A review of piroplasmid infections in wild carnivores worldwide: importance for domestic animal health and wildlife conservation

Phylogenetic inferences based on distinct molecular markers reveals a novel Babesia (Babesia pantanalensis nov. sp.) and a Hepatozoon americanum-related genotype in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous)

Piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp. Are apicomplexan protozoa that may cause disease in several canid species. The present study aimed to expand the knowledge on the diversity of piroplasmids and Hepatozoon in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous; n = 12) sampled in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul State, central-western Brazil. PCR assays based on the 18S rRNA were used as screening. Three (25%) and 11 (91.7%) were positive for piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp., respectively. Co-infection was found in three C. thous. Phylogenetic analyses based on the near-complete 18S rRNA, cox-1 and hsp70 genes evidenced the occurrence of a novel of Babesia spp. (namely Babesia pantanalensis nov. sp.) closely related to Rangelia vitalii and Babesia sp. 'Coco'. This finding was supported by the genetic divergence analysis which showed (i) high divergence, ranging from 4.17 to 5.62% for 18 S rRNA, 6.16% for hps70 and 4.91-9.25% for cox-1 and (ii) the genotype network (which displayed sequences separated from the previously described Piroplasmida species by median vectors and several mutational events). Also, phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. positioned the sequences obtained herein in a clade phylogenetically related to Hepatozoon sp. 'Curupira 2', Hepatozoon sp. detected in domestic and wild canids from Uruguay and Hepatozoon americanum. The present study described Babesia pantanalensis nov sp. and Hepatozoon closely related to H. americanum in crab-eating foxes from Brazil. Moreover, the coinfection by piroplasmids and Hepatozoon sp. for the first time in crab-eating foxes strongly suggesting that this wild canid species potentially acts as a bio-accumulate of hemoprotozoan in wild environment.

Wildlife parasitology: sample collection and processing, diagnostic constraints, and methodological challenges in terrestrial carnivores

Wild terrestrial carnivores play a crucial role as reservoir, maintenance, and spillover hosts for a wide parasite variety. They may harbor, shed, and transmit zoonotic parasites and parasites of veterinary importance for domestic hosts. Although wild carnivores are globally distributed and comprise many different species, some living in close proximity to human settlements, only a few studies have investigated parasites of wild terrestrial carnivores using non-specific techniques. Access to samples of wild carnivores may be challenging as some species are protected, and others are secretive, possibly explaining the data paucity. Considering the importance of wild carnivores' health and ecological role, combined with the lack of specific diagnostic methodologies, this review aims to offer an overview of the diagnostic methods for parasite investigation in wild terrestrial carnivores, providing the precise techniques for collection and analysis of fecal, blood, and tissue samples, the environmental impact on said samples, and the limitations researchers currently face in analyzing samples of wild terrestrial carnivores. In addition, this paper offers some crucial information on how different environmental factors affect parasite detection postmortem and how insects can be used to estimate the time of death with a specific highlight on insect larvae. The paper contains a literature review of available procedures and emphasizes the need for diagnostic method standardization in wild terrestrial carnivores.

Ixodid ticks and zoonotic tick-borne pathogens of the Western Balkans

Ixodid ticks are distributed across all countries of the Western Balkans, with a high diversity of species. Many of these species serve as vectors of pathogens of veterinary and medical importance. Given the scattered data from Western Balkan countries, we have conducted a comprehensive review of available literature, including some historical data, with the aim to compile information about all recorded tick species and associated zoonotic pathogens in this region. Based on the collected data, the tick fauna of the Western Balkans encompasses 32 tick species belonging to five genera: Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma. A range of pathogens responsible for human diseases has also been documented, including viruses, bacteria and parasites. In this review, we emphasize the necessity for integrated surveillance and reporting, urging authorities to foster research by providing financial support. Additionally, international and interdisciplinary collaborations should be encouraged that include the exchange of expertise, experiences and resources. The present collaborative effort can effectively address gaps in our knowledge of ticks and tick-borne diseases.

Molecular detection of piroplasmids in mammals from the Superorder Xenarthra in Brazil

Xenarthra mammals can be found from southern North America to southern South America, including all Brazilian biomes. Although it has been shown that Xenarthra mammals can play a role as reservoirs for several zoonotic agents, few studies investigate the diversity of piroplasmids (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmida) in this group of mammals. Taking into account that piroplasmids can cause disease in animals and humans, understanding the prevalence and diversity of piroplasmids in Xenarthra mammals would contribute to conservation efforts for this group of animals as well as to infer risk areas for transmission of emergent zoonosis. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of piroplasmids in free-living mammals of the Superorder Xenarthra from four Brazilian states (Mato Grosso do Sul, São Paulo, Rondônia, and Pará). For this, DNA was extracted from blood or spleen samples from 455 animals. A nested PCR based on the 18S rRNA gene was used as screening for piroplasmids. Of the 455 samples analyzed, 25 (5.5%) were positive. Additionally, PCR assays based on 18S rRNA near-complete, cox-1, cox-3, hsp70, cytB, β-tubulin genes and the ITS-1 intergenic region were performed. Five out of 25 positive samples also tested positive for ITS-1-based PCR. The phylogenetic analysis positioned three 18S rRNA sequences detected in Priodontes maximus into the same clade of Babesia sp. detected in marsupials (Didelphis albiventris, Didelphis marsupialis, and Monodelphis domestica) and Amblyomma dubitatum collected from opossums and coatis in Brazil. On the other hand, the 18S rRNA sequence obtained from Dasypus novemcinctus was closely related to a Theileria sp. sequence previously detected in armadillos from Mato Grosso State, grouping in a subclade within the Theileria sensu stricto clade. In the phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS-1 region, the sequences obtained from Myrmecophaga tridactyla and Tamandua tetradactyla were placed into a single clade, apart from the other piroplasmid clades. The present study demonstrated the molecular occurrence of Piroplasmida in anteaters and Babesia sp. and Theileria sp. in armadillos from Brazil.

Canine piroplasmids: Molecular detection and laboratory characterization in dogs from Brasilia, Brazil, with the first molecular evidence of dog exposure to a novel opossum-associated Babesia sp

Canine piroplasmid infections can be caused by Babesia spp., Theileria spp. and Rangelia vitalii. In Brazil, canine babesiosis caused by Babesia vogeli is endemic and reported throughout the country. On the other hand, Rangeliosis caused by R. vitalii has only been described so far in the South and Southeast regions. Despite that, studies analyzing the laboratory and molecular characterization of these hemoprotozoa are still scarce. To investigate the occurrence, the laboratory features, the molecular characterization, and the diversity of piroplasmids from Midwestern Brazil, a survey was performed using blood samples obtained from 276 domestic dogs from Brasília, Federal District, Midwestern Brazil. A broad-range quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU4) was used to detect piroplasmid DNA. The overall molecular occurrence of piroplasmids was 11.2% (31/276), with 9.7% (27/276) of the sequences identified as Babesia vogeli (98-100% identity to B. vogeli isolate from the USA). Based on a partial 18S rRNA sequence pairwise alignment (-250 bp), 1.4% (4/276) of the sequences showed only 76.8% identity with B. vogeli but 100% identity with opossum-associated Babesia sp. (MW290046-53). These findings suggest the exposure of dogs from Brazil to a recently described Babesia sp. isolated from white-eared opossum. None of the analyzed dogs was positive for Theileria spp. or R. vitalii. Subsequently, all positive sequences were submitted to three additional PCR assays based on the 18S rRNA, cox-1, and cytb genes, aiming at performing a haplotype network analysis. Haplotype network using cox-1 sequences showed the presence of six different haplotypes of B. vogeli; one of them was shared with isolates from Brazil, the USA, and India. When including animals co-infected with other vector-borne diseases, piroplasmid-positive dogs had 2.3 times higher chance of having thrombocytopenia than the negative ones. The molecular results demonstrated that the compared Babesia vogeli sequences showed a low variability as well as evidence of exposure to a putative novel opossum-associated Babesia sp. in dogs from Midwestern Brazil.

Molecular detection and characterization of vector-borne agents in common opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) from northeastern Brazil

Opossums are synanthropic marsupials able to interchange among wild, peri-urban and urban environments, playing an epidemiologically important role as hosts for emerging pathogens and ectoparasites of relevance in public health. The present study aimed to detect and molecularly characterize vector-borne agents in a population of common opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) from the Island of São Luís do Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. Of the 45 animals analyzed, one (2.22%) was positive in the nested PCR assay based on the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasmids. The obtained sequence was phylogenetically positioned in a clade containing sequences of Babesia sp. previously detected in Didelphis aurita, Didelphis albiventris and associated ticks from Brazil. Eight (17.77%) samples were positive in PCR for Ehrlichia spp. based on the dsb gene; four samples were sequenced and positioned into a new clade, sister to E. minasensis and Ehrlichia sp. clade detected in Superorder Xenarthra mammals. No samples tested positive in the screening PCR assays based on the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma spp. Two samples were positive in the qPCR for Bartonella spp. based on the nuoG gene. Seven animals (15.56%) were positive in the nPCR based on the 16S rRNA gene of hemoplasmas. Of these, three were positive in a PCR based on the 23S rRNA gene. The phylogenies based on both 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA genes corroborated to each other and positioned the sequences in the same clade of hemoplasmas previously detected in D. aurita and D. albiventris sampled in Brazil. Finally, three (6.66%) animals were positive in the PCR for Hepatozoon spp.; the obtained 18S rRNA sequence was positioned into the H. felis clade.The present study showed, for the first time, the circulation of piroplasmids, Hepatozoon spp., Ehrlichia spp., hemoplasmas and Bartonella spp. in D. marsupialis sampled in northeastern Brazil, with description of putative novel genotypes of Ehrlichia and Hepatozoon and copositivity by different vector-borne agents. The present work consolidates the "South American Marsupialia" piroplasmid clade, adding one more genotype of Babesia sp. to this clade.

