonoses. Populations in Europe are also increasingly vulnerable to North African ticks and tick-borne zoonoses due to a combination of climate change and the movement of ticks across the Mediterranean on migratory birds, human travellers, and trafficked wildlife. The human-biting ticks and tick-borne zoonoses in North Africa are reviewed along with their distribution in the region. We also assess present and future challenges associated with ticks and tick-borne zoonoses in North African and highlight opportunities for collaboration and coordination between governments in Europe and North Africa to address public health challenges posed by North African ticks and tick-borne zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelbaset Eweda Abdelbaset
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Mackenzie L. Kwak
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
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Alzuguren O, Domínguez L, Chacón G, Benito AA, Mencía-Ares O. Infectious abortions in small domestic ruminants in the Iberian Peninsula: Optimization of sampling procedures for molecular diagnostics. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1152289. [PMID: 36968459 PMCID: PMC10033884 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1152289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionInfectious abortions have a major impact on small domestic ruminant farms, i.e., sheep and goats, both in terms of profitability and health status. Therefore, rapid and sensitive diagnosis is essential to minimize losses. Currently, molecular techniques, such as qPCR, are routinely used for their diagnosis, which imply the need to manipulate all abortive material, with consequent biosafety risks. Here, we evaluate the frequency of the main abortifacient pathogens in small domestic ruminants in the Iberian Peninsula and also assess an alternative approach for the optimization of sampling for molecular diagnosis.ResultsA total of 392 clinical cases were analyzed from April 2020 to May 2021, evidencing that the main causative agents of abortion detected were Coxiella burnetii (49.0%), Chlamydia abortus (38.3%) and, to a lesser extent, Toxoplasma gondii (10.2%), Salmonella enterica (7.1%) and Campylobacter spp. (6.1%). An uneven distribution of these pathogens was observed between ruminant species, with a higher frequency (p < 0.05) of T. gondii, S. enterica and Campylobacter spp. in sheep than goat abortions, and among geographic areas, highlighting the higher frequency (p < 0.05) of T. gondii and Campylobacter spp. in the north compared to southeastern Spain. The alternative sampling method, consisting on the use of fetal tongues and placental swabs in replacement of the whole fetus and placental tissue, offered a very good agreement with the classical method for all pathogens, except for low concentrations of C. burnetii, which seems to have a doubtful role in abortion when its concentration in the abortifacient material is low.ConclusionsThis study reveals a high frequency of infectious etiology in abortions of small domestic ruminants in the Iberian Peninsula and validates for the first time an alternative sampling method for molecular diagnosis that will help to provide rapid and accurate results while minimizing biosafety risks.
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Jonker A, Michel AL. Optimization and Application of Real-Time qPCR Assays in Detection and Identification of Chlamydiales in Products of Domestic Ruminant Abortion. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020290. [PMID: 36839562 PMCID: PMC9965055 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic ruminant abortions due to infectious agents represent an important cause of economic losses in the agricultural industry. This study aimed to optimise and apply qPCR assays for detection of Chlamydiales in domestic ruminant abortion cases. Primers and probes for detection of the order Chlamydiales, Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia pecorum, Parachlamydia acanthamoeba and Waddlia chondrophila were taken from the literature to create one singleplex and two duplex assays and the assays were optimised. Placentitis and pneumonia are pathological lesions associated with Chlamydiales infection. In a previous study, twenty-five clinical cases had pathological lesions of placentitis or pneumonia. These cases were investigated further by application of the qPCR assays in this study. Chlamydiales were detected in 16 cases. C. abortus, P. acanthamoeba and W. chondrophila were detected in bovine; and C. pecorum and W. chondrophila in ovine and caprine cases. Chlamydiales were detected in three previously inconclusive cases. Identification was improved from genus to species level (C. pecorum). Four cases remained inconclusive. In conclusion, detection of Chlamydiales and differentiation to species level was improved. This study reports the first detection of P. acanthamoeba and W. chondrophila in abortion cases in South Africa, indicating a potentially significant role in abortions in this country.
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Investigation of selected bacterial agents causing sheep abortion in the Van Province by RT-PCR and histopathological methods. ACTA VET BRNO 2023. [DOI: 10.2754/avb202392010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Abortion causes significant economic losses in the sheep industry. Determination of the aetiology is important in dealing with abortions. The present study was aimed to identify selected important bacterial pathogens in the abortion cases of sheep. A total of 113 samples (105 aborted sheep foetuses, 4 placentas, and 4 vaginal swab samples) from 85 different sheep flocks were examined by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) regarding Chlamydia (C.) spp., C. abortus, Brucella (B.) spp., B. melitensis, Salmonella (S.) spp., S. Abortusovis, Coxiella (C.) burnetii, Listeria (L.) spp., L. monocytogenes, and Campylobacter spp. All cases that were found to be positive for bacterial agents by RT-PCR, were examined pathologically. Tissue samples of foetuses that were found to be positive for B. melitensis and L. monocytogenes by RT-PCR were also investigated immunohistochemically. A total of 35 (30.9%) samples were found to be positive by RT-PCR, with 15 (42.8%), 9 (25.7%), 5 (14.2%), 4 (11.4%), 1 (2.8%), and 1 (2.8%) of them being identified as C. abortus, B. melitensis, S. Abortusovis, C. burnetii, L. monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp., respectively. The presence of the antigen was confirmed also immunohistochemically in the cases with B. melitensis and L. monocytogenes. As a consequence, C. abortus was found to cause the highest rate of sheep abortion cases, which should be taken into account when implementing control measures in epidemiological investigations.
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Bauer BU, Schoneberg C, Herms TL, Kleinschmidt S, Runge M, Ganter M. Impact of Coxiella burnetii vaccination on humoral immune response, vaginal shedding, and lamb mortality in naturally pre-infected sheep. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1064763. [PMID: 36601330 PMCID: PMC9807230 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1064763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sheep are considered to be one of the main reservoirs for Coxiella burnetii, a gram-negative bacterium with high zoonotic potential. Infected sheep shed tremendous amounts of the pathogen through birth products which caused human Q fever epidemics in several countries. Information about the impact of an inactivated C. burnetii Phase I vaccine on humoral immune response, vaginal shedding, and lamb mortality in naturally pre-infected sheep is scarce. Methods Two identically managed and naturally C. burnetii-infected sheep flocks were examined for two lambing seasons (2019 and 2020). One flock (VAC) received a primary vaccination against Q fever before mating and the second flock served as control (CTR). In each flock, one cohort of 100 ewes was included in follow-up investigations. Serum samples at eight different sampling dates were analyzed by C. burnetii phase-specific ELISAs to differentiate between the IgG Phase I and II responses. Vaginal swabs were collected within three days after parturition and examined by a C. burnetii real-time PCR (IS1111). Lamb losses were recorded to calculate lamb mortality parameters. Results After primary vaccination, almost all animals from cohort VAC showed a high IgG Phase I response up until the end of the study period. In cohort CTR, the seropositivity rate varied from 35.1% to 66.3%, and the Phase I and Phase II pattern showed an undulating trend with higher IgG Phase II activity during both lambing seasons. The number of vaginal shedders was significantly reduced in cohort VAC compared to cohort CTR during the lambing season in 2019 (p < 0.0167). There was no significant difference of vaginal shedders in 2020. The total lamb losses were low in both cohorts during the two investigated lambing seasons (VAC 2019: 6.8%, 2020: 3.2%; CTR 2019: 1.4%, 2020: 2.7%). Discussion Neither the C. burnetii vaccine nor the C. burnetii infection seem to have an impact on lamb mortality. Taken together, the inactivated C. burnetii Phase I vaccine induced a strong IgG Phase I antibody response in naturally pre-infected sheep. It might also reduce vaginal shedding in the short term but seems to have little beneficial impact on lamb mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ulrich Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany,*Correspondence: Benjamin Ulrich Bauer
| | - Clara Schoneberg
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Thea Louise Herms
- Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Hanover, Germany
| | - Sven Kleinschmidt
- Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Runge
- Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
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Chlamydia abortus Isolation and Identification in Aborted Ovine Fetus in Mari El Republic of Russia. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121408. [PMID: 36558742 PMCID: PMC9784139 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive disorders, presumably caused by Chlamydia abortus, are common among the ovine population of the Mari El Republic, Russia. C. abortus infection was determined by serologic testing or isolation and detection of the organism by PCR and direct immunofluorescence in tissue samples. Rams, ewes, and lambs (10 individuals each) were randomly chosen for serological testing by the complement fixation test and 7 of 30 (23%) animals tested were positive. Tissue samples were collected from ewes and aborted fetuses for isolation by inoculating chicken embryo yolk sacs (n = 41). The same samples were analyzed by PCR using commercial and in-house PCR kits and by direct immunofluorescence. C. abortus was detected in 58.5% of samples using PCR and in 60.9% of the samples by direct immunofluorescence. Five Chlamydia isolates were cultured in egg yolk sacs and adapted for growth in cell cultures. Phylogenetic analysis showed no substantial difference between Russian isolates and those from other parts of the world. The results of the study further demonstrate the usefulness of PCR for detection of C. abortus as a faster, simpler, and more reliable approach in comparison to culturing the organism and underscoring the necessity of screening for chlamydiosis as a cause of ovine abortion.
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Retrospective Molecular Survey on Bacterial and Protozoan Abortive Agents in Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Central Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223202. [PMID: 36428429 PMCID: PMC9686506 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial and protozoan agents can determine abortion and other reproductive disorders in domestic ruminants, but data regarding their occurrence in wild ruminants are scanty worldwide, including in Italy. The aim of this retrospective study was to verify the occurrence of the main bacterial and protozoan abortive agents in 72 spleen samples previously collected from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) living in mountain areas of Central Italy. All samples were collected and submitted to DNA extraction for other investigations. Molecular analyses were carried out on the DNA samples to detect Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii, Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, Neospora caninum, and Toxoplasma gondii. Three (4.16%) roe deer resulted PCR positive for C. burnetii and one (1.38%) for T. gondii. These findings suggest that roe deer living in the investigated areas do not act as important reservoirs of the searched agents. However, the tested animals lived in a closed area without contact with domestic animals that are usually involved in the epidemiology of the investigated pathogens. Monitoring of wild ruminants is pivotal to verify changes in the epidemiological scenario from a One Health perspective, too.
