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He M, Zhang L, Hu H, Liu X, Zhang C, Xin Y, Liu B, Chen Z, Xu K, Liu Y. Complete genome sequencing and comparative genomic analyses of a new spotted-fever Rickettsia heilongjiangensis strain B8. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2153085. [PMID: 36440590 PMCID: PMC9930820 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2153085] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia heilongjiangensis, a tick-borne obligate intracellular bacterium and causative agent of spotted fever in China, has attracted increasing concern regarding its capability in causing human rickettsiosis. Here, we conducted a genomic analysis of a new R. heilongjiangensis strain B8 (B8) isolated from the serum of a patient who had been bitten by a Haemaphysalis longicornis tick in Anhui Province, China. The present study sought to identify exclusive genes that might be associated with the pathogenicity of B8 using comparative genomics. Specifically, the sequences of B8 were assembled into one circular chromosome of 1,275,081 bp and predicted to contain 1447 genes. Comparative genome analyses were performed based on the genome of B8 and 28 spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsial genomes deposited in NCBI. Phylogenomic analyses indicated the B8 strain was clustered within the R. heilongjiangensis species; however, a sum of 112 and 119 B8-unique genes was identified when compared with R. heilongjiangensis and R. japonica strains, respectively. Functional annotation analyses revealed that these B8-unique genes were mainly annotated to defence mechanisms, lipid transport and metabolism, cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis. These data indicate B8 rather represents a previously undescribed human-pathogenic SFG rickettsia lineage, which may be an intermediate lineage of R. heilongjiangensis and R. japonica. Overall, this study isolated a new strain of R. heilongjiangensis in East-Central China for the first time, and provided potential B8-unique genetic loci that could be used for the discrimination of B8 from other R. heilongjiangensis and closely related SFG Rickettsial strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maozhang He
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lifeng Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haoran Hu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Xin
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Boyu Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kehan Xu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China,Kehan Xu Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical, The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China, Yan Liu
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Xu N, Liu H, Qu C, Wen S, Zou W, Chang C, Wang G. The presence of foci of Rickettsia conorii infection in China. INFECTIOUS MEDICINE 2023; 2:334-337. [PMID: 38205175 PMCID: PMC10774659 DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2023.09.002] [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] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
China is not considered as an endemic area of Rickettsia conorii, so there is no routine clinical way to diagnose this infection. This study aims to determine whether 2 febrile patients who had a tick bite in East China were indeed infected with R. conorii. The citrate synthase gene (gltA) was amplified with universal rickettsial primers by real-time fluorescent PCR from the patients' blood samples. Nested PCR was used to amplify the outer membrane protein A gene (ompA) for positive specimens. PCR products were further identified and analyzed through nucleic acid sequencing. Positive amplification of the gltA and ompA genes was found in both patients. The nucleotide sequences (303 bp) of the ompA gene of the 2 patients had high homology (99%) with the R. conorii Indian tick typhus strain in GenBank. A more than 4-fold increase in IgG against R. conorii provided supportive evidence of SFG Rickettsia infection. And the rapid recovery after doxycycline treatment also supported a rickettsial cause for the disease. Physicians in East China should be aware of human infections with R. conorii. PCR-based diagnostic methods offer a rapid and precise way to diagnose rickettsiosis, improving patient identification and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Institute of Bacterial Disease, Jinan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Chunmei Qu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Sai Wen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Wenlu Zou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Caiyun Chang
- Institute for Infectious Disease Control, Jinan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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Ayanniyi OO, Lu Z, Zhang H, Li C, Luo S, Wang C, Xu Q, Zhang Q, Yang C. Epidemiological survey of tick-borne pathogens in dogs in Anhui Province, China. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 101:102059. [PMID: 37690183 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases have continued to increase worldwide in both developing and many developed countries due to the widespread of different tick species and tick's adaptability to different climatic weather. In order to investigate the prevalence of the tick-borne pathogens, EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood samples were aseptically collected from 765 pet dogs in twenty veterinary clinics located in sixteen prefecture-level cities in Anhui Province, China, and the samples were examined and analyzed for tick-borne pathogens using both microscopy and PCR. Our result analysis revealed 17(2.22%) positive samples to Babesia spp and 4(0.52%) positive samples to Hepatozoon spp, of which case of co-infection was recorded in Lu'An and Chuzhou. The BLAST analysis results of the 18S rRNA gene revealed that the dogs were infected with Babesia gibsoni and Hepatozoon canis. All samples were negative for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Rickettsia spp. This is the first molecular report of B. gibsoni and H. canis in dogs in Anhui, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olalekan Opeyemi Ayanniyi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China
| | - Zhenxiao Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China
| | - Chunqi Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China
| | - Shishang Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China
| | - Chuanchen Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China
| | - Qianming Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China.
| | - Qingxun Zhang
- Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing 100076, China.
| | - Congshan Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China.
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Teng Z, Shi Y, Zhao N, Zhang X, Jin X, He J, Xu B, Qin T. Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Bacterial and Protozoan Pathogens in Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks from Free-Ranging Domestic Sheep in Hebei