Expanding the universe of Piroplasmids: morphological detection and phylogenetic positioning of putative novel piroplasmids in black-eared opossums (Didelphis aurita) from southeastern Brazil, with description of "South American Marsupialia Group" of Piroplasmida

The growing proximity of wildlife to large urban niches arouses greater interest in understanding wild reservoirs in the epidemiology of diseases of importance to animal and human health. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of piroplasmids in opossums rescued from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Blood and bone marrow samples were collected from 15 Didelphis aurita and subjected to DNA extraction and PCR using primers for the 18S rRNA, cox1, cox3, and hsp70 genes of piroplasmids. Clinical and hematological evaluation of the animals was also performed. Five (33.3%) of the 15 opossums tested positive for piroplasms in the nested PCR based on the 18S rRNA, and in two animals, it was possible to observe intra-erythrocytic structures compatible with merozoites. One of the positive animals showed clinical signs of infection such as jaundice, fever, and apathy. Anemia, low level of plasma protein, leukocytosis, and regenerative erythrocyte signs were observed in positive animals. Phylogenetic analysis based on both 18S rRNA and cox-3 genes demonstrated that the piroplasmids detected in D. aurita formed a unique sub-clade, albeit related to piroplasmids previously detected in Didelphis albiventris and associated ticks from Brazil. This study proposes the novel Piroplasmida Clade, namely "South American Marsupialia Group," and reinforces the need for new clinical-epidemiological surveys to understand the dynamics of these infections in didelphids in Brazil.

A snapshot of climate drivers and temporal variation of Ixodes ovatus abundance from a giant panda living in the wild

Ticks and tick-borne diseases have negative impacts on the health of wild animals including endangered and vulnerable species. The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), a vulnerable and iconic flagship species, is threatened by tick infestation as well. Not only can ticks cause anemia and immunosuppression in the giant panda, but also bacterial and viral diseases. However, previous studies regarding tick infestation on giant pandas were limited in scope as case reports from sick or dead animals. In this study, an investigation focusing on the tick infestation of a reintroduced giant panda at the Daxiangling Reintroduction Base in Sichuan, China was conducted. Ticks were routinely collected and identified from the ears of the giant panda from March to September in 2021. A linear model was used to test the correlation between tick abundance and climate factors. All ticks were identified as Ixodes ovatus. Tick abundance was significantly different among months. Results from the linear model showed temperature positively correlated to tick abundance, while air pressure had a negative correlation with tick abundance. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first reported investigation of tick species and abundance on a healthy giant panda living in the natural environment, and provides important information for the conservation of giant pandas and other species sharing the same habitat.

Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Wild Canids

Wild canids, as well as other wild animal species, are largely exposed to bites by ticks and other hematophagous vectors where the features favoring their presence and spread are found in wooded and semi-wooded areas. Much of the information about arthropod-borne infections concerns domestic and companion animals, whereas data about these infections in wild canids are not exhaustive. The present study is a narrative review of the literature concerning vector-borne infections in wild canids, highlighting their role in the epidemiology of arthropod-borne bacteria and protozoa.

Can Domestic Cats Act as Reservoirs of Cytauxzoon felis?

Cytauxzoonosis is a worldwide tick-borne disease of domestic and wild felids, caused by infection of the haemoparasites belonging to the genus Cytauxzoon (Piroplasmida, Apicomplexa), which are apicomplexan protozoans closely related to those of the genera Babesia and Theileria [...].

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) play an important role in the propagation of tick-borne pathogens

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widespread free-living carnivore in the world. Over the years, foxes have been recognized as hosts for a number of tick-borne pathogens. However, their role as reservoirs for zoonotic tick-borne diseases is poorly understood. The aim of our study was to investigate tick-borne pathogens in the red fox population in the Czech Republic. Out of 117 red foxes, 110 (94.02%) individuals tested positive for the presence of at least one pathogen by the combined PCR and sequencing approach. Hepatozoon canis was the most frequently detected pathogen (n = 95; 81.2%), followed by Babesia vulpes (n = 75; 64.1%). Babesia canis was not detected in our study. Four (3.42%) red foxes were positive for Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp., 3 (2.56%) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and one red fox (0.85%) tested positive for the presence of Ehrlichia sp. DNA. Overall, DNA of spirochetes from the Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. complex was detected in 8.6% of the foxes and B. miyamotoi in 5.12% of the samples. As a carnivore found in all ecosystems of Central Europe, foxes obviously contribute to transmission of tick-borne pathogens such as A. phagocytophilum, B. burgdorferi s.l., and B. myiamotoi. In addition, foxes apparently harbour a community of pathogens, associated with this host in local ecological context, dominated by H. canis and B. vulpes (possibly also Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp.). These species have the potential to spread to the domestic dog population and should be included in the differential diagnosis of febrile diseases with hematologic abnormalities in dogs.

18S rRNA Gene-Based Piroplasmid PCR: An Assay for Rapid and Precise Molecular Screening of Theileria and Babesia Species in Animals

PURPOSE

The parasites of genera such as Babesia and Theileria are called piroplasmids due to the pear-shaped morphology of the multiplying parasite stages in the blood of the vertebrate host. Because of the enormous number of parasite species and the challenges of multiplex PCR, initial screening of samples using piroplasmid-specific PCR may be a more cost-effective and efficient technique to identify parasite species, especially during epidemiological studies. Accordingly, 18S rRNA PCR was standardized and optimized on common piroplasmids of different animals like cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, dogs, horses, and leopards.

METHODS

Bloods samples from 1250 animals were collected from different animals in Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. 18S rRNA PCR was standardized and optimized as a primary method for molecular screening of piroplasms in domestic and wild animals. The method was checked for its analytical sensitivity and specificity. Parasite species-specific PCR and sequencing was used to validate the test. Moreover, in-silico restriction enzyme (RE) analysis was also done to assess its applicability in PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS

Piroplasm infections were recorded in 63.3% of animals in Junagadh. The 18S rRNA PCR detected the piroplasmid DNA in as low as 39 picograms (pg) of whole blood genomic DNA isolated from microscopically Theileria positive blood samples and no reactivity was recorded from common but unrelated haemoparasites viz., Trypanosoma evansi, Hepatozoon spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia canis was observed. The 18S rRNA PCR assay findings were confirmed by species-specific PCR and sequencing. Analysis of different sequences generated using 18S rRNA PCR revealed that the amplicon size of Babesia spp. is nearly 400 bp (393-408 bp) whereas Theileria spp. were more than 400 bp (418-424 bp). The percentage of sequence divergence among Babesia and Theileria spp. was 7.3-12.2% and 0.7-12.2%, respectively. In-silico restriction enzyme (RE) analysis reveals the presence of at least one site for a commercially available RE in 18S rRNA fragments of every parasite, which can differentiate it from its congeners.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented universal oligonucleotide-based PCR assay provides a highly sensitive, specific, cost-effective, and rapid diagnostic tool for the initial screening of piroplasmids infecting domestic and wild animals and is potentially helpful for large-scale epidemiological studies.

Evolutionary analysis of Babesia vulpes and Babesia microti-like parasites

Background

The Babesia microti-like parasite is an emerging tick-borne piroplasm that has been detected in a range of hosts worldwide. Babesia vulpes, which is found in dogs and foxes, has been reclassified from B. microti-like parasites. The relationships among these B. microti-like parasites and B. vulpes with respect to host range and geographical origin have not been elucidated.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 27 raccoon dogs in South Korea and used to screen for B. microti-like parasites based on a PCR assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia. For comparative purposes, in addition to 18S rRNA sequences from nine raccoon dogs, we also analyzed 18S rRNA sequences from B. microti-like parasites infecting hosts in different geographical regions worldwide obtained from the GenBank database, giving 123 sequences in total. The genetic variation and evolutionary relationships among these sequences were examined based on analyses using DnaSP, MEGA, Arlequine, and BEAST software.