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Limón-González MM, Hernández-Castro R, Martínez-Hernández F, Xicohtencatl-Cortes J, Ramírez-Alvarez H, Palomares-Resendiz EG, Díaz-Aparicio E. Genetic diversity of Chlamydia pecorum detected in sheep flocks from Mexico. Braz J Microbiol 2022. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1007/s42770-022-00682-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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10
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Dorsch MA, Francia ME, Tana LR, González FC, Cabrera A, Calleros L, Sanguinetti M, Barcellos M, Zarantonelli L, Ciuffo C, Maya L, Castells M, Mirazo S, da Silva Silveira C, Rabaza A, Caffarena RD, Doncel Díaz B, Aráoz V, Matto C, Armendano JI, Salada S, Fraga M, Fierro S, Giannitti F. Diagnostic Investigation of 100 Cases of Abortion in Sheep in Uruguay: 2015–2021. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:904786. [PMID: 35664842 PMCID: PMC9161216 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.904786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to identify causes of abortion through laboratory investigations in sheep flocks in Uruguay. One hundred cases of abortion, comprising 58 fetuses, 36 fetuses with their placentas, and 6 placentas were investigated in 2015–2021. Cases were subjected to gross and microscopic pathologic examinations, and microbiological and serological testing for the identification of causes of abortion, including protozoal, bacterial, and viral pathogens. An etiologic diagnosis was determined in 46 (46%) cases, including 33 (33%) cases caused by infectious pathogens, as determined by the detection of a pathogen along with the identification of fetoplacental lesions attributable to the detected pathogen. Twenty-seven cases (27%) were caused by Toxoplasma gondii, 5 (5%) by Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus, and 1 (1%) by an unidentified species of Campylobacter. Fourteen cases (14%) had inflammatory and/or necrotizing fetoplacental lesions compatible with an infectious etiology. Although the cause for these lesions was not clearly identified, T. gondii was detected in 4 of these cases, opportunistic bacteria (Bacillus licheniformis, Streptococcus sp.) were isolated in 2 cases, and bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 subtype i (BVDV-1i) was detected in another. Campylobacter jejuni was identified in 1 (1%) severely autolyzed, mummified fetus. BVDV-2b was identified incidentally in one fetus with an etiologic diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. Microscopic agglutination test revealed antibodies against ≥1 Leptospira serovars in 15/63 (23.8%) fetuses; however, Leptospira was not identified by a combination of qPCR, culture, fluorescent antibody testing nor immunohistochemistry. Neospora caninum, Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia pecorum, Coxiella burnetii and border disease virus were not detected in any of the analyzed cases. Death was attributed to dystocia in 13 (13%) fetuses delivered by 8 sheep, mostly from one highly prolific flock. Congenital malformations including inferior prognathism, a focal hepatic cyst, and enterohepatic agenesis were identified in one fetus each, the latter being the only one considered incompatible with postnatal life. Toxoplasmosis, campylobacteriosis and dystocia were the main identified causes of fetal losses. Despite the relatively low overall success rate in establishing an etiologic diagnosis, a systematic laboratory workup in cases of abortion is of value to identify their causes and enables zoonotic pathogens surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías A. Dorsch
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - María E. Francia
- Laboratorio de Biología de Apicomplejos, Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leandro R. Tana
- Laboratorio de Biología de Apicomplejos, Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Fabiana C. González
- Laboratorio de Biología de Apicomplejos, Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrés Cabrera
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero-Patógeno, Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Unidad de Microbiología, Departamento de Patobiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Calleros
- Sección de Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Margarita Sanguinetti
- Sección de Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Maila Barcellos
- Sección de Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leticia Zarantonelli
- Unidad Mixta Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo e Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (UMPI), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Camila Ciuffo
- Unidad Mixta Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo e Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (UMPI), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leticia Maya
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Universitario Regional (CENUR) Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Matías Castells
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Universitario Regional (CENUR) Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Mirazo
- Laboratorio de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Caroline da Silva Silveira
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Ana Rabaza
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Rubén D. Caffarena
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- Unidad Académica Salud de los Rumiantes, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Benjamín Doncel Díaz
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- Laboratorio de Patología Veterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Virginia Aráoz
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Carolina Matto
- Laboratorio Regional Noroeste, División de Laboratorios Veterinarios (DILAVE) Miguel C. Rubino, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca (MGAP), Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Joaquín I. Armendano
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), Tandil, Argentina
| | - Sofía Salada
- Secretariado Uruguayo de la Lana (SUL), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Martín Fraga
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Sergio Fierro
- Secretariado Uruguayo de la Lana (SUL), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Federico Giannitti
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Orjuela AG, Reyes Castañeda LJ, Tobón JC, Parra Arango JL, Guzmán-Barragán B. Seroprevalence of antibodies to Chlamydia abortus and risk factors in cattle from Villavicencio, Colombia. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09481. [PMID: 35637665 PMCID: PMC9142854 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium, responsible for abortions and reproductive problems. The disease has a high zoonotic potential and causes great economic losses in ruminant farmers. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 514 cattle from 24 farms of Villavicencio, Colombia. The blood samples were collected from each individual animal and analyzed by Indirect Elisa for immunoglobulin G (IgG) in blood serum (Idexx Chlamydiosis total Ab test). A serum was considered positive when the optical density (OD) of the sample was ≥30% of that of the positive control serum. Data on potential risk factors associated with the disease were collected through a questionnaire in each farm and analyzed. The individual and herd prevalence was estimated. A risk factors analysis was performed through univariate and multivariable using the software SPSS version 20. The animal level seroprevalence was found to be 47.1% and the herd 91.6%. The prevalence in cattle aged 0-1, 1-3 and >4 years was 23.8%; 31.4% and 51.4% respectively. The risk factors associated with the prevalence of disease were female sex (OR = 2.102 CI: 1.066-4.144), age older than 4 years (OR = 2.707 CI: 1.667-4.394), presence of canines on the farm (OR = 2.556 CI: 1.560-4.189) and retention of placenta (OR = 2.678 CI: 1.670-4.295). A high prevalence was identified, suggesting natural infection where the pathogen could be transmitted to humans at the animal-human interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Góngora Orjuela
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Colombia
| | | | - Julio César Tobón
- Industria Colombiana de Productos Veterinarios (Vecol), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jorge L. Parra Arango
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Colombia
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Arif ED, Saeed NM, Rachid SK, Dyary HO, Rashid PM. Expression Level of the mip, pmp18D, and ompA Genes in Chlamydia abortus Isolated from Aborted Ewes. Pol J Microbiol 2022; 71:115-121. [PMID: 35635174 PMCID: PMC9152909 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2022-014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this manuscript, we report the proteins macrophage infectivity potentiator (mip, CAB080), major outer membrane protein (momp, CAB048), and polymorphic outer membrane protein (pmp18D, CAB776) that are expressed in different times of pregnancy in mice infected with Chlamydia abortus. Enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) by C. abortus, an obligate intracellular pathogen, is a critical zoonotic disease-causing significant economic loss to livestock farming globally. This study was carried out for the detection and characterization of macrophage infectivity potentiator (mip, CAB080), major outer membrane protein (momp, CAB048), and polymorphic outer membrane protein (pmp18D, CAB776) using RT-qPCR. These proteins are believed to be expressed as virulence factors in C. abortus isolated from aborted ewes. BALB/c mice (pregnant and nonpregnant) were used as an animal model to be injected intraperitoneally with C. abortus culture in Vero cells since the endometrial lymphoid tissues of these animals resembles that of ewes. Also, the short duration of pregnancy in mice makes them a suitable animal model for obstetric studies. Tissue samples were taken from the mice after 10, 15, and 20 days of pregnancy to compare the expression of the genes mip, pmp18D, and ompA. Transcription level was quantified using RT-qPCR, the GAPDH transcription quantification, as a normalization signal. Abortion occurred in pregnant mice, and apparent differences between the transcriptional levels of the mip, pmp18D, and ompA genes in the samples taken during different time intervals of pregnancy were not observed (p > 0.05). The result indicated that the three bacterial genes, mip, pmp18D, and ompA, play a role as virulence factors in abortion and are differentially expressed in pregnant and nonpregnant animals. Inactivation of the genes is suggested to confirm the hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Dhahir Arif
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine , University of Sulaimani , Sulaymaniyah , Iraq
| | - Nahla Mohammad Saeed
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine , University of Sulaimani , Sulaymaniyah , Iraq
| | | | - Hiewa Othman Dyary
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine , University of Sulaimani , Sulaymaniyah , Iraq
| | - Peshnyar M.A. Rashid
- Kurdistan Institution for Strategic Studies and Scientific Research , Sulaymaniyah , Iraq
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory , Directorate of Veterinary Services in Sulaymaniyah , Sulaymaniyah , Iraq
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Limón-González MM, Hernández-Castro R, Martínez-Hernández F, Xicohtencatl-Cortes J, Ramírez-Alvarez H, Palomares-Resendiz EG, Díaz-Aparicio E. Genetic diversity of Chlamydia pecorum detected in sheep flocks from Mexico. Braz J Microbiol 2022. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42770-022-00682-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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Limón-González MM, Hernández-Castro R, Martínez-Hernández F, Xicohtencatl-Cortes J, Ramírez-Alvarez H, Palomares-Resendiz EG, Díaz-Aparicio E. Genetic diversity of Chlamydia pecorum detected in sheep flocks from Mexico. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:605-613. [PMID: 35119684 PMCID: PMC9151965 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00682-9] [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] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is associated with reproductive and systemic diseases in sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, and koalas. The main conditions include polyarthritis, conjunctivitis, enteritis, pneumonia, encephalomyelitis, orchitis, placentitis, and abortion. Even though there are several studies showing that C. pecorum infections are widely spread in the world, in Mexico there are no reports. During 2016, as part of a sheep restocking program in Mexico, sheep were imported from New Zealand. Briefly after their arrival in the herds in the State of Mexico, these sheep presented abortions during the last third of gestation. A total of 62 sheep vaginal swabs that had presented abortion from different municipalities of the State of Mexico were collected. Bacterial isolation was performed using L929 mouse fibroblasts, and molecular identification was achieved by 23S rRNA (Chlamydiaceae family) and ompA gene (species-specific) real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, the 16S rRNA subunit and ompA gene were amplified and sequenced. Seven of 62 samples were positive for C. pecorum by bacterial isolation, 23S rRNA, and ompA gene real-time PCR. The 16S rRNA subunit and ompA gene amplicons were purified and the nucleotide sequence was determined in both directions. The consensus sequences homology search was performed using BLASTn analysis and showed a 100% of homology with the C. pecorum 16S rRNA subunit and 99% with the C. pecorum ompA gene. The population structure analyses using ompA gene demonstrated 15 genetic populations or clusters of 198 sequences from GenBank and our sequences were in a particular genetic structure corresponding to genotype "O." Herein, we describe the presence of C. pecorum in sheep imported from New Zealand into Mexico. Genetic analysis of the ompA gene showed that the isolates belong to genotype O and are related to strains isolated from sheep, cattle, and koalas.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Limón-González
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - R Hernández-Castro
- Departamento de Ecología de Agentes Patógenos, Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea González", Tlalpan, 14080, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - F Martínez-Hernández
- Departamento de Ecología de Agentes Patógenos, Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea González", Tlalpan, 14080, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - J Xicohtencatl-Cortes
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología Intestinal, Hospital Infantil de México "Dr. Federico Gómez", Cuauhtémoc, 06720, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - H Ramírez-Alvarez
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 54714, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - E G Palomares-Resendiz
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad (CENID-SAI), Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones ForestalesAgrícolas y Pecuarias, Cuajimalpa, 05110, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - E Díaz-Aparicio
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad (CENID-SAI), Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones ForestalesAgrícolas y Pecuarias, Cuajimalpa, 05110, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Seroprevalence of Seven Reproductive Diseases in Beef and Dairy Cows from Three Provinces in Indonesia. Vet Med Int 2021; 2021:6492289. [PMID: 34900215 PMCID: PMC8660248 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6492289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine reproductive diseases are endemic in Indonesia, but comprehensive information about their infectious causes is not available. Therefore, our aim for this study was to detect several infectious agents that cause reproductive diseases in Indonesian beef and dairy cows. A total of 152 cow serum samples collected by Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Brawijaya University and Veterinary Disease Investigation Centre as a part of the mandatory and regularly surveillance system from three provinces during 2019–2020 were used. The samples were then sent to Indonesian Research Centre for Veterinary Science (IRCVS) for further detection of seven reproductive diseases by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seven reproductive diseases to be tested in parallel are neosporosis, chlamydiosis, brucellosis, Q fever, bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), and BHV-4 infection. The dominant reproductive diseases in Indonesian cows were BVD (45.69%), chlamydiosis (31.58%), IBR (20.53%), neosporosis (11.84%), and BHV-4 infection (10.53%). The seroprevalence of IBR, BHV-4 infection, neosporosis, and brucellosis varied significantly (P < 0.05) between dairy and beef cattle. The most dominant reproductive diseases in aborted cows were chlamydiosis (45%), BVD (41%), and neosporosis (10%). The conclusion drawn from this study is that the dominant reproductive diseases in Indonesian cows are BVD, chlamydiosis, IBR, neosporosis, and BHV-4 infection. Chlamydiosis, BVD, and neosporosis are common among aborted cow. Chlamydiosis, neosporosis, and BHV-4 infection should be included in the national priority list in Indonesia. Control and preventive measures should be focused on high-risk areas and animals like stray cat and dog.