Results

Babesia microti-like parasites were identified in nine raccoon dogs and found to be related to B. vulpes obtained from Spanish dogs. Among the 123 sequences from 14 countries and various hosts, we identified 43 haplotypes with high genetic variance. Based on the genetic variance and phylogenetic analyses, we established that the B. microti-like parasites isolated in different geographical regions and from hosts belonging to five orders showed higher among-population variation than within-population variation. Babesia vulpes parasites infecting carnivore hosts, including raccoon dogs, foxes, skunks and dogs, appear to be genetically distinct from B. microti-like parasites infecting hosts belonging to the other orders.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated the genetic variation and evolutionary relationships among 18S rRNA sequences obtained from blood samples collected from various hosts and different geographical regions. Babesia vulpes was identified from raccoon dogs in South Korea. In addition, higher genetic variations were observed among populations of different hosts and geographical origins and, in particular, low connectivity was observed among host populations in the order Carnivora and those in other orders. These results suggest the B. vulpes, a piroplasmid species pathogenic in domestic dogs and wild canines, is genetically and evolutionarily different from B. microti-like parasites.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05528-9.

Description of a novel Babesia sp. genotype from a naturally infected Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Anatolia, Turkey, with remarks on its morphology and phylogenetic relation to other piroplasmid species

There are very limited data on Babesia species infecting lynx species worldwide, and almost nothing is known about babesias in the Eurasian lynx, the most widely distributed wild feline species in the Palearctic geography. This study describes a novel Babesia sp. genotype in a free-living Eurasian lynx in Turkey, named tentatively as 'Babesia sp. lynx', and its integrated genetic and morphological features. Phylogenetic analyses of piroplasmids with the novel Babesia sp. genotype in the current study indicated that this genotype falls into the 'carnivore clade A' of Babesia sensu stricto (true babesias), at the level of different genes (mainly 18S rRNA, ITS1, ITS2, and cyt b) and is monophyletic with the Babesia sp. Ankara genotype, previously observed in Turkey. Additionally, the constructed phylogenetic trees showed that the Babesia sp. lynx genotype infecting the Eurasian lynx is closely related to certain domestic and wild carnivore babesias, mainly Babesia rossi, Babesia presentii, and Babesia pisicii, at the level of different genes. This study also genetically barcoded the lynx infected with the Babesia sp. lynx and Haemaphysalis erinacei, and specimens collected from the animal revealed significant genetic variations between the sample Ha. erinacei and Babesia sp. Ankara-related Ha. erinacei that persists with sympatric populations in Central Anatolia. The lynx infected with the Babesia sp. lynx genotype was also found to be coinfected with Hepatozoon felis, an adeleorinid tick-borne protozoan parasite infecting wild and domestic felids, confirming for the first time its presence in a lynx species. Therefore, this study is the first to describe a potential novel Babesia sp. using its both morphological and phylogenetic characteristics in a lynx species. Adding the Babesia sp. lynx genotype to the phylogeny of feline piroplasmids significantly expands our knowledge of feline babesias in the Palearctic geography and their putative coevolution with their vertebrate hosts.

18S rRNA Gene-Based Piroplasmid PCR: An Assay for Rapid and Precise Molecular Screening of Theileria and Babesia Species in Animals

Purpose

The parasites of genera such as Babesia and Theileria are called piroplasmids due to the pear-shaped morphology of the multiplying parasite stages in the blood of the vertebrate host. Because of the enormous number of parasite species and the challenges of multiplex PCR, initial screening of samples using piroplasmid-specific PCR may be a more cost-effective and efficient technique to identify parasite species, especially during epidemiological studies. Accordingly, 18S rRNA PCR was standardized and optimized on common piroplasmids of different animals like cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, dogs, horses, and leopards.

Methods

Bloods samples from 1250 animals were collected from different animals in Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. 18S rRNA PCR was standardized and optimized as a primary method for molecular screening of piroplasms in domestic and wild animals. The method was checked for its analytical sensitivity and specificity. Parasite species-specific PCR and sequencing was used to validate the test. Moreover, in-silico restriction enzyme (RE) analysis was also done to assess its applicability in PCR–RFLP.

Results

Piroplasm infections were recorded in 63.3% of animals in Junagadh. The 18S rRNA PCR detected the piroplasmid DNA in as low as 39 picograms (pg) of whole blood genomic DNA isolated from microscopically Theileria positive blood samples and no reactivity was recorded from common but unrelated haemoparasites viz., Trypanosoma evansi, Hepatozoon spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia canis was observed. The 18S rRNA PCR assay findings were confirmed by species-specific PCR and sequencing. Analysis of different sequences generated using 18S rRNA PCR revealed that the amplicon size of Babesia spp. is nearly 400 bp (393–408 bp) whereas Theileria spp. were more than 400 bp (418–424 bp). The percentage of sequence divergence among Babesia and Theileria spp. was 7.3–12.2% and 0.7–12.2%, respectively. In-silico restriction enzyme (RE) analysis reveals the presence of at least one site for a commercially available RE in 18S rRNA fragments of every parasite, which can differentiate it from its congeners.

Conclusions

The presented universal oligonucleotide-based PCR assay provides a highly sensitive, specific, cost-effective, and rapid diagnostic tool for the initial screening of piroplasmids infecting domestic and wild animals and is potentially helpful for large-scale epidemiological studies.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11686-022-00625-2.

Piroplasmid infection is not associated with clinicopathological and laboratory abnormalities in cats from Midwestern Brazil

Feline piroplasmids include the genera Babesia spp., Cytauxzoon spp., and Theileria spp. In Brazil, there are few reports regarding these hemoprotozoans; however, clinicopathological and molecular data are scarce. This study aimed to characterize the clinical relevance of these parasites through hematological, biochemical, and molecular approaches. For this purpose, 166 cats from Brasilia, Federal District, Midwestern Brazil, were screened using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for piroplasmids based on the LSU4 mitochondrial gene, which resulted in an overall prevalence of 36/166 (21.7%). Twelve of 166 samples (7.2%) were positive for C. felis, while 19/166 (11.4%) were positive for Babesia vogeli. No samples tested positive for Theileria spp. Babesia vogeli and Cytauxzoon spp. LSU4 sequences showed identities of 97-100% and 99.3%, respectively, to US isolates. The hematological and biochemical findings did not differ significantly between the cats that tested positive and negative for piroplasmids. Although the lack of abnormalities in clinical and laboratory parameters does not eliminate the possibility that these cats were sick and recovered, it may suggest that the Brazilian strain of Cytauxzoon spp. is not as pathogenic as that from the USA, despite the high molecular identity with North American isolates.

A molecular survey of spotted fever group rickettsiae in introduced raccoons (Procyon lotor)

Background

The raccoon Procyon lotor (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carnivora; Procyonidae) is one of the most important and most intensively studied invasive mammal species in Europe. Within the last 30 years the raccoon has spread at an increasing rate, resulting in the establishment of local populations in various regions of Europe. In these newly colonised areas, gaps in knowledge of the raccoon’s biology concern not only most aspects of its ecology in a broad sense, but also its pathogens and parasites. Most micropathogens recorded hitherto in the raccoons that have colonised Europe have documented epizootic and zoonotic potential. Thus, it is considered especially important to investigate the role played by the raccoon in the spread of pathogens through both animal-animal and animal-human pathways.

Methods

Tissue samples of raccoons from Poland and Germany were examined in this study. In total, 384 tissue samples from 220 raccoons (170 spleen samples, 82 liver biopsies, 132 ear biopsies) were examined using molecular methods. The presence of Rickettsia spp. DNA was screened through amplification of a fragment of the gltA gene. Samples that were PCR positive for gltA were tested for other rickettsial genes, ompB and a 17-kDa antigen. For taxonomic purposes, the obtained sequences were compared with corresponding sequences deposited in GenBank using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted using Bayesian inference implemented in MrBayes software.

Results

Rickettsia DNA was confirmed only in skin biopsies; no isolates from the spleen or liver were positive for Rickettsia DNA. With the exception of one sample from Germany, which was positive for Rickettsia helvetica DNA, all the samples positive for Rickettsia DNA derived from the Polish population of raccoons. DNA of Rickettsia spp. was detected in 25 samples, i.e. 11.4% of the tested raccoons, and R. helvetica was confirmed in 52% of the positive samples. Additionally, single cases of Rickettsia monacensis, Rickettsia raoultii, and Candidatus Rickettsia kotlanii-like were found, and in 32% of all the positive samples similarity was shown to different Rickettsia endosymbionts. Out of the samples that tested positive for gltA, amplicons of ompB and 17 kDa were successfully sequenced from 14 and three samples, respectively.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this study provides, for the first time, evidence of the occurrence of Rickettsia pathogens and endosymbionts in the European population of raccoons. Further, broader research on different species of wild vertebrates, and ticks, as potential vectors and hosts for tick-borne pathogens, in natural as well as in peri-urban environments, is therefore required.

Graphical abstract

Large-scale survey for canine vector-borne parasites in free-ranging dogs and foxes from six diverse bioclimatic regions of Chile

Chile is a large country with a marked range of climate conditions that make it an ideal scenario for the study of vector-borne parasites (VBPs); however, knowledge about their distribution is limited to a few confined areas of this country. The presence of Hepatozoon spp., piroplasmids, Leishmania spp. and filarioids was investigated through molecular and serological methods in blood and serum samples of 764 free-ranging rural dogs, 154 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), and 91 South American grey foxes (Lycalopex griseus) from six bioclimatic regions across Chile. Hepatozoon spp. DNA was exclusively detected in foxes (43% prevalence), including sequences closely related to Hepatozoon felis (24.1%; only Andean foxes), Hepatozoon americanum (16.2%; only grey foxes), and Hepatozoon canis (1.25%; in one grey fox). Risk factor assessment identified a higher probability of Hepatozoon infection in juvenile foxes. DNA of piroplasmids was detected in 0.7% of dogs (Babesia vogeli) but in no fox, whilst antibodies against Babesia sp. were detected in 24% of the dogs and 25% of the foxes, suggesting a wider circulation of canine piroplasmids than previously believed. A positive association between the presence of antibodies against Babesia and high Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato burden was observed in dogs. Leishmania spp. DNA and antibodies were detected in 0.8% and 4.4% of the dogs, respectively. Acanthocheilonema reconditum was the only blood nematode detected (1.5% of the dogs and no fox). Differences in prevalence among bioregions were observed for some of the VBPs. These results expand our knowledge about the occurrence of vector-borne parasites in Chile, some of which are firstly reported herein. This information will facilitate the diagnosis of vector-borne diseases in domestic dogs and improve the control measures for both domestic and wild canids.

Invasive raccoon (Procyon lotor) and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) as potential reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens: data review from native and introduced areas

In recent decades, populations of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonides) have increased and adapted to peri-urban and urban environments in many parts of the world. Their ability to rapidly colonize new territories, high plasticity and behavioral adaptation has enabled these two species to be considered two of the most successful invasive alien species. One of the major threats arising from continually growing and expanding populations is their relevant role in maintaining and transmitting various vector-borne pathogens among wildlife, domestic animals and humans. According to the WHO, over 17% of infectious diseases are vector-borne diseases, including those transmitted by ticks. Every year tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) create new public health challenges. Some of the emerging diseases, such as Lyme borreliosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and rickettsiosis, have been described in recent years as posing important threats to global health. In this review we summarize current molecular and serological data on the occurrence, diversity and prevalence of some of the TBPs, namely Babesia, Theileria, Hepatozoon, Borrelia, Rickettsia, Bartonella, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, that have been detected in raccoons and raccoon dogs that inhabit their native habitats and introduced areas. We draw attention to the limited data currently available on these invasive carnivores as potential reservoirs of TBPs in different parts of the world. Simultaneously we indicate the need for more research in order to better understand the epidemiology of these TBPs and to assess the future risk originating from wildlife.

First detection and molecular identification of Babesia gibsoni and Hepatozoon canis in an Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus) from Thailand

Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. are apicomplexan parasites that infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals. The life cycle of these parasites requires a tick vector as a definitive host and various vertebrates as reservoir hosts. The objective of this study was to detect and characterize Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. in an Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus) from a natural habitat in northeastern Thailand. Heart and spleen samples of an adult male wild dog were screened for Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the partial fragment of 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequence. Both Babesia sp. and Hepatozoon sp. were detected in the spleen of the wild dog. Nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that the detected parasites were Babesia gibsoni and Hepatozoon canis. This is the first report of B. gibsoni and H. canis in the Asiatic wild dog from Thailand using PCR. Our results indicate that wild dogs can serve as a potential reservoir of the protozoan parasites and that they may play an important role in the transmission of these parasites to other wild or domestic canids.

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The Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus) is involved in the cycle of tick-borne pathogens (TBP).

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This is the first report of Babesia gibsoni and Hepatozoon canis co-infection in an Asiatic wild dog.

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Wild dogs may be a source of TBP for other wild and domestic canids.

Prevalence and genetic characterization of a Babesia microti-like species in the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis)

A 4.5-month-old, male, North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) from Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, USA being temporarily housed at a rehabilitation facility, presented with a three-day history of lethargy, anorexia, and severe anemia. Antemortem blood smears revealed intraerythrocytic piroplasms. Supportive care and antiparasitic treatments were initiated, but the animal died three days following presentation. Gross necropsy revealed yellow discoloration of all adipose tissue throughout the carcass and a mildly enlarged, diffusely yellow to pale orange liver. Microscopically, moderate, centrilobular hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis were observed, consistent with hypoxia secondary to apparent hemolytic anemia. Piroplasms were frequently observed in red blood cells in histologic sections. The nearly full-length 18S rRNA gene sequence (1588 bp) was identical to a previously described piroplasm from North American river otters from North Carolina. Phylogenetically, based on the 18S rRNA gene sequence, the otter Babesia sp. was in a sister group with a clade that included several strains of Babesia microti-like species including Babesia sp. from badgers (Meles meles), Babesia vulpes, and Babesia sp. from raccoons (Procyon lotor). To better understand the distribution and genetic variability of this Babesia species, otters from four states in the eastern U.S. and California were tested. Overall, 30 of 57 (53%) otters were positive for Babesia sp. None of four otters from California were positive, but prevalences in eastern states were generally high, 5/9 (55%) in Georgia, 7/14 (50%) in South Carolina, 10/17 (59%) in North Carolina, and 8/13 (62%) in Pennsylvania). Partial 18S rRNA gene sequences from all populations were identical to the clinical case sequence. No Babesia sensu stricto infections were detected. There were six unique COI sequences (937 bp) detected in 18 positive otters. The most common lineage (A) was detected in 12 of 18 (67%) samples from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Lineage B was found in two otters and the remaining lineage types were found in single otters. These six lineages were 99-99.8% similar to each other and were < 88% similar to related parasites such as B. vulpes, B. microti-like species of raccoons, B. microti, and B. rodhaini. Phylogenetically, the Babesia sp. of otters grouped together in a well-supported clade separate from a sister group including B. vulpes from fox (Vulpes vulpes) and domestic dogs. In conclusion, this report demonstrates that this piroplasm is a potential pathogen of North American river otters and the parasite is widespread in otter populations in the eastern United States.

Occurrence and Molecular Identification of Hemoparasites in Wild Mammals Kept in Rehabilitation Centers in Brazil

PURPOSE

Hepatozoonosis and piroplasmosis are diseases caused by apicomplexan protozoa that affect different types of animals, including mammals. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. and piroplasms in wild mammals kept in captivity in rehabilitation centers in the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás, Brazil.

METHODS

For this, blood samples from 152 animals were collected and analyzed by conventional optical microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, positive PCR samples were submitted to sequencing for molecular characterization of the specimens found.

RESULTS

Microscopic analysis revealed 53 of the 152 animals (28.3%) parasitized by piroplasms. No Hepatozoon sp. was observed. On the other hand, using the primers HepF300/HepR900 and Piro1F/Piro5R, both amplifying fragments of the 18S rDNA gene, eight animals (5.2%) were positive for Hepatozoon spp. and 40 (26.3%) for piroplasms. From the sequencing of the positive samples Hepatozoon canis, Hepatozoon felis, Theileria cervi, Theileria equi and Cytauxzoon felis were identified. In addition to the aforementioned hemoparasites, some animals were found parasitized by microfilaria. Such data ratify the presence of hemoparasites in captive wild animals, and are unprecedented in the two geographical regions covered by the present study. 19.7% of mammals harbored ectoparasites of the genera Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus.

CONCLUSION

Wild mammals are infected by several pathogens that can also infect domestic animals, some of them potentially zoonotic which can directly contribute to mortality and species reduction. Therefore, a deep understanding of the parasites, the hosts and the diseases is extremely necessary so that prevention, control and treatment measures are effectively applied.

Cytauxzoon sp. Infection and Coinfections in Three Domestic Cats in Central Italy

Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging disease caused by a tick-transmitted haemoprotozoan affecting domestic and wild felids. The clinical and biomolecular findings of the infection due to Cytauxzoon sp. and concomitant coinfections are described in three cats in central Italy. Three domestic cats were referred for different clinical conditions (impact trauma, lameness, and weight loss and lethargy). They presented different hematobiochemical profiles. Only two cats were anemic, but in all three cats, endo erythrocyte inclusions suggestive of piroplasmids were found at blood smear evaluation. EDTA blood samples were submitted to rapid ELISA test for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and to biomolecular investigations for Piroplasmida (Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Cytauxzoon spp.) and Mycoplasma spp. All three cats were positive for Cytauxzoon sp. (European Cytauxzoon species) and two cases were also coinfected by Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis and FIV. This report suggests that cytauxzoonosis should be included among differential diagnoses in subjects with possibility of contact with ticks and with presence of coinfections by tick-borne parasites, including in non-endemic areas.

Molecular evidence, risk factors analysis, and hematological alterations associated with Theileria spp. spillover in captive wild mouflon sheep in Punjab, Pakistan

Background

Landscape anthropization and interaction between domestic and wild animals are the major contributing factors involved in the emergence of new pathogens in wild animals. Theileriosis is an emerging issue of wild ungulates, especially in the tropical and subtropical areas of the globe.

Aims

The current study investigated the mouflon sheep for Theileria infection using molecular methods and hematological analysis.