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Rabaza A, Macías-Rioseco M, Fraga M, Uzal FA, Eisler MC, Riet-Correa F, Giannitti F. Coxiella burnetii abortion in a dairy farm selling artisanal cheese directly to consumers and review of Q fever as a bovine abortifacient in South America and a human milk-borne disease. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:2511-2520. [PMID: 34405372 PMCID: PMC8578271 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a highly transmissible intracellular bacterium with a low infective dose that causes Q fever (coxiellosis), a notifiable zoonotic disease distributed worldwide. Livestock are the main source of C. burnetii transmission to humans, which occurs mostly through the aerogenous route. Although C. burnetii is a major abortifacient in small ruminants, it is less frequently diagnosed in aborting cattle. We report a case of C. burnetii abortion in a lactating Holstein cow from a dairy farm producing and selling artisanal cheese directly to consumers in Uruguay, and review the literature on coxiellosis as a bovine abortifacient in South America and as a milk-borne disease. The aborted cow had severe necrotizing placentitis with abundant intratrophoblastic and intralesional C. burnetii confirmed by immunohistochemistry and PCR. After primo-infection in cattle, C. burnetii remains latent in the lymph nodes and mammary glands, with milk being a significant and persistent excretion route. Viable C. burnetii has been found in unpasteurized milk and cheeses after several months of maturing. The risk of coxiellosis after the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, including cheese, is not negligible. This report raises awareness on bovine coxiellosis as a potential food safety problem in on-farm raw cheese manufacturing and sales. The scant publications on abortive coxiellosis in cattle in South America suggest that the condition has probably gone underreported in all countries of this subcontinent except for Uruguay. Therefore, we also discuss the diagnostic criteria for laboratory-based confirmation of C. burnetii abortion in ruminants as a guideline for veterinary diagnosticians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rabaza
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK
| | - Melissa Macías-Rioseco
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory, University of California At Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Martín Fraga
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory, University of California At Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mark C Eisler
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK
| | - Franklin Riet-Correa
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- Programa de Pós Graduação Em Ciência Animal Nos Trópicos, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Ondina, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay.
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Chlamydia pecorum Ovine Abortion: Associations between Maternal Infection and Perinatal Mortality. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111367. [PMID: 34832523 PMCID: PMC8618313 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum is a common gastrointestinal inhabitant of livestock but infections can manifest in a broad array of clinical presentations and in a range of host species. While C. pecorum is a known cause of ovine abortion, clinical cases have only recently been described in detail. Here, the prevalence and sequence types (STs) of C. pecorum in ewes from a property experiencing high levels of perinatal mortality (PNM) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, were investigated using serological and molecular methods. Ewes that were PNM+ were statistically more likely to test seropositive compared to PNM− ewes and displayed higher antibody titres; however, an increase in chlamydial shedding from either the rectum, vagina or conjunctiva of PNM+ ewes was not observed. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) indicated that C. pecorum ST23 was the major ST shed by ewes in the flock, was the only ST identified from the vaginal site, and was the same ST detected within aborted foetal tissues. Whole genome sequencing of C. pecorum isolated from one abortion case revealed that the C. pecorum plasmid (pCpec) contained a unique deletion in coding sequence 1 (CDS1) that was also present in C. pecorum ST23 shed from the ewes. A further unique deletion was noted in a polymorphic membrane protein gene (pmpG) of the C. pecorum chromosome, which warrants further investigation given the role of PmpG in host cell adherence and tissue tropism.This study describes novel infection parameters in a sheep flock experiencing C. pecorum-associated perinatal mortality, provides the first genomic data from an abortigenic C. pecorum strain, and raises questions about possible links between unique genetic features of this strain and C. pecorum abortion.
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Molecular detection of zoonotic blood pathogens in ticks from illegally imported turtles in Italy. Acta Trop 2021; 222:106038. [PMID: 34224721 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
International trade of animals may represent a gateway for the spreading of zoonotic pathogens and their vectors. Amongst animals, reptiles are commonly illegally imported worldwide, being Italy in the fifth position of importation of these animals. Thus, the current study analysed the pathogens associated with Hyalomma aegyptium ticks, which were collected from illegally imported tortoises from North Africa to Italy. All tick DNA samples were tested by conventional PCR for the presence of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Borrelia spp., Coxiella burnetti, Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Rickettsia spp. and microfilariae of filarioids. Out of 22% (n=161) of ticks screened, 78.9% (n=127) were males and 21.1% (n=34) females. Among them, three male specimens collected from two different turtles (1.9%; 95% CI; 0.5-5.5) scored positive for Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., whereas all females were negative. BLAST analysis of the sequences obtained from positive samples revealed 99-99.3% nucleotide identity with the sequence of Ehrlichia ewingii available in GenBank. The finding of E. ewingii in ticks from imported reptiles warrants the need for imposing strict rules in the international trade of reptiles to effectively reduce the introduction of exotic pathogens and their vectors in new geographic areas.
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Taheri F, Ownagh A, Mardani K. Phylogenetic and molecular analysis based on genes 16S-rRNA, OMPA and POMP to identify Chlamydia abortus infection occurrence at the milk samples of goats and sheep in west Azerbaijan of Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2021; 13:480-487. [PMID: 34557276 PMCID: PMC8421589 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v13i4.6972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Enzootic abortion in sheep and goats, also called ovine enzootic abortion (OEA) or enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE), is caused by Chlamydia abortus. The disease has a major economic impact as it represents the most important cause of lamb loss in sheep in parts of Europe, North America and Africa. This serious and potentially life-threatening zoonosis can also affect pregnant women after contact with lambing ewes, leading to severe febrile illness in pregnancy and loss of the foetus. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to the Phylogenetic and Molecular Analysis based on Genes 16S-rRNA, OmpA and POMP of C. abortus in milk samples collected from sheep and goats in West Azerbaijan province, Iran. During 2018, a total number of 360 milk samples were collected from sheep (n = 180) and goats (n = 180) of different regions of the province. All milk samples were subjected to DNA extraction and examined by PCR. Results: Among 360 milk samples collected from sheep and goats, 31 (8.611%; 95% CI=6.13–11.96) were positive for Chlamydia spp. The helicase, 16S-rRNA and ompA genes were examined and resulted in 8, 31, 31 of positive samples respectively. The accession numbers have been deposited in GenBank (NCBI) (MT367602 and MT367603). Conclusion: Phylogenetic analysis based on the gene of helicase showed that most of the isolates shared similarity > 99.97%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Taheri
- Department of Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran
| | - Abdulghaffar Ownagh
- Department of Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran
| | - Karim Mardani
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran
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Ebani VV, Guardone L, Bertelloni F, Perrucci S, Poli A, Mancianti F. Survey on the Presence of Bacterial and Parasitic Zoonotic Agents in the Feces of Wild Birds. Vet Sci 2021; 8:171. [PMID: 34564565 PMCID: PMC8472958 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8090171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild avifauna may act as fecal source of bacterial and parasitic pathogens for other birds and mammals. Most of these pathogens have a relevant impact on human and livestock health which may cause severe disease and economic loss. In the present study, the fecal samples collected from 121 wild birds belonging to 15 species of the genera Anas, Tadorna, Fulica, Arddea, Larus, Falco, Athene, Accipiter, and Columba were submitted to bacteriological and molecular analyses to detect Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii, Mycobacterium spp., Salmonella spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., and microsporidia. Four (3.3%) animals were positive for one pathogen: one Anas penelope for C. burnetii, one Larus michahellis for S. enterica serovar Coeln, and two Columba livia for Encephalitozoon hellem. Although the prevalence rates found in the present survey were quite low, the obtained results confirm that wild birds would be the a potential fecal source of bacterial and parasitic zoonotic pathogens which sometimes can also represent a severe threat for farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.P.); (A.P.); (F.M.)