Methods

This study was conducted on a total of 103 captive wild mouflon sheep present in eight different recreational zoos, and wildlife parks in Punjab, Pakistan to investigate the genotypic prevalence of Theileria spp. by targeting 18S rRNA and molecular evidence for Theileria spillover between domestic and wild mouflon sheep by phylogenetic analysis. The association of assumed risk factors and the effect of Theileria spp. on various hematological parameters were also assessed.

Results

The results depicted that Theileria spp. was prevalent in 8 (7.77%, CI 95%: 3.99-14.59%), and 11 (10.68%, CI 95%: 06.07-18.12%) animals based on microscopy, and PCR, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene of Theileria spp. from mouflon revealed a close resemblance with T. annulata from domestic animals. The risk factor analysis revealed that tick infestation, enclosure hygiene, previous tick infestation history, and the presence of wooden logs in the enclosure were significantly (P<0.05) associated with the occurrence of Theileria spp. infection in the captive mouflon sheep of Pakistan. Furthermore, a significant reduction in blood parameters like PCV, RBCs count, Hb, and platelets was observed in Theileria-positive animals.

Conclusion

This study is the first evidence at the molecular level to characterize the spillover of Theileria spp. between the captive wild mouflon sheep and domestic animals of Pakistan, and it will be useful in developing control strategies for emerging theileriosis in captive wild animals.

Patterns of Exposure and Infection with Microparasites in Iberian Wild Carnivores: A Review and Meta-Analysis

We use a suite of meta-analytic and comparative methods to derive fundamental insights into how sampling effort, pathogen richness, infection prevalence, and seroprevalence vary across Carnivora taxa and Iberian geography. The red fox was the most studied species, the wolf and Iberian lynx were disproportionally studied, and the Arctoidea were understudied. Sampling effort was higher in Mediterranean areas, but central Spain showed the higher pathogen richness. Excluding studies analyzing fecal samples, 53 different pathogens have been detected in Iberian carnivores, including 16 viruses, 27 bacteria, and 10 protozoa but no fungi. Sampling effort and pathogen diversity were generally more similar among closely related carnivore species. Seropositivity to viruses was lower and higher in the Mustelinae and the Canidae, respectively, and seropositivity to protozoa was higher in both taxa. Canine distemper virus exposure was greatest in canids and mustelids. Carnivore protoparvovirus-1 exposure was greatest in the Atlantic regions, and the Felidae and the Musteloidea had lower infection prevalence. A subclade of the Mustelidae had a greater prevalence of Leishmania infection. We observed no relationships between host phylogenetic distance and pathogen sharing among species. Lastly, we identify important research pitfalls and future directions to improve the study of infectious disease in Iberian wild carnivore communities.

Cytauxzoonosis in North America

Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging tick-borne disease of domestic and wild felids produced by infection of Cytauxzoon felis, an apicomplexan protozoan similar to Theileria spp. Transmitted by Amblyomma americanum, lone star tick, and Dermacentor variabilis, American dog tick, infection of C. felis in cats is severe, characterized by depression, lethargy, fever, hemolytic crisis, icterus, and possibly death. Cytauxzoonosis occurs mainly in the southern, south-central, and mid-Atlantic United States in North America, in close association with the distribution and activity of tick vectors. Infection of C. felis, although severe, is no longer considered uniformly fatal, and unless moribund, every attempt to treat cytauxzoonosis cats should be made. Herein we review cytauxzoonosis, including its etiology, affected species, its life cycle and pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, and epidemiology, emphasizing clinical pathology findings in cats infected with this important emerging tick-borne disease in North and South America.

Four Tick-Borne Microorganisms and Their Prevalence in Hyalomma Ticks Collected from Livestock in United Arab Emirates

Ticks and associated tick-borne diseases in livestock remain a major threat to the health of animals and people worldwide. However, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), very few studies have been conducted on tick-borne microorganisms thus far. The purpose of this cross-sectional DNA-based study was to assess the presence and prevalence of tick-borne Francisella sp., Rickettsia sp., and piroplasmids in ticks infesting livestock, and to estimate their infection rates. A total of 562 tick samples were collected from camels, cows, sheep, and goats in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah from 24 locations. DNA was extracted from ticks and PCR was conducted. We found that Hyalomma dromedarii ticks collected from camels had Francisella sp. (5.81%) and SFG Rickettsia (1.36%), which was 99% similar to Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae and uncultured Rickettsia sp. In addition, Hyalomma anatolicum ticks collected from cows were found to be positive for Theileria annulata (4.55%), whereas H. anatolicum collected from goats were positive for Theileria ovis (10%). The widespread abundance of Francisella of unknown pathogenicity and the presence of Rickettsia are a matter of concern. The discovery of T. ovis from relatively few samples from goats indicates the overall need for more surveillance. Increasing sampling efforts over a wider geographical range within the UAE could reveal the true extent of tick-borne diseases in livestock. Moreover, achieving successful tick-borne disease control requires more research and targeted studies evaluating the pathogenicity and infection rates of many microbial species.

Babesia pisicii n. sp. and Babesia canis Infect European Wild Cats, Felis silvestris, in Romania

Haemoparasites of the genus Babesia infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals. Feline babesiosis is considered endemic in South Africa, while data on Babesia spp. infection in felids in Europe is scarce. Using samples from 51 wild felids, 44 Felis silvestris and 7 Lynx lynx, the study aimed to determine the presence and genetic diversity of Babesia spp. in wild felids in Romania by analyzing the 18S rDNA and two mitochondrial markers, cytochrome b (Cytb) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes. By 18S rDNA analyses, Babesia spp. DNA was detected in 20 European wild felids. All sequences showed 100% similarity to B. canis by BLAST analysis. Conversely, Cytb and COI analyses revealed the presence of two Babesia spp., B. pisicii n. sp., which we herein describe, and B. canis. The pairwise comparison of both mitochondrial genes of B. pisicii n. sp. showed a genetic distance of at least 10.3% from the most closely related species, B. rossi. Phylogenetic analyses of Cytb and COI genes revealed that B. pisicii n. sp. is related to the so-called “large” canid-associated Babesia species forming a separate subclade in a sister position to B. rossi.

Intestinal Parasites of Neotropical Wild Jaguars, Pumas, Ocelots, and Jaguarundis in Colombia: Old Friends Brought Back from Oblivion and New Insights

Neotropical wild felids (NWF) are obligate carnivore species present in Central and South America, and some are considered endangered due to constantly decreasing populations. NWF can become infected by a wide range of protozoan and metazoan parasites, some of them affecting their health conditions and others having anthropozoonotic relevance. Parasitological studies on NWF are still very scarce, and most data originated from dead or captive animals. On this account, the current study aimed to characterize gastrointestinal parasites of free-ranging jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor), ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), and jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), i.e., four out of six NWF species endemic to Colombia. Fecal samples from jaguars (n = 10) and ocelots (n = 4) were collected between 2012 and 2017 as part of the Jaguar Corridor Initiative from six geographic locations in Colombia. In addition, cestode specimens were obtained during puma and jaguarundi necropsies. Scat samples were processed by standardized sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin (SAF), sedimentation, and flotation techniques and by carbol fuchsin-stained fecal smears. Morphological evaluation of feces showed the presence of one cestode (Spirometra sp.), a nematode (Toxocara cati), an acanthocephalan (Oncicola sp.), and one cyst-forming coccidian (Cystoisospora-like oocysts). Feces oocysts were submitted to a Toxoplasma gondii-specific PCR for species identification, but no product was amplified. The cestodes isolated from a puma and jaguarundi were molecularly characterized by sequencing cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, identifying them as Taenia omissa and as a T. omissa sister lineage, respectively. These results collectively demonstrate the potential role of NWF as natural reservoir hosts for neglected zoonotic parasites (e.g., Spirometra sp., T. cati) and highlight their possible role in parasite transmission to human communities. Due to public health concerns, the occurrence of these parasites should be monitored in the future for appropriate zoonotic management practices in conservation strategies and wild felid health management programs.

Genetic diversity of vector-borne pathogens in spotted and brown hyenas from Namibia and Tanzania relates to ecological conditions rather than host taxonomy

Background

Improved knowledge on vector-borne pathogens in wildlife will help determine their effect on host species at the population and individual level and whether these are affected by anthropogenic factors such as global climate change and landscape changes. Here, samples from brown hyenas (Parahyaena brunnea) from Namibia (BHNA) and spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) from Namibia (SHNA) and Tanzania (SHTZ) were screened for vector-borne pathogens to assess the frequency and genetic diversity of pathogens and the effect of ecological conditions and host taxonomy on this diversity.

Methods

Tissue samples from BHNA (n = 17), SHNA (n = 19) and SHTZ (n = 25) were analysed by PCRs targeting Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsia spp., piroplasms, specifically Babesia lengau-like piroplasms, Hepatozoidae and filarioids. After sequencing, maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses were conducted.