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lisa Guardone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.P.); (A.P.); (F.M.)
| | - Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.P.); (A.P.); (F.M.)
| | - Stefania Perrucci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.P.); (A.P.); (F.M.)
| | - Alessandro Poli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.P.); (A.P.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (F.B.); (S.P.); (A.P.); (F.M.)
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Sakmanoğlu A, Uslu A, Sayın Z, Gölen GS, İlban A, Padron-Perez B, Karyeyen Y, Gök A, Tekindal MA, Erganis O. A one-year descriptive epidemiology of zoonotic abortifacient pathogen bacteria in farm animals in Turkey. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 77:101665. [PMID: 34051649 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of 10 suspicious pathogenic bacteria in 250 stomach contents of aborted calf, lamb, and goat foetuses in 2019. The 155 positive samples obtained from PCR consisted of 53 (58.88 %) bacteria from 90 lamb samples, 10 (43.47 %) bacteria from 23 goat samples, and 92 (67.15 %) bacteria from 137 calf samples. The five most common bacteria associated with abortions were Brucella melitensis, 52 (20.9 %); B. abortus, 13 (5.2 %); Leptospira spp., 34 (13.6 %); Campylobacter fetus, 52 (20.9 %); and Coxiella burnetii, 4 (1.6 %). The highest rate of B. melitensis (65.4 %), B. abortus (69.2 %), Leptospira spp. (67.6 %), and C. fetus (50 %) was detected in the aborted calf samples. The highest individual rate was that of C. fetus (5.2 %). The flock-herd rates of B. melitensis, B. abortus, Leptospira spp., C. fetus, and C. burnetii infections in the 29 farms studied were 34.48 %, 20.69 %, 62.06 %, 82.75 %, and 3.44 %, respectively, with a confidence level and interval of 95 %. The frequency of abortions caused by Leptospira spp. and Campylobacter fetus may be related to increasing in B. melitensis. The rates of aborted calf, lamb, and goat foetuses among the various sampling periods and regions were significantly (P < 0.01) different. In conclusion, precautions should be applied to reduce the spread of these bacterial agents in high-risk areas and to eliminate the risk of harbouring these zoonotic infections in humans. Therefore, these results must be taken into account in the development of control and protection strategies against abortions in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslı Sakmanoğlu
- Selcuk University, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Ali Uslu
- Selcuk University, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Zafer Sayın
- Selcuk University, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Gökçenur Sanioğlu Gölen
- Aksaray University, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aksaray, Turkey.
| | - Ayşegül İlban
- Konya Numune Hospital, Department of Microbiology, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Beatriz Padron-Perez
- Selcuk University, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Yasemin Karyeyen
- Selcuk University, Department of Food Technology, Sarayonu Vocational School, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Ayten Gök
- Selcuk University, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Agah Tekindal
- Izmir Katip Celebi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department Of Biostatistics And Medical Informatics, İzmir, Turkey.
| | - Osman Erganis
- Selcuk University, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Konya, Turkey.
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The vaginal microflora changes in various stages of the estrous cycle of healthy female dogs and the ones with genital tract infections. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:8. [PMID: 33407480 PMCID: PMC7789644 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02710-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammatory diseases of reproductive tract in bitches are a common problem in veterinary practice. The inflammation can lead to serious health problems. Research to determine the correlation between the health status of females, phase of the cycle, age and bacterial flora of the genital tract has been ongoing for years, but the results obtained by individual authors are often contradictory. Results A total of 39 dogs were included in this study. Ten were qualified to the 1st group with genital tract infections (8 in anestrus and 2 in proestrus) and 29 to the 2nd group without such infections (16 in anestrus, 9 in proestrus and 4 in diestrus). The most common bacterial isolates obtained from the vaginal tract of all dogs were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Streptococcus canis. The prevalence of Gram-negative rods (other than E. coli) was significantly higher in the group with genital tract infections versus healthy dogs. There was no presence of Chlamydiaceae, Chlamydia abortus and lactic acid-producing bacteria in tested swabs. Conclusions Our study identified the most common bacteria in the genital tract of bitches. The total number of bacteria was almost the same in the healthy and infected dogs, as well as between the cycle stages. In our opinion, bacterial culturing of vaginal swab specimens from bitches without signs of genital disease is of little value. Furthermore, it should always be preceded by clinical examination and cytological examination of the vaginal epithelium.
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Ebani VV, Guardone L, Marra F, Altomonte I, Nardoni S, Mancianti F. Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Stray Cats from Northern Italy: A Serological and Molecular Survey. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2334. [PMID: 33302522 PMCID: PMC7764348 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats may be affected by a wide range of arthropod-borne pathogens (ABPs) of medical and veterinary interest. Between February 2018 and October 2019, 85 blood samples were collected from stray cats from the Emilia Romagna region (northern Italy). Ticks (n = 28) on the examined cats were also collected. Serological and molecular methods were applied to search for infection by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella henselae, Coxiella burnetii, Ehrlichia canis, Leishmania spp., Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Cytauxzoon spp. A total of 71 sera (83.5%) had antibodies to at least one investigated pathogen: 39 (45.9%) were positive for B. henselae, 32 (37.6%) positive for C. burnetii, 12 (14.1%) positive for E. canis, four (4.7%) positive for A. phagocytophilum, and two (2.4%) positive for Leishmania spp. A total of 47 (55.3%) DNA samples were positive by PCR for at least one investigated pathogen: 25 (29.4%) were positive for C. burnetii, 23 (27.1%) positive for B. henselae, two (2.4%) positive for E. canis, five (5.9%) positive for Leishmania spp., and two (2.4%) positive for Cytauxzoon spp. Coinfections were observed in 21 cats (24.7%). No positivity was found for A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., or Hepatozoon spp. All ticks were negative. A widespread presence of ABPs in the investigated area of northern Italy was shown. Accurate information on their prevalence may be relevant for feline veterinary medicine, as well as from a One Health perspective.
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Kilicoglu Y, Cagirgan AA, Serdar G, Kaya S, Durmaz Y, Gur Y. Molecular investigation, isolation and phylogenetic analsysis of Coxiella burnetii from aborted fetus and ticks. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 73:101571. [PMID: 33129174 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonotic infection threatening human health, causing abortions in cattle, sheep and goats. Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) also causes serious problems such as low birth weight, infertility. This study is the first exemplary for analysis of Q fever around Black Sea region in Turkey. In the study, a total of 270 aborted fetuses (171 cattle, 79 sheep, 20 goats) and 1069 tick samples were aimed to be searched by PCR method. C. burnetii DNA was detected in 8 (2.96 %) of 270 sheep specimens while it could not be found in cattle and goat specimens. 406 sample pools were created from 1069 tick samples (490 male, 579 female) collected from 254 farm animals (187 cattle, 54 sheep, 13 goats) and 11 of these were stated positive. Tick species determined as C. burnetii positive were Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anoliticum excavatum, Hyalomma detritum and Boophilus annulatus. Agent isolation was carried out within embryonated eggs. Agents were stained with Giemsa and was showed. Sequence analysis was performed for TUR/SAM/coxiella_1 (MN917207) isolate and phylogenetic tree was created. This tree, created in compliance with IS1111 transposon gene, did not form different branches in regard to host affiliation (goat, sheep, tick, human) and geographical distribution. As a result, an important zoonotic agent, C. burnetii was diagnosed in sheep aborted fetuses and the infection was proved to have spread among sheep herds in Black Sea region. Besides, 4 separate tick species found in our region hosted the agent and were found important for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Kilicoglu
- Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Samsun, 55200, Turkey.