Results

The relative frequency of Anaplasmataceae was significantly higher in BHNA (82.4%) and SHNA (100.0%) than in SHTZ (32.0%). Only Anaplasma phagocytophilum/platys-like and Anaplasma bovis-like sequences were detected. Rickettsia raoultii was found in one BHNA and three SHTZ. This is the first report of R. raoultii from sub-Saharan Africa. Babesia lengau-like piroplasms were found in 70.6% of BHNA, 88.9% of SHNA and 32.0% of SHTZ, showing higher sequence diversity than B. lengau from South African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). In one SHTZ, a Babesia vogeli-like sequence was identified. Hepatozoon felis-like parasites were identified in 64.7% of BHNA, 36.8% of SHNA and 44.0% of SHTZ. Phylogenetic analysis placed the sequences outside the major H. felis cluster originating from wild and domestic felids. Filarioids were detected in 47.1% of BHNA, 47.4% of SHNA and 36.0% of SHTZ. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high genetic diversity and suggested the presence of several undescribed species. Co-infections were frequently detected in SHNA and BHNA (BHNA median 3 pathogens, range 1–4; SHNA median 3 pathogens, range 2–4) and significantly rarer in SHTZ (median 1, range 0–4, 9 individuals uninfected).

Conclusions

The frequencies of all pathogens groups were high, and except for Rickettsia, multiple species and genotypes were identified for each pathogen group. Ecological conditions explained pathogen identity and diversity better than host taxonomy.

Graphic Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04835-x.

Pre-clinical evaluation of a whole-parasite vaccine to control human babesiosis

Babesia spp. are tick-transmitted intra-erythrocytic protozoan parasites that infect humans and animals, causing a flu-like illness and hemolytic anemia. There is currently no human vaccine available. People most at risk of severe disease are the elderly, immunosuppressed, and asplenic individuals. B. microti and B. divergens are the predominant species affecting humans. Here, we present a whole-parasite Babesia vaccine. To establish proof-of-principle, we employed chemically attenuated B. microti parasitized red blood cells from infected mice. To aid clinical translation, we produced liposomes containing killed parasite material. Vaccination significantly reduces peak parasitemia following challenge. B cells and anti-parasite antibodies do not significantly contribute to vaccine efficacy. Protection is abrogated by the removal of CD4⁺ T cells or macrophages prior to challenge. Importantly, splenectomized mice are protected by vaccination. To further facilitate translation, we prepared a culture-based liposomal vaccine and demonstrate that this performs as a universal vaccine inducing immunity against different human Babesia species.

Rangelia vitalii molecular and histological quantification in tissues comparing crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and domestic dogs

Rangeliosis is a condition transmitted by the tick Amblyomma aureolatum and caused by the protozoan parasite Rangelia vitalii in canids. In domestic dogs, the disease causes a severe hemolytic disease, while in wild canids the piroplasm is often detected without any clinical abnormality. This study aimed to detect and quantify the number of copies of the R. vitalii Hsp70 gene (indirect parasite burden) in several organs of domestic and South American wild canids (Cerdocyon thous and Lycalopex gymnocercus) to elucidate distinct clinical presentations of rangeliosis in these species. A total of seven domestic dogs that died due to rangeliosis and 38 wild foxes were initially included, with all dogs presenting histological and molecular features of rangeliosis, while eight C. thous were positive at the molecular analysis for R. vitalii. Fragments of 22 organs collected from domestic (n = 7) and wild foxes (n = 8) were employed for histological and molecular quantification using real-time polymerase chain reaction aiming at the Hsp70 gene. Histologically, parasitophorous vacuoles were constantly detected in the dogs, while these were detected only in two C. thous. Parasitic burden was significantly higher in the digestive, cardiorespiratory, endocrine, genitourinary, and skeletal-muscle systems of domestic dogs when compared to wild foxes. In the hematopoietic system of wild canids, some organs, such as the lymph nodes and tonsils, presented significantly lower amounts of R. vitalii, while other organs (spleen, bone marrow, and blood) had results similar to those of domestic dogs. Additionally, the central nervous system of both domestic and wild canids presented a similar quantity of R. vitalii. The etiological agent is possibly maintained through an asexual reproductive process (merogony) in both domestic and wild species. Nonetheless, a limited or short-duration schizogony phase occurs in C. thous, which would designate this species as a possible reservoir host for the agent. Dogs, in contrast, would most likely act as accidental hosts, presenting a severe and more pathogenic schizogony phase, resulting in characteristic clinical and pathological rangeliosis.

Molecular survey of vector-borne diseases in two groups of domestic dogs from Lisbon, Portugal

BACKGROUND

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are caused by a wide range of pathogens transmitted by arthropods. They have been an issue of growing importance in recent years; however, there is limited information about the vector-borne pathogens circulating in Portugal. The aim of the present study was to detect canine vector-borne bacteria and protozoa of veterinary and zoonotic importance using molecular methods.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-two dogs from Lisbon, southern Portugal, were tested: 48 dogs from a veterinary hospital clinically suspected of vector-borne diseases and 94 apparently healthy dogs from shelters. Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., Babesia/Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. infections were detected by PCR from blood samples and examined under light microscopy. Other information including clinical status and diagnostic test results were collected for each animal.

RESULTS

Infections were detected by PCR in 48 (33.80%) dogs. Single infections were found in 35 dogs (24.64%), and co-infections were found in 13 (9.15%) dogs. Twenty-nine (20.42%) dogs were positive for Hepatozoon spp., 15 (10.56%) for Mycoplasma spp., 11 (7.75%) for Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., and six (4.21%) for Babesia spp. DNA sequencing was used to identify Babesia vogeli (2.81%), Babesia canis (1.40%), Hepatozoon canis (20.42%), Mycoplasma haematoparvum (2.11%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (8.45%), Anaplasma platys (7.04%), and Ehrlichia canis (0.70%).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first molecular identification of B. canis and M. haematoparvum in dogs from southern Portugal. This study highlights the importance of molecular methods to identify CVBD pathogens in endemic areas and helps to guide the clinical approach of veterinarians in practice.

Evaluation of hematological alteration of vector-borne pathogens in cats from Bangkok, Thailand

Background

Cats can be carriers of infected arthropods and be infected with several vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) but there is limited knowledge about their pathogenic role in cats. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of some feline vector-borne agents by molecular technique and to characterize the hematological findings associated with these infections in a cat population from Bangkok Thailand.

Results

PCR was positive with at least one pathogen in 237 out of 372 subjects (63.7%), with prevalence of 39.5% (147/372) for Babesia spp., 36.9% (137/372) for hemoplasmas and 3.2% (12/372) for Hepatozoon spp. The cats older than 1 year were at significantly greater risk for VBPs infection (P = 0.001; OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.12 – 1.81) and hemoplasmas infection (χ2 = 10.8, df = 1; P < 0.0001; OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.49 – 4.01). A significant association between hematological findings and hemoplasma infection were identified in the present study. Besides, VBPs infection revealed more frequent in male cats (χ2= 6.38, df = 1, P = 0.01). Macrocytic hypochromic type of anemia was observed in cats infested with blood-sucking arthropods compared to the non-infested cats presented.

Conclusions

The current study confirmed that Babesia, Hepatozoon and hemoplasmas had infected semi-domesticated cats in Bangkok, Thailand, with Babesia and hemoplasmas being dominant in prevalence. Some hematological findings were significantly associated with cats infected with vector-borne pathogens in this study including leukocyte count and platelets count that may help support veterinary technicians in diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Campaigns of VBPs monitoring in Bangkok emphasizing on the investigation of vectors and possible routes of the infection in animals should be conducted to prevent the transmission of the pathogens.

Three new species of Cytauxzoon in European wild felids

Protists of the genus Cytauxzoon infect a wide variety of wild and domestic felids worldwide. While the American Cytauxzoon felis has been well described, data on the European isolates of Cytauxzoon are still scant. The aim of the current study was to determine the genetic diversity of European Cytauxzoon spp. in wild felids across Europe by analyzing one nuclear and two mitochondrial genes, along with representative complete mitochondrial genomes. Overall, 106 biological samples from wild felids (92 from Felis silvestris and 14 from Lynx lynx) from Germany, Romania, Czech Republic, and Luxembourg were collected and screened for the presence of Cytauxzoon spp. using nested PCR protocols, targeting the highly conserved 18S rDNA, mitochondrial cytochrome b (CytB) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes. Furthermore, 18 previously confirmed wild felid biological samples from Europe, and comparative material from USA positive for C. felis, were included in the study. In 18S rDNA sequences analyses, Cytauxzoon spp. from felids formed two separate clades of New World and Old World isolates, with a low inner diversity of the European clade. In contrast to 18S rDNA, the phylogenetic analyses of CytB and COI genes affirmatively revealed three highly supported clades, resulting in three defined genotypes. Similar intra- and interspecific variability of CytB and COI genes was observed in the case of different Babesia spp. Considering geography, host species and analyses of three genes, we conclude that the three detected genotypes of Cytauxzoon in European wild felids represent three new species, which we herein describe.