| | | | - Gulnur Serdar
- Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Samsun, 55200, Turkey
| | - Selma Kaya
- Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Samsun, 55200, Turkey
| | - Yuksel Durmaz
- Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Samsun, 55200, Turkey
| | - Yunus Gur
- Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Samsun, 55200, Turkey
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Nguyen VL, Colella V, Greco G, Fang F, Nurcahyo W, Hadi UK, Venturina V, Tong KBY, Tsai YL, Taweethavonsawat P, Tiwananthagorn S, Tangtrongsup S, Le TQ, Bui KL, Do T, Watanabe M, Rani PAMA, Dantas-Torres F, Halos L, Beugnet F, Otranto D. Molecular detection of pathogens in ticks and fleas collected from companion dogs and cats in East and Southeast Asia. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:420. [PMID: 32799914 PMCID: PMC7429691 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04288-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks and fleas are considered amongst the most important arthropod vectors of medical and veterinary concern due to their ability to transmit pathogens to a range of animal species including dogs, cats and humans. By sharing a common environment with humans, companion animal-associated parasitic arthropods may potentially transmit zoonotic vector-borne pathogens (VBPs). This study aimed to molecularly detect pathogens from ticks and fleas from companion dogs and cats in East and Southeast Asia. Methods A total of 392 ticks and 248 fleas were collected from 401 infested animals (i.e. 271 dogs and 130 cats) from China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, and molecularly screened for the presence of pathogens. Ticks were tested for Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. while fleas were screened for the presence of Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. Result Of the 392 ticks tested, 37 (9.4%) scored positive for at least one pathogen with Hepatozoon canis being the most prevalent (5.4%), followed by Ehrlichia canis (1.8%), Babesia vogeli (1%), Anaplasma platys (0.8%) and Rickettsia spp. (1%) [including Rickettsia sp. (0.5%), Rickettsia asembonensis (0.3%) and Rickettsia felis (0.3%)]. Out of 248 fleas tested, 106 (42.7%) were harboring at least one pathogen with R. felis being the most common (19.4%), followed by Bartonella spp. (16.5%), Rickettsia asembonensis (10.9%) and “Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis” (0.4%). Furthermore, 35 Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were subjected to phylogenetic analysis, of which 34 ticks belonged to the tropical and only one belonged to the temperate lineage (Rh. sanguineus (sensu stricto)). Conclusion Our data reveals the circulation of different VBPs in ticks and fleas of dogs and cats from Asia, including zoonotic agents, which may represent a potential risk to animal and human health.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Viet-Linh Nguyen
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Grazia Greco
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Fang Fang
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Wisnu Nurcahyo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakata, Indonesia
| | | | - Virginia Venturina
- College of Veterinary Science & Medicine, Central Luzon State University, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | | | - Yi-Lun Tsai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | - Thong Quang Le
- Faculty of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
| | - Khanh Linh Bui
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thom Do
- Biodiversity Conservation and Tropical Disease Research Institute, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Malaika Watanabe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy.,Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Recife, Brazil
| | - Lenaig Halos
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Lyon, France
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy. .,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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26
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Guardone L, Ebani VV, Verin R, Nardoni S, Consolazione A, Bennett M, Mancianti F. Molecular Detection of Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Eurasian Badgers ( Meles meles) from the United Kingdom. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E446. [PMID: 32155963 PMCID: PMC7143893 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne diseases (ABD) are of increasing interest in veterinary and public health. Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) are known to harbor a wide range of pathogens, but information on their role as ABD reservoirs and their potential epidemiological relevance is limited. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of arthropod-borne pathogens, specifically piroplasmids and the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis and Bartonella spp., in badgers from Great Britain (GB). Blood and heart samples from 18 badgers were examined using PCR and sequencing. A neighbour-joining (NJ) phylogram was also produced. Nine animals tested positive for Babesia sp., while none of the samples was positive for the investigated bacteria. The sequences obtained clustered with other sequences of Babesia sp. from badgers from GB and elsewhere, including China, Hungary, Spain and Italy, showing a widespread distribution of this parasite in badgers. Badger-associated Babesia DNA was also found recently in a wild cat in Bosnia Herzegovina, in a wolf in Italy and in dogs in Hungary. Further investigations are needed to understand the epidemiology of this putative pathogen and its impact on the health of wild and domestic carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Guardone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.N.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.N.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Ranieri Verin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy;
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.N.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Antonio Consolazione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.N.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Malcolm Bennett
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, LE12 5RD, UK;
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.N.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
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Nie F, Gong Q, Yang J, Xi C, Wang Y, Wang G, Zhang L, Li X, Huo D, Hou C. Establishment of a Multiplex Real-Time TaqMan-MGB Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Method for the Simultaneous Detection of Three Animal Chlamydia Species. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:9369-9376. [PMID: 31814605 PMCID: PMC6921693 DOI: 10.12659/msm.918344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydiae are spread globally and cause infectious diseases in both humans and animals. The existing detection methods for this disease have numerous shortcomings, including low sensitivity, time consuming procedures, and high contamination vulnerability. MATERIAL AND METHODS To overcome shortcomings for detecting animal chlamydiosis, a multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was established for simultaneously detecting and differentiating 3 Chlamydia species (C. pecorum, C. abortus, and C. psittaci) by real time PCR based on TaqMan-MGB technology. RESULTS The limit of detection was 20.2 copies/µL for Chlamydophila (Cp.) abortus, 30.8 copies/µL for Cp. pecorum, and 16 copies/µL for Cp. psittaci. This method has good repeatability and stability as coefficients of variation range from 0.04% to 1.38%. Furthermore, compared with OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) recommended PCR assay and previously reported animal chlamydia shell PCR, this multiplex PCR assay demonstrated 99% concordance in detecting clinical samples of porcine nasal swabs and vaginal swabs. CONCLUSIONS The novel established method in this study was able to detect 3 types of Chlamydia species simultaneously, and had high sensitivity, strong specificity, and good stability. It provided a rapid, reliable, and convenient method for epidemiological and clinical diagnosis of chlamydiosis in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuping Nie
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China (mainland).,Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Qian Gong
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Jun Yang
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Cunxian Xi
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Yu Wang
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Guomin Wang
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Lei Zhang
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Xianliang Li
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing Engineering Technology Research Center of Import and Export Food Safety, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Danqun Huo
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Changjun Hou
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
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Ebani VV, Nardoni S, Giani M, Rocchigiani G, Archin T, Altomonte I, Poli A, Mancianti F. Molecular survey on the occurrence of avian haemosporidia, Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis in waterfowl from central Italy. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 10:87-92. [PMID: 31384551 PMCID: PMC6664032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of some avian Haemosporidia, Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis in waterfowl from Tuscany wetlands. One-hundred and thirty-three samples of spleen were collected from regularly hunted wild birds belonging to 13 different waterfowl species. DNA extracted from each sample was submitted to PCR assays and sequencing to detect the pathogens. Thirty-three samples (24.81%) were positive with PCR for at least one pathogen: 23 (17.29%) for Leucocytozoon spp., 6 (4.51%) for Plasmodium spp., 4 (3%) for C. burnetii, 2 (1.5%) for Haemoproteus spp. No specific F. tularensis amplifications (0%) were detected. To the best of our knowledge, this study firstly reports data about haemosporidian and C. burnetii infections in waterfowl from Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marinella Giani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Guido Rocchigiani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Talieh Archin
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Iolanda Altomonte
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
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Li J, Li Y, Moumouni PFA, Lee SH, Galon EM, Tumwebaze MA, Yang H, Liu M, Guo H, Gao Y, Benedicto B, Zhang W, Fan X, Chahan B, Xuan X. First description of Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp. infection and molecular detection of piroplasma co-infecting horses in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Parasitol Int 2019; 76:102028. [PMID: 31759172 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.102028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Q fever, spotted fever rickettsioses and equine piroplasmosis, are some of the most serious equine tick-borne diseases caused by Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp., Babesia caballi and/or Theileria equi. This study surveyed and molecularly characterized these pathogens infecting horses in ten ranches from XUAR, China using molecular technology. Among 200 horse blood samples, 163 (81.5%) were infected with at least one of the pathogens. Rickettsia spp. was the most prevalent pathogen (n = 114, 57.0%), followed by C. burnetii (n = 79, 39.5%), T. equi (n = 79, 39.5%) and B. caballi (n = 49, 24.5%). Co-infections were observed in 61.3% of positive samples in this study. Statistically significant differences were observed between the sampling regions for C. burnetii, B. caballi and T. equi, and also in different age group for C. burnetii and T. equi. The genotype analysis indicated that C. burnetii htpB, Rickettsia spp. ompA, B. caballi rap-1, B. caballi 18S rRNA, T. equi EMA-1 and T. equi 18S rRNA gene sequences from horses in XUAR were variable. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report of C. burnetii and Rickettsia spp. infection and co-infected with piroplasma in horses in China. Overall, this study revealed the high infection rate of the pathogens in horses in XUAR, China. The current findings are expected to provide a basis for better tick-borne disease control in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixu Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yongchang Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Paul Franck Adjou Moumouni
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Seung-Hun Lee
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Eloiza May Galon
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Maria Agnes Tumwebaze
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hongxia Yang
- Parasitology Laboratory, Veterinary College, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Uygur, Xuar 830052, China
| | - Mingming Liu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Huanping Guo
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yang Gao
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Byamukama Benedicto
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Wei Zhang
- Parasitology Laboratory, Veterinary College, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Uygur, Xuar 830052, China
| | - Xinli Fan
- Parasitology Laboratory, Veterinary College, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Uygur, Xuar 830052, China
| | - Bayin Chahan
- Parasitology Laboratory, Veterinary College, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Uygur, Xuar 830052, China.
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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Salifu SP, Bukari ARA, Frangoulidis D, Wheelhouse N. Current perspectives on the transmission of Q fever: Highlighting the need for a systematic molecular approach for a neglected disease in Africa. Acta Trop 2019; 193:99-105. [PMID: 30831112 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Q fever is a bacterial worldwide zoonosis (except New Zealand) caused by the Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii). The bacterium has a large host range including arthropods, wildlife and companion animals and is frequently identified in human and livestock populations. In humans, the disease can occur as either a clinically acute or chronic aetiology, affecting mainly the lungs and liver in the acute disease, and heart valves when chronic. In livestock, Q fever is mainly asymptomatic; however, the infection can cause abortion, and the organism is shed in large quantities, where it can infect other livestock and humans. The presence of Q fever in Africa has been known for over 60 years, however while our knowledge of the transmission routes and risk of disease have been well established in many parts of the world, there is a significant paucity of knowledge across the African continent, where it remains a neglected zoonosis. Our limited knowledge of the disease across the African sub-continent have relied largely upon observational (sero) prevalence studies with limited focus on the molecular epidemiology of the disease. This review highlights the need for systematic studies to understand the routes of C. burnetii infection, and understand the disease burden and risk factors for clinical Q fever in both humans and livestock. With such knowledge gaps filled, the African continent could stand a better chance of eradicating Q fever through formulation and implementation of effective public health interventions.