First molecular detection of piroplasmids in non-hematophagous bats from Brazil, with evidence of putative novel species

Piroplasmida is an order of the phylum Apicomplexa that comprises the Babesia, Cytauxzoon, and Theileria genera. These hemoparasites infect vertebrate blood cells and may cause serious diseases in animals and humans. Even though previous studies have shown that bats are infected by different species of piroplasmids, the occurrence and diversity of these hemoparasites have not been investigated in this group of mammals in Brazil. Therefore, the present work aimed to investigate the occurrence and assess the phylogenetic placement of piroplasmids infecting bats sampled in a peri-urban area from Central-Western Brazil. Seventeen (12.6%) out of 135 animals were positive by nested PCR assay for the detection of Babesia/Theileria targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Eleven sequences of the 17 positive samples could be analyzed and showed an identity of 91.8-100% with Theileria bicornis, Babesia vogeli, a Babesia sp. identified in a small rodent (Thrichomys pachyurus) from the Brazilian Pantanal and a Babesia sp. identified in a dog from Thailand as assessed by nBLAST. A phylogenetic tree was constructed from an alignment of 1399 bp length using analyzed and known piroplasmid 18S rRNA sequences. In this tree, piroplasmid 18S rRNA sequences detected in three specimens of Phyllostomus discolor (Piroplasmid n. sp., P. discolor) were placed as a sister taxon to Theileria sensu stricto (Clade V) and Babesia sensu stricto (Clade VI). An additional phylogenetic tree was generated from a shorter alignment of 524 bp length including analyzed piroplasmid 18S rRNA sequences of bat species Artibeus planirostris and A. lituratus (Piroplasmid sp., Artibeus spp.). The two 18S rRNA sequences detected in Artibeus spp. (Piroplasmid n. sp., Artibeus spp.) were placed within Babesia sensu stricto (Clade VI) into a strongly supported clade (bootstrap: 100) that included Babesia vogeli. The two 18S rRNA sequences of Piroplasmid sp., Artibeus spp. showed a single and a two-nucleotide differences, respectively, with respect to B. vogeli in a 709 pb length alignment. For the first time, the present study shows the occurrence of putative new piroplasmid species in non-hematophagous bats from Brazil.

First detection and molecular identification of Babesia sp. from the giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, in China

BACKGROUND

Parasitic infections are among the important causes of death of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) that hamper their survival in the wild. There are about 35 species of parasites which have been identified in giant pandas, but no information is currently available regarding the infection of Babesia in giant pandas. Babesia spp. are common intraerythrocytic parasite in wildlife, transmitted by ixodid ticks, which cause babesiosis. Clinical signs of babesiosis include fever, hemolysis, anemia, jaundice and death.

METHODS

A species of Babesia was detected in the blood of a giant panda based on morphology and PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic relationship of Babesia sp. infecting giant panda was assessed by gene sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed that the Babesia isolate detected was most similar to an unidentified species of Babesia identified in black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) from Japan (Babesia sp. Iwate, AB586027.1) with a 99.56% sequence similarity, followed by Babesia sp. EBB (AB566229.1, 99.50%) and Babesia sp. Akita (AB566229.1, 99.07%).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report of Babesia detected in the giant panda. The results indicate that this Babesia sp. may be a novel species, currently named Babesia sp. strain EBP01.

Relative white blood cell counts, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and discovery of blood parasites in wild dugong (Dugong dugon) at Lingayan Island, Toli-toli, Indonesia

Aim:

This study was conducted to investigate the relative white blood cell (WBC) counts and the heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and to analyze the presence of blood parasites in wild dugongs at Lingayan Island. It is expected that the results of this study could provide additional knowledge about the physiological conditions of wild dugongs in their natural habitats, which can serve as basic data in dugong conservation efforts, especially in Indonesia.

Materials and Methods:

A wild dugong was captured around Lingayan Island. Blood samples were collected from the saphenous vein, and blood smears were prepared immediately. The blood smears were examined for leukocyte identification, calculation of relative WBC counts, and presence of blood parasites. The H/L ratio was calculated based on the obtained relative WBC counts.

Results:

The relative WBC counts included heterophils 19.4%, lymphocytes 76.4%, and monocytes 3.6%, and the H/L ratio was 0.25. Intraerythrocytic parasites were identified and suspected to be Anaplasma and Babesia.

Conclusion:

This study reports leukocyte values from free-ranging dugongs captured in Lingayan Island, Indonesia. Based on the H/L ratio, the dugong examined, in this study, did not experience chronic stress. However, the discovery of blood parasites could be one of the threatening factors for the dugong population.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia and Theileria spp. in Sardinian ruminants

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) caused by Theileria and Babesia spp. are common in tropical and subtropical regions. This study investigates the presence of Theileria and Babesia spp. in ruminants from a subtropical Mediterranean region (Sardinia, Italy), a hotspot for ticks infestations. A total of 141 blood samples from healthy and symptomatic ruminants (showing symptoms consistent with tick-borne disease) were screened using a polymerase chain reaction test based on the amplification of the 18 s rRNA fragment. A total of 19/50 sheep (38%), 34/43 bovine (79.1%), and 5/48 goats (10.4%) tested positive to Babesia/Theileria. Phylogenetic analysis assigned all sequences obtained from sheep to the T. ovis cluster, while bovine and goats sequence types grouped in the Theileria buffeli/sergenti/orientalis group. One sequence type, isolated from a symptomatic bovine, clustered with B. major. Information on presence and frequency of piroplasms in ruminants increase our knowledge about the circulation of these pathogens in Sardinian animals and add up to previous studies conducted in ticks in the same area. Results also highlight the importance of subtropical Mediterranean environments as hotspots for ruminants piroplasmosis with potential impact on Veterinary Health.

Babesia vogeli in dogs in Chile

We report the presence of Babesia vogeli in dogs in Chile. During two surveillance campaigns separated by a year, sixty-three blood samples from free-ranging rural dogs in Coquimbo, Chile, were analysed through conventional PCR screening of the 18S rRNA for Babesia species. Sequencing confirmed the presence of Babesia vogeli in 6.3% of the tested animals, with positive cases in both years. All the sequences showed 100% nucleotide sequence identity among them and 99.8% with other previously published sequences from dogs. No clinical signs or haematological abnormalities other than thrombocytopenia were found in the parasitized individuals. This is the first report of a canine piroplasmid in Chile.

Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in caracals (Caracal caracal) living in human-modified landscapes of South Africa

Background

Wild carnivores living alongside humans and domestic animals are vulnerable to changes in the infectious disease dynamics in their populations. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and diversity of selected tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of veterinary and/or zoonotic concern in wild populations of caracals (Caracal caracal) occurring in human-modified landscapes in South Africa. Using molecular techniques, we screened 57 caracal blood samples for infection by rickettsial bacteria and piroplasms in three regions of South Africa: rangeland in the Central Karoo (n = 27) and Namaqualand (n = 14) as well as the urban edge of the Cape Peninsula (n = 16) of South Africa. To characterise pathogen identity, we sequenced the 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes from positive samples and analysed sequences within a phylogenetic framework. We also examine the diversity of potential tick vectors.

Results

All individuals tested were infected with at least one tick-borne pathogen. Pathogens included Hepatozoon felis, Babesia felis, Babesia leo and a potentially novel Babesia species. An Anaplasma species previously described in South African domestic dogs was also found in 88% of urban edge caracals. Higher rates of co-infection characterised urban edge caracals (81% vs 15% and 0% in the two rangeland populations), as well as a greater incidence of mixed infections. Host attached tick species include Haemaphysalis elliptica, an important pathogen vector among carnivore hosts.

Conclusions

This study confirms the occurrence of previously undocumented tick-borne pathogens infecting free-ranging caracals in human-modified landscapes. We identify clear differences in the pathogen profiles among our study populations and discuss the likely health costs to caracals living adjacent to urban areas.

Detection of DNA of Babesia canis in tissues of laboratory rodents following oral inoculation with infected ticks

Background

Babesia spp. are apicomplexan parasites which infect a wide range of mammalian hosts. Historically, most Babesia species were described based on the assumed host specificity and morphological features of the intraerythrocytic stages. New DNA-based approaches challenge the traditional species concept and host specificity in Babesia. Using such tools, the presence of Babesia DNA was reported in non-specific mammalian hosts, including B. canis in feces and tissues of insectivorous bats, opening questions on alternative transmission routes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if B. canis DNA can be detected in tissues of laboratory rodents following oral inoculation with infected ticks.

Methods

Seventy-five questing adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks were longitudinally cut in two halves and pooled. Each pool consisted of halves of 5 ticks, resulting in two analogous sets. One pool set (n = 15) served for DNA extraction, while the other set (n = 15) was used for oral inoculation of experimental animals (Mus musculus, line CD-1 and Meriones unguiculatus). Blood was collected three times during the experiment (before the inoculation, at 14 days post-inoculation and at 30 days post-inoculation). All animals were euthanized 30 days post-inoculation. At necropsy, half of the heart, lung, liver, spleen and kidneys were collected from each animal. The presence of Babesia DNA targeting the 18S rRNA gene was evaluated from blood and tissues samples. For histopathology, the other halves of the tissues were used. Stained blood smears were used for the light microscopy detection of Babesia.