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O’Neill LM, O’Driscoll Á, Markey B. Comparison of three commercial serological tests for the detection of Chlamydia abortus infection in ewes. Ir Vet J 2018; 71:13. [PMID: 29854397 PMCID: PMC5975472 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-018-0124-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 20.9% of diagnosable abortions in Ireland in 2015 were caused by Chlamydia abortus infection. Abortion usually occurs in the last 2-3 weeks of gestation, and up to 30% of ewes may be affected in naïve flocks. Serological diagnosis of EAE in flocks using LPS or whole bacteria as antigens is often hindered by cross reactions with C. pecorum. Although the complement fixation test is the official test for diagnosis of EAE, more sensitive and specific ELISA based tests have been developed. This study aimed to compare three commercial ELISA kits to detect C. abortus antibodies in ewes and to determine which of the kits had the highest sensitivity. The IDvet kit utilises a MOMP peptide antigen, the MVD-Enfer kit is based on a POMP90-3 antigen while the LSI kit plates are coated with chlamydial LPS. The study also aimed to examine the potential of these ELISAs to distinguish infected animals that go on to abort compared to those that have live lambs. Ewes were vaccinated with either a commercial live vaccine (n = 10) or Tris-buffer sham inoculation (n = 9) 5 months prior to gestation, these ewes were then challenged with C. abortus (1 × 106 IFU/ml) on day 90 of gestation. Sera were collected at pre-vaccination, 14 days post vaccination, 35 days post vaccination, pre-challenge, 35 days post challenge and 3 weeks post lambing/abortion (~ 70 days post challenge) and tested using the 3 aforementioned ELISAs to determine if one ELISA was more sensitive at detecting circulating anti-chlamydial antibodies. RESULTS Sensitivity was highest with the LSI test kit at 94.74%, followed by the MVD-Enfer and IDvet kits, at 78.95 and 73.68% respectively. Ewes vaccinated with Enzovax became seropositive at 14 days post vaccination with all kits. Following challenge at day 90 of gestation, antibody titres steadily rose in all groups of ewes. With all ELISA kits, antibody levels were higher in ewes that aborted compared to ewes that had live lambs at 35 days post challenge and three weeks post lambing, and statistically significantly higher antibody levels were recorded in ewes that aborted compared to ewes that had live lambs using the MVD-ENFER ELISA at three weeks post lambing (P = 0.0482). CONCLUSIONS The LSI assay was the most sensitive out of the three kits tested in this study, when sera were tested at three weeks post lambing. As the LPS used in this kit is cross-reactive with all chlamydia, it is good for identifying flocks infected with any chlamydial species, but it is not considered specific for C. abortus. Furthermore, antibody levels were higher in ewes that aborted compared to ewes that had live lambs, at both 35 days post challenge and at three weeks post lambing. Future work should include evaluation of a larger number of sera at a wider range of time-points as well as an estimation of the specificity of commercially available assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. M. O’Neill
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Room 07A, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Á. O’Driscoll
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Room 07A, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - B. Markey
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Room 07A, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Serological and molecular evidence of coxiellosis and risk factors in sheep flocks in central-eastern Tunisia. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 57:15-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Sebastiani C, Curcio L, Ciullo M, Cruciani D, Crotti S, Pesca C, Torricelli M, Sebastianelli M, Felici A, Biagetti M. A multi-screening Fast qPCR approach to the identification of abortive agents in ruminants. J Microbiol Methods 2018; 148:12-17. [PMID: 29574004 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Abortion in ruminants represents an important economic concern for farmers. Microbial agents, such as Brucella spp., Chlamydia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira spp., Neospora caninum, Salmonella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii, are among the main infectious causes of abortion and require rapid and reliable diagnosis. This study describes the development of a multi-screening assay using Fast Real-Time PCR (Fast qPCR) that allows, in a single test, the simultaneous identification of the above-mentioned abortive agents. This multi-screening approach is characterized by a mean diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 97%, respectively; it has a limit of detection (LOD) ranging from 5 × 103 to 4 × 104 genomic copies/g of tissue and a very good concordance with traditional end-point PCR assays used in routine diagnostic activity. The proposed method represents a rapid approach to the simultaneous detection of the main abortive agents in ruminants that allows to make an accurate diagnosis and to set up appropriate control measures in a short period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Sebastiani
- R&D Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche - Togo Rosati (IZSUM), Via Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Ludovica Curcio
- R&D Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche - Togo Rosati (IZSUM), Via Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Marcella Ciullo
- R&D Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche - Togo Rosati (IZSUM), Via Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Deborah Cruciani
- Diagnostic Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche - Togo Rosati (IZSUM), Via Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvia Crotti
- Diagnostic Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche - Togo Rosati (IZSUM), Via Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Cristina Pesca
- Diagnostic Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche - Togo Rosati (IZSUM), Via Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Martina Torricelli
- R&D Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche - Togo Rosati (IZSUM), Via Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Martina Sebastianelli
- R&D Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche - Togo Rosati (IZSUM), Via Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Felici
- Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche - Togo Rosati (IZSUM), Via Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Massimo Biagetti
- R&D Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche - Togo Rosati (IZSUM), Via Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
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Varela-Castro L, Zuddas C, Ortega N, Serrano E, Salinas J, Castellà J, Castillo-Contreras R, Carvalho J, Lavín S, Mentaberre G. On the possible role of ticks in the eco-epidemiology of Coxiella burnetii in a Mediterranean ecosystem. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:687-694. [PMID: 29478883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ruminant livestock is the main reservoir of Coxiella burnetii (Cb), but little is known about the role of wildlife and ticks in its epidemiology. The Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica, Schinz 1838) population of "Ports de Tortosa i Beseit" (NE Spain) suffers intense tick infestations and low reproduction rates. This study aims to (1) assess the relationship between infection in ibexes (detection of serum antibodies and/or of Cb DNA in tissues) and Cb DNA presence in ticks hosted by the same ibexes; and (2) identify Cb associated risk factors. Between 2011 and 2015, serum (n = 130), spleen (n = 72), lymph node (n = 89) and tick (n = 669) samples from 134 hunter-harvested ibexes were collected. Antibody detection was performed by ELISA and Cb DNA presence was assessed by PCR. Potential risk factors were assessed with regression tree models. Although 30% of the ibexes (39/130; 95%CI, [10%-29.8%]) had antibodies, Cb DNA was detected in only 9.8% of the ibexes (11/112; 95%CI [7.6%-27.25%]). The prevalence of Cb-carrier ticks averaged 10% and exceeded 20% for the genus Haemaphysalis. However, lacking correlation between infection in ibexes and their ticks does not support tick-to-ibex transmission or vice versa. Tree modelling points to host, population and environmental factors as drivers of Cb infection in ticks and suggests connections with the domestic cycle. The percentage of Cb-carrier ticks detected is noteworthy. Along with heavy tick infestations, it suggests vector potential for these tick species, especially for the genera Rhipicephalus and Haemaphysalis. Since vector competence has not been assessed in these tick species, a classic vector role cannot be proposed nor discarded, but promoter factors of vector capacity occur. In addition, the risk of tick-borne infection through tick excreta should not be neglected. While the airborne route is the preeminent route for Cb infection, ticks' contribution to Cb epidemiology deserves further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Varela-Castro
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WEH) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Zuddas
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WEH) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Nieves Ortega
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emmanuel Serrano
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WEH) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jesús Salinas
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Joaquim Castellà
- Departament de Sanitat i d'Anatomia Animals, Àrea de Sanitat Animal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Castillo-Contreras
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WEH) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - João Carvalho
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WEH) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Santiago Lavín
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WEH) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gregorio Mentaberre
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WEH) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Ciència Animal, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Agraria (ETSEA), Universitat de Lleida (UdL), Lleida, Spain.
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Rocchigiani G, Ebani VV, Nardoni S, Bertelloni F, Bascherini A, Leoni A, Mancianti F, Poli A. Molecular survey on the occurrence of arthropod-borne pathogens in wild brown hares (Lepus europaeus) from Central Italy. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 59:142-147. [PMID: 29421225 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Data about the spreading of arthropod-borne pathogens among hare populations are very scant, so the aim of the present preliminary study was to investigate, through molecular analysis, the occurrence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella sp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Leishmania spp. and piroplasms DNA in blood of 51 wild hares (Lepus europaeus) living in protected areas in Tuscany. All hares resulted negative for A. phagocytophilum, Bartonella sp., B. burgdorferi s.l., C. burnetii and F. tularensis. Five animals (9.8%) were positive for Leishmania and one hare (1.9%) tested positive for piroplasms. Sequencing of this sample showed a piroplasm similar to one Babesia isolate from the same animal species in Turkey. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular report of piroplasms occurring in wild hares from Italy, and the second worldwide. The examined hares appeared to be in good health status, corroborating the hypothesis of a chronic carrier state of some vector borne agents for this animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Rocchigiani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alice Bascherini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Leoni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Poli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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Bommana S, Walker E, Desclozeaux M, Jelocnik M, Timms P, Polkinghorne A, Carver S. Molecular and serological dynamics of Chlamydia pecorum infection in a longitudinal study of prime lamb production. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4296. [PMID: 29379689 PMCID: PMC5787346 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia pecorum is a globally significant livestock pathogen causing pathology and production losses. The on-farm infection and serological dynamics and the relevance of existing diagnostic tools for diagnosing C. pecorum in livestock remains poorly characterized. In this study, we characterized the antigen and antibody dynamics of this pathogen in a longitudinal study of prime lamb production, utilizing the infection focused C. pecorum-specific 16S rRNA qPCR assay and serology based chlamydial Complement fixation Test (CFT). METHODS The study consisted of 76 Border Leicester mixed sex lambs (39 females and 37 males) that were sampled bimonthly from 2-10 months of age in a commercial farm operating in Central NSW, Australia. Blood/plasma was analysed for CFT antibodies, and swabs from conjunctival, rectal and vaginal sites were analysed for C. pecorum shedding using qPCR. We assessed the temporal and overall dynamics of C. pecorum in lambs, including detailed description and comparison of qPCR and CFT, the timing of first detection by either diagnostic method, the lag between infection and antibody response; and the distribution of qPCR load and CFT antibody titre over time. RESULTS Over the study period, C. pecorum was highly prevalent (71.0% by qPCR, 92.1% by CFT, 96.0% by both), with 21.1% (16/76) lambs shedding ≥1, 000 qPCR copies/µl (denoted as high shedders). C. pecorum shedding (as evidence of infection) were first observed at two months of age (14.4%) with a significant peak of infection occurring at six months of age (34.2%), whereas seroconversions peaked at eight months of age (81.5%). 52.6% of C. pecorum qPCR and CFT positive lambs became qPCR negative by 10 months of age, indicating clearance of chlamydial infection. Although CFT is utilised for on-farm detection of active infection, we confirm that it lagged behind qPCR detection (average lag 1.7 ± 2.1 months) and that the proportion of qPCR positives simultaneously identified by CFT was low with 2/11 (18.1%), 0/13, 17/25 (68.0%), 5/7 (71.4%) and 1/10 (10.0%) concurrent seroconversions occurring at two, four, six, eight and 10 months of age, respectively. DISCUSSION This work reveals rapid rates of C. pecorum infection and widespread exposure during lamb production. The comparison of molecular and serological diagnostic agreement longitudinally, supports the use of qPCR as an important ancillary tool for the detection of active infections in conjunction with chlamydial CFT for routine veterinary diagnostics. Development of rapid Point-of-Care (POC) tools for diagnosing active infection would be valuable for producers and veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankhya Bommana
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | | | - Marion Desclozeaux
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Heidari S, Derakhshandeh A, Firouzi R, Ansari-Lari M, Masoudian M, Eraghi V. Molecular detection of Chlamydophila abortus, Coxiella burnetii, and Mycoplasma agalactiae in small ruminants' aborted fetuses in southern Iran. Trop Anim Health Prod 2017; 50:779-785. [PMID: 29260491 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-017-1494-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Abortion in sheep and goats has become increasingly important worldwide because of the significant economic losses and potential zoonotic implication of commonly involved pathogens. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Iran to detect the Chlamydophila abortus and Coxiella burnetii, as zoonotic pathogens, and Mycoplasma agalactiae, as a neglected abortifacient agent in small ruminants' aborted fetuses, by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). From a total of 300 aborted fetuses (183 sheep and 117 goats), 46 samples (15.5%) were positive by PCR, 11% for C. abortus, 2% for C. burnetii, and 3% for M. agalactiae. Also, the association of suggested risk factors with abortion due to these bacterial agents was investigated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results of the statistical analysis showed significant association of C. abortus with flock size (OR = 2.82, P = 0.014), season (P < 0.05), and the number of pregnancy in the aborted dam (OR = 2.5, P = 0.05). Our results indicated that C. abortus has a relatively substantial role in small ruminant abortions, and C. burnetii and M. agalactiae are likely important abortifacient agents in our region, too. Regarding veterinary and/or public health importance of these bacterial agents, more attention from veterinary and/or human health services and, maybe, a surveillance system for control and prevention of them are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Heidari
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71345-1731, Iran
| | - Abdollah Derakhshandeh
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71345-1731, Iran.
| | - R Firouzi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71345-1731, Iran
| | - M Ansari-Lari
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - M Masoudian
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71345-1731, Iran
| | - V Eraghi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71345-1731, Iran
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Vidal S, Kegler K, Greub G, Aeby S, Borel N, Dagleish MP, Posthaus H, Perreten V, Rodriguez-Campos S. Neglected zoonotic agents in cattle abortion: tackling the difficult to grow bacteria. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:373. [PMID: 29197401 PMCID: PMC5712085 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1294-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydia abortus and Leptospira spp. are difficult to grow bacteria that play a role in bovine abortion, but their diagnosis is hampered by their obligate intracellular lifestyle (C. burnetii, C. abortus) or their lability (Leptospira spp.). Their importance is based on the contagious spread in food-producing animals, but also as zoonotic agents. In Switzerland, first-line routine bacteriological diagnostics in cattle abortions is regulated by national law and includes only basic screening by staining for C. burnetii due to the high costs associated with extended spectrum analysis. The aim of this study was to assess the true occurrence of these zoonotic pathogens in 249 cases of bovine abortion in Switzerland by serology (ELISA for anti-C. burnetii and C. abortus antibodies and microscopic agglutination test for anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies), molecular methods (real-time PCR and sequencing of PCR products of Chlamydiales-positive cases), Stamp's modification of the Ziehl-Neelsen (mod-ZN) stain and, upon availability of material, by histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS After seroanalysis the prevalence was 15.9% for C. burnetii, 38.5% for C. abortus and 21.4% for Leptospira spp. By real-time PCR 12.1% and 16.9% of the cases were positive for C. burnetii and Chlamydiales, respectively, but only 2.4% were positive for C. burnetii or Chlamydiales by mod-ZN stain. Sequencing of PCR products of Chlamydiales-positive cases revealed C. abortus in 10% of cases and the presence of a mix of Chlamydiales-related bacteria in 5.2% of cases. Pathogenic Leptospira spp. were detected in 5.6% of cases. Inflammatory lesions were present histologically in all available samples which were real-time PCR-positive for Chlamydiales and Leptospira spp. One of 12 real-time PCR-positive cases for C. burnetii was devoid of histological lesions. None of the pathogens could be detected by IHC. CONCLUSION Molecular detection by real-time PCR complemented by histopathological analysis is recommended to improve definitive diagnosis of bovine abortion cases and determine a more accurate prevalence of these zoonotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vidal
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 1, CH-3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kristel Kegler
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Bugnon 48, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sebastien Aeby
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Bugnon 48, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, CH – 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark P. Dagleish
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Edinburgh, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Horst Posthaus
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Rodriguez-Campos
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Barkallah M, Jribi H, Ben Slima A, Gharbi Y, Mallek Z, Gautier M, Fendri I, Gdoura R. Molecular prevalence of Chlamydia and Chlamydia-like bacteria in Tunisian domestic ruminant farms and their influencing risk factors. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65:e329-e338. [PMID: 29120114 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia and Chlamydia-like bacteria are well known to infect several organisms and may cause a wide range of diseases, particularly in ruminants. To gain insight into the prevalence and diversity of these intracellular bacteria, we applied a pan-Chlamydiales real-time PCR to 1,134 veterinary samples taken from 130 Tunisian ruminant herds. The true adjusted animal population-level prevalence was 12.9% in cattle, against 8.7% in sheep. In addition, the true adjusted herd-level prevalence of Chlamydiae was 80% in cattle and 25.5% in sheep. Chlamydiales from three family-level lineages were detected indicating a high biodiversity of Chlamydiales in ruminant herds. Our results showed that Parachlamydia acanthamoebae could be responsible for bovine and ovine chlamydiosis in central-eastern Tunisia. Multivariable logistic regression analysis at the animal population level indicated that strata and digestive disorders variables were the important risk factors of bovine and ovine chlamydiosis. However, origin and age variables were found to be associated with bovine and ovine chlamydiosis, respectively. At the herd level, risk factors for Chlamydia positivity were as follows: abortion and herd size for cattle against breeding system, cleaning frequency, quarantine, use of disinfectant and floor type for sheep. Paying attention to these risk factors will help improvement of control programs against this harmful zoonotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barkallah
- Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Toxicology-Microbiology and Environmental Health Laboratory (LR17ES06), University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - H Jribi
- Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Toxicology-Microbiology and Environmental Health Laboratory (LR17ES06), University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - A Ben Slima
- Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Toxicology-Microbiology and Environmental Health Laboratory (LR17ES06), University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Y Gharbi
- Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Toxicology-Microbiology and Environmental Health Laboratory (LR17ES06), University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Z Mallek
- Veterinary Research Center of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - M Gautier
- Equipe Microbiologie de l'œuf et des Ovoproduits (MICOV), Agrocampus Ouest, INRA, (UMR1253) Science et Technologie du Lait et de l'Œuf, Rennes, France
| | - I Fendri
- Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Toxicology-Microbiology and Environmental Health Laboratory (LR17ES06), University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - R Gdoura
- Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Toxicology-Microbiology and Environmental Health Laboratory (LR17ES06), University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
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Vidal S, Kegler K, Posthaus H, Perreten V, Rodriguez-Campos S. Amplicon sequencing of bacterial microbiota in abortion material from cattle. Vet Res 2017; 48:64. [PMID: 29017611 PMCID: PMC5633877 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-017-0470-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Abortions in cattle have a significant economic impact on animal husbandry and require prompt diagnosis for surveillance of epizootic infectious agents. Since most abortions are not epizootic but sporadic with often undetected etiologies, this study examined the bacterial community present in the placenta (PL, n = 32) and fetal abomasal content (AC, n = 49) in 64 cases of bovine abortion by next generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene. The PL and AC from three fetuses of dams that died from non-infectious reasons were included as controls. All samples were analyzed by bacterial culture, and 17 were examined by histopathology. We observed 922 OTUs overall and 267 taxa at the genus level. No detectable bacterial DNA was present in the control samples. The microbial profiles of the PL and AC differed significantly, both in their composition (PERMANOVA), species richness and Chao-1 (Mann-Whitney test). In both organs, Pseudomonas was the most abundant genus. The combination of NGS and culture identified opportunistic pathogens of interest in placentas with lesions, such as Vibrio metschnikovii, Streptococcus uberis, Lactococcus lactis and Escherichia coli. In placentas with lesions where culturing was unsuccessful, Pseudomonas and unidentified Aeromonadaceae were identified by NGS displaying high number of reads. Three cases with multiple possible etiologies and placentas presenting lesions were detected by NGS. Amplicon sequencing has the potential to uncover unknown etiological agents. These new insights on cattle abortion extend our focus to previously understudied opportunistic abortive bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vidal
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 1, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kristel Kegler
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Horst Posthaus
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Rodriguez-Campos
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Barati S, Moori-Bakhtiari N, Najafabadi MG, Momtaz H, Shokuhizadeh L. The role of zoonotic chlamydial agents in ruminants abortion. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2017; 9:288-294. [PMID: 29296274 PMCID: PMC5748448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) is caused by infection of sheep and goats by Chlamydia abortus bacterium. Chlamydial abortion in bovine could occur by Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia pecorum. C. psittaci is the causative agent of psittacosis or ornithosis disease in humans and birds. It also causes acute pneumonia in cattle and sheep. The present study aimed at surveying the role of chlamydial agents in ruminants abortion. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 117 aborted material samples (Cotyledon, liver, spleen, and abomasal contents of fetus) from 9 cattle and 100 sheep in Shahr-e-Kord and 8 sheep from Bagh-e-Malek were collected from different herds with abortion history during the lambing periods from 2014 to 2016. After DNA extraction, the samples were tested by species-specific PCR to detect C. abortus, C. pecorum and C. psittaci. RESULTS Out of 117 clinical sample (108 sheep and 9 cattle), chlamydial infection was detected in 66 (56.41%) samples by Chlamydiales order-specific primers. A total of 24 (36.36%) and 24 (36.36%) samples indicated positive forms of C. abortus and C. psittasi infections, respectively. Only 1 (1.5%) C. pecorum was identified from cattle using nested PCR during this study. Among 66 Chlamydiales-positive samples, 20 (30.30%) samples with coinfection of C. abortus and C. psittaci were detected, however, infection of 3 species was not detected in the samples. CONCLUSION Because of the high percentage of chlamydial infection in these regions and probability of coinfection, conducting epidemiological studies on the role of different animals is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Barati
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Moori-Bakhtiari
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran,Corresponding author: Naghmeh Moori-Bakhtiari, PhD, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran., Tel: 0611-3333010-19, Fax: 061-33360807,
| | | | - Hassan Momtaz
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch, Sharekord, Iran
| | - Leili Shokuhizadeh
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Beena V, Pawaiya RVS, Gururaj K, Singh DD, Mishra AK, Gangwar NK, Gupta VK, Singh R, Sharma AK, Karikalan M, Kumar A. Molecular etiopathology of naturally occurring reproductive diseases in female goats. Vet World 2017; 10:964-972. [PMID: 28919691 PMCID: PMC5591487 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2017.964-972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular etiopathology of occurrence of reproductive diseases in female goats. Reproductive diseases in goats account for major economic losses to goat farmers in terms of valuable loss of offspring and animal productivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 660 female genitalia were examined for pathological conditions (macroscopic and microscopic lesions). The etiopathological study was carried out for the presence of pathogenic organisms such as Brucella, Chlamydia, and Campylobacter in the uterus and ovary. Based on the microscopic lesions, suspected samples were subjected to diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for various etiological agents employing 16srRNA genus specific primers for Campylobacter and Chlamydophila and OMP31 gene-based PCR for Brucella melitensis and nested PCR using ITS-1 gene primers for Toxoplasma gondii. For Brucella suspected samples, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was also performed. RESULTS In studied female genitalia, 108 (16.30%) showed gross abnormalities with overall 23.32% occurrence of pathological conditions (macroscopic and microscopic lesions). Pathological involvement of the uterus was the highest 68 (62.96%), followed by the ovaries 27 (25%) and other organs. Major uterine condition observed was endometritis (5.60%). In uterine infections, 35 (5.30%) samples were found positive for Campylobacter spp., 12 (1.81%) samples for B. melitensis, and 3 (0.45%) samples were positive for Chlamydophila spp. Among the samples positive for B. melitensis by PCR, 3 were found positive by IHC also. Corynebacterium ovis was detected by PCR using specific primers in a case of hydrosalpinx. It was concluded that many pathological lesions in female genitalia of functional significance play a major role in infertility in goats. CONCLUSION The present study concluded that many pathological lesions in female genitalia of functional significance play a major role in infertility in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Beena
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura - 281 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - R V S Pawaiya
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura - 281 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - K Gururaj
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura - 281 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - D D Singh
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura - 281 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - A K Mishra
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura - 281 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - N K Gangwar
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura - 281 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - V K Gupta
- Centre for Animal Disease Research and Diagnosis (CADRAD), ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar - 243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - R Singh
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar - 243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - A K Sharma
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar - 243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - M Karikalan
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar - 243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura - 281 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Ebani VV, Rocchigiani G, Nardoni S, Bertelloni F, Vasta V, Papini RA, Verin R, Poli A, Mancianti F. Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Central Italy. Acta Trop 2017; 172:197-200. [PMID: 28502642 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Spleen samples from 153 red foxes, shot during regular hunting season in the province of Pisa (Central Italy), were examined to detect DNA of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Hepatozoon canis and Babesia sp./Theileria sp. DNA of vector-borne pathogens was detected in 120 (78.43%; 95% CI: 71.06-84.66%) foxes. Specifically, 75 (49%; 95% CI: 40.86-57.22%) animals scored PCR-positive per H. canis, 68 (44.44%; 95% CI: 36.42-52.69%) for E. canis, 35 (22.88%; 95% CI: 16.48-30.35%) for piroplasms (Theileria annae), 3 (1.96%; 95% CI: 0.41-5.62%) for C. burnetii and 1 (0.65%; 95% CI: 0.02-3.59%) for A. phagocytophilum. No positive reaction was observed for F. tularensis. Fifty-six animals (36.6%; 95% CI: 28.97-44.76%) were positive for two or three pathogens. Red foxes result to be involved in the cycle of vector-borne pathogens that are associated to disease in dogs and humans.