Results

From the 15 pools of D. reticulatus used for the oral inoculation, six were PCR-positive for B. canis. DNA of B. canis was detected in blood and tissues of 33.3% of the animals (4 out of 12) inoculated with a B. canis-positive pool. No Babesia DNA was detected in the other 18 animals which received B. canis-negative tick pools. No Babesia was detected during the histological examination and all blood smears were microscopically negative.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that B. canis DNA can be detected in tissues of mammalian hosts following ingestion of infected ticks and opens the question of alternative transmission routes for piroplasms.

Molecular Detection of Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Eurasian Badgers (Meles meles) from the United Kingdom

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.

Molecular Survey on Vector-Borne Pathogens in Alpine Wild Carnivorans

In Europe, free-ranging wildlife has been linked to the emergence of several vector-borne diseases such as rodents for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. In particular, wild carnivorans are one of the most important sources of emerging zoonotic pathogens worldwide, although little information is available regarding the epidemiology of vector-borne parasites in these animals. Thus, the aim of this paper was to investigate the prevalence of Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Leishmania infantum in alpine wild canids and mustelids from Italy. For this study, spleen samples of 157 foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 45 badgers (Meles meles), and 33 wolves (Canis lupus) collected between 2009 and 2017 in Northwest Italy were examined by using conventional PCR. Logistic regression was used to identify possible risk factors for pathogen infections. DNA of any of the tested pathogens was found in more than 90% of the analyzed animals. In particular, Babesia spp. showed significantly higher prevalence in foxes (89.7%) and badgers (89.6%) than in wolves, while the latter were considerably more infected with Hepatozoon canis (75.8%) than foxes (5.1%). None of the badger tested positive for Hepatozoon spp., although they showed high prevalence of Leishmania infantum (53.3%). Sequencing results revealed the presence, among others, of Babesia vulpes, Babesia sp. isolate badger type A and B, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Moreover, previously unreported pathogen/host associations were observed, such as Babesia capreoli in wolves and badgers. The prevalence of vector-borne pathogens observed in the present study is one of the highest reported so far, suggesting the importance of free-ranging carnivorans in the epidemiology and maintenance of the sylvatic cycle of the pathogens. Moreover, several of these pathogens are of particular importance regarding human (A. phagocytophilum, L. infantum) and pet health (L. infantum, B. vulpes).

Babesia sp. infection in a zoo-housed polar bear (Ursus maritimus)

A 28-year-old female polar bear (Ursus maritimus) housed in a zoo in Upstate New York presented with acute inappetence and lethargy. The bear's condition rapidly deteriorated, and because laboratory testing indicated severe hepatic and renal disease, the bear was humanely euthanized. Examination of a blood smear from a sample collected just prior to euthanasia revealed the presence of intra-erythrocytic inclusions, which were identified as Babesia sp. by PCR. Although it is unclear if babesiosis contributed to this bear's clinical signs, this is the first report of Babesia sp. infection in this species. Zoological institutions exhibiting polar bears and located in tick-endemic areas, as well as managers of wild populations, should be aware of this species' susceptibility to babesiosis.

Molecular Detection of Babesia spp. (Apicomplexa: Piroplasma) in Free-Ranging Canids and Mustelids From Southern Italy

Babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by apicomplexan parasites with widespread geographical distribution and various wildlife species as reservoir hosts. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and assess the role of free-ranging canids and mustelids in the maintenance of Babesia spp. in southern Italy. PCR analysis of splenic samples targeting the 18S rRNA gene revealed the presence of Babesia spp. in 36 of 82 (43.9%) red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) including 29 (58%) from Campania region and seven (21.8%) from Calabria region, in seven of 13 (53.8%) Eurasian badgers (Meles meles), and in one of 13 (7.7%) gray wolves (Canis lupus). Samples from other host species including 9 Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra), 1 stone marten (Martes foina), 1 least weasel (Mustela nivalis), and 1 European polecat (Mustela putorius) tested Babesia spp. negative. Sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene demonstrated the presence of B. vulpes in the red fox and two sequence types of badger-associated Babesia spp. in the Eurasian badger. The Babesia sp. sequence detected in the gray wolf was identical to a badger-associated Babesia sp. This study shows that the number of Babesia spp. infecting free-ranging carnivores in Italy is higher than currently believed, and suggests that these hosts may play an important role in the maintenance of the sylvatic cycle of these parasites. It is the first report of badger-associated Babesia spp. in Italy and in a gray wolf.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia and Theileria spp. in ticks from domestic and wild hosts in Sardinia

Piroplasmoses are tick-borne protozoan diseases caused by hemoprotozoan parasites with considerable economic, veterinary and medical impact worldwide. Here, the presence and diversity of piroplasmids was investigated in ticks collected from domestic and wild hosts in a typical subtropical environment of Sardinia island by standard PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. We demonstrate the presence of strains closely related to the Theileria buffeli/sergentii/orientalis complex in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., Rh. bursa, Rh. annulatus, Hyalomma marginatum, Dermacentor marginatus and Haemaphysalis punctata ticks. A strain detected in two Rh. sanguineus s.l. ticks collected from dogs grouped with T. equi, the agent of equine piroplasmosis. T. ovis, the main etiological agent of ovine theileriosis, was detected in one Rh. bursa tick from a mouflon. Babesia bigemina, the causative agent of bovine babesiosis, was detected in two Rh. sanguineus s.l. ticks from dogs. Our findings expand the knowledge on the repertoire of tick-borne pathogens present in Mediterranean ticks. Further analyses are needed to determine the role of ticks in the biological or mechanical transmission of piroplasmoses in this area.

Increased Trypanosoma spp. richness and prevalence of haemoparasite co-infection following translocation

Background

Understanding how fauna translocation and antiparasitic drug treatment impact parasite community structure within a host is vital for optimising translocation outcomes. Trypanosoma spp. and piroplasms (Babesia and Theileria spp.) are known to infect Australian marsupials, including the woylie (Bettongia penicillata). However relatively little is known about these haemoparasites, or how they respond to management practices such as translocation. We monitored haemoparasites infecting woylies for up to 12 months during two fauna translocations to supplement existing woylie populations in three different sites (Dryandra, Walcott and Warrup East) within south-western Australia between 2014 and 2016, with the aim of investigating (i) how haemoparasite prevalence, Trypanosoma spp. richness and Trypanosoma spp. community composition varied over time and between different sites following translocation; and (ii) whether ivermectin treatment indirectly impacts haemoparasite prevalence. Using molecular methods, 1211 blood samples were screened for the presence of trypanosomes, and a subset of these samples (n = 264) were also tested for piroplasms.

Results

Trypanosomes and piroplasms were identified in 55% and 94% of blood samples, respectively. We identified five Trypanosoma species, two Theileria species, a single species of Babesia and a novel Bodo species. Trypanosoma spp. richness and the prevalence of haemoparasite co-infection increased after translocation. Prior to translocation, Trypanosoma spp. community composition differed significantly between translocated and resident woylies within Walcott and Warrup East, but not Dryandra. Six months later, there was a significant difference between translocated and resident woylies within Dryandra, but not Walcott or Warrup East. The response of haemoparasites to translocation was highly site-specific, with predominant changes to the haemoparasite community in translocated woylies occurring within the first few months following translocation. Ivermectin treatment had no significant effect on haemoparasite prevalence.

Conclusions

This study contributes to our understanding of haemoparasite dynamics in woylies following translocation. The highly site-specific and rapid response of haemoparasites to translocation highlights the need to better understand what drives these effects. Given that haemoparasite prevalence and composition of translocated and resident animals changed significantly following translocation, we propose that parasite monitoring should form an essential component of translocation protocols, and such protocols should endeavour to monitor translocated hosts and cohabiting species.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3370-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Microorganisms in the ticks Amblyomma dissimile Koch 1844 and Amblyomma rotundatum Koch 1844 collected from snakes in Brazil

Knowledge about ticks (Acari) and screening of ticks parasitizing various hosts are necessary to understand the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens. The objective of this study was to investigate tick infestations on snakes (Reptilia: Squamata: Serpentes) arriving at the serpentarium at the Institute Vital Brazil, Rio de Janeiro. Some of the identified ticks were individually tested for the presence of bacteria of the genera Rickettsia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), Borrelia (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae), Coxiella (Legionellales: Coxiellaceae), Bartonella (Rhizobiales: Bartonellaceae), Ehrlichia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae), Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae), and Apicomplexa protozoa of the genera Babesia (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae) and Hepatozoon (Eucoccidiorida: Hepatozoidae). A total of 115 hard ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) were collected from 17 host individuals obtained from four Brazilian states. Two species of tick were identified: Amblyomma dissimile Koch 1844 (four larvae, 16 nymphs, 40 adults), and Amblyomma rotundatum Koch 1844 (12 nymphs, 43 adults). Rickettsia bellii was found in A. rotundatum and A. dissimile ticks and Rickettsia sp. strain Colombianensi, Anaplasma-like and Hepatozoon sp. in A. dissimile ticks. Among the tested ticks, no DNA of Borrelia, Bartonella, Coxiella or Babesia was found. The present findings extend the geographic range of Rickettsia sp. strain Colombianensi in Brazil and provide novel tick-host associations.