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García E, Espeso G, Fernández R, Gómez-Martín Á, Rodríguez-Linde JM, De la Fe C. Coxiella burnetii detected in three species of endangered North African gazelles that recently aborted. Theriogenology 2017; 88:131-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Giannitti F, Anderson M, Miller M, Rowe J, Sverlow K, Vasquez M, Cantón G. Chlamydia pecorum: fetal and placental lesions in sporadic caprine abortion. J Vet Diagn Invest 2016; 28:184-9. [PMID: 26965241 DOI: 10.1177/1040638715625729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydial abortion in small ruminants is usually associated with Chlamydia abortus infection. Although Chlamydia pecorum has been detected in aborted ruminants and epidemiological data suggests that C. pecorum is abortigenic in these species, published descriptions of lesions in fetuses are lacking. This work describes fetoplacental lesions in a caprine abortion with C. pecorum infection, and further supports the abortigenic role of C. pecorum in ruminants. A 16-month-old Boer goat aborted twin fetuses at ~130 days of gestation. Both fetuses (A and B) and the placenta of fetus A were submitted for postmortem examination and diagnostic workup. At autopsy, the fetuses had moderate anasarca, intermuscular edema in the hindquarters (A), and brachygnathia and palatoschisis (B). In the placenta, the cotyledons were covered by yellow fibrinosuppurative exudate that extended into the adjacent intercotyledonary areas. Histologically, there was severe suppurative and necrotizing placentitis with vasculitis (arteriolitis) and thrombosis, multifocal lymphohistiocytic and neutrophilic hepatitis (A), and fibrinosuppurative enteritis in both fetuses. Chlamydia antigen was detected in the placenta by the direct fluorescent antibody test and in fetal intestines by immunohistochemistry. Nested polymerase chain reaction of DNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of placenta and intestine amplified 400 bp of the Chlamydia 16S rRNA gene that was sequenced and found to be 99% identical to C. pecorum by BLAST analysis. Other known abortigenic infectious agents were ruled out by specific testing. It is concluded that C. pecorum infection is associated with fetoplacental lesions and sporadic abortion in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Giannitti
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)National Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti)California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Giannitti, Anderson, Sverlow)Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Vasquez)School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Rowe)National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Cantón)
| | - Mark Anderson
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)National Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti)California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Giannitti, Anderson, Sverlow)Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Vasquez)School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Rowe)National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Cantón)
| | - Myrna Miller
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)National Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti)California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Giannitti, Anderson, Sverlow)Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Vasquez)School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Rowe)National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Cantón)
| | - Joan Rowe
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)National Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti)California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Giannitti, Anderson, Sverlow)Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Vasquez)School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Rowe)National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Cantón)
| | - Karen Sverlow
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)National Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti)California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Giannitti, Anderson, Sverlow)Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Vasquez)School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Rowe)National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Cantón)
| | - Marce Vasquez
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)National Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti)California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Giannitti, Anderson, Sverlow)Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Vasquez)School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Rowe)National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Cantón)
| | - Germán Cantón
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Giannitti)National Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti)California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Giannitti, Anderson, Sverlow)Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Miller, Vasquez)School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Rowe)National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Cantón)
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Ortega N, Caro MR, Gallego MC, Murcia-Belmonte A, Álvarez D, Del Río L, Cuello F, Buendía AJ, Salinas J. Isolation of Chlamydia abortus from a laboratory worker diagnosed with atypical pneumonia. Ir Vet J 2016; 69:8. [PMID: 27446530 PMCID: PMC4955219 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-016-0067-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identifying the aetiological agent of atypical pneumonia in human can sometimes be a tedious process, especially in cases where Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella species and Chlamydia pneumoniae are ruled out. In such cases, a correct anamnesis of the patient is basic to clarify which pathogens might have produced the infection. For this reason, health professionals including veterinarians and laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pathogens should keep their doctors informed. Case presentation A human case of atypical pneumonia linked to Chlamydia abortus is reported. A 47-year-old male, a veterinarian researcher into chlamydiae, developed respiratory symptoms, breathing problems and high fever. Serological analyses ruled out the involvement of several respiratory pathogens, such as M. pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Rickettsia conorii and C. pneumoniae, and Chlamydia abortus was identified as the possible aetiological agent of the infection. The isolation of C. abortus from the patient’s sputum and subsequent molecular analysis confirmed the presence of this microorganism. Conclusion As far as we know, although C. abortus has not been previously described as capable of causing pneumonia in humans, this is the first reported case of atypical pneumonia in which C. abortus is thought to have played an aetiological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Ortega
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Rosa Caro
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Carmen Gallego
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Murcia-Belmonte
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Daniel Álvarez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Laura Del Río
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Cuello
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J Buendía
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jesús Salinas
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Ebani VV, Rocchigiani G, Bertelloni F, Nardoni S, Leoni A, Nicoloso S, Mancianti F. Molecular survey on the presence of zoonotic arthropod-borne pathogens in wild red deer (Cervus elaphus). Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 47:77-80. [PMID: 27477510 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
To estimate the prevalence of some zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in red deer (Cervus elaphus) living in Italian areas with high risk of arthropod exposure, blood samples from 60 red deer were tested by PCR for A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, and piroplasms. Thirty-four (56.67%) animals resulted positive for one or more pathogens. In particular, 24 (40%) red deer were positive for A. phagocytophilum, 16 (26.67%) for Babesia divergens, 6 (10%) for C. burnetii, 2 (3.33%) for B. burgdorferi s.l. No positive reaction was observed for F. tularensis. Thirteen (21.67%) animals resulted co-infected by two or three pathogens. Red deer is confirmed as competent reservoir of A. phagocytophilum and B. divergens, but not of B. burgdorferi. This is the first report of C. burnetii-positive red deer in central Italy. Hunters may be at risk of infection both through infected ticks and during the infected cervids carcasses dressing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guido Rocchigiani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Leoni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sandro Nicoloso
- D.R.E. Am. Italia Soc. Coop. Agr. For., Via Garibaldi 3, 52015 Pratovecchio, Arezzo, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Barkallah M, Gharbi Y, Slima AB, Elleuch F, Mallek Z, Saad RB, Gautier M, Gdoura R, Fendri I. Simultaneous detection of Waddlia chondrophila and Listeria monocytogenes in aborted ruminant samples by real-time quantitative PCR. J Microbiol Methods 2016; 125:64-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ebani VV, Bertelloni F, Mani P. Molecular survey on zoonotic tick-borne bacteria and chlamydiae in feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica). ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2016; 9:324-327. [PMID: 27086148 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the presence of zoonotic tick-borne bacteria in feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) from urban areas. METHODS Spleen samples from 84 feral pigeons, found dead with traumatic injuries in urban areas, were examined by PCR to detect DNA of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp., and Chlamydophila spp. RESULTS Twenty (23.8%) pigeons were infected by tick-borne agents, in particular 2 (2.38%) animals resulted positive for Bartonella spp., 5 (5.95%) for C. burnetii, 5 (5.95%) for Rickettsia spp., 13 (15.47%) for B. burgdorferi sensu lato. All birds scored negative for A. phagocytophilum. Moreover, 17 (20.23%) pigeons were positive for Chlamydophila spp. and among them 10 (11.9%) for Chlamydophila psittaci. Mixed infections by two or three agents were detected in 8 (9.52%) animals. CONCLUSIONS Feral pigeons living in urban and periurban areas are a hazard for the human health as source of several pathogens. The obtained results confirm pigeons as reservoirs of chlamydial agents and suggest that they may be involved in the epidemiology of zoonotic tick-borne infections too.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Mani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Coxiella-like endosymbiont associated to the "Anatolian brown tick" Rhipicephalus bursa in Southern Italy. Microbes Infect 2015; 17:799-805. [PMID: 26428855 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Several different ticks have been reported to harbor microbes related to Coxiella burnetii, the agent of the Q fever. Rhipicephalus bursa is an important vector of tick-borne diseases in livestock in Mediterranean area; it is also abundant in ovi-caprine farms with C. burnetii infection, in Southern Italy. 60 females of Rh. bursa (15 pools) and 40 their eggs (2 pools) were screened for C. burnetii by a conventional PCR targeting the insertion sequence IS1111 and by Loop mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP) targeting com1 gene. One of 15 tick pools (1/15) and both egg pools (2/2) were found positive by LAMP assay and negative by PCR targeting IS1111 gene. 16S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR from the LAMP-positive pools, amplicons were sequenced and found 95% similar to the corresponding sequences from C. burnetii. This let us to hypothesize the presence of a new Coxiella-like endosymbiont associated with Rh. bursa which could be vertically transmitted, described here for the first time. The lack of detection of IS1111 in Coxiella endosymbiont of Rh. bursa could be related to the possible absence of the Pathogenicity island of C. burnetii, to which IS1111s are associated.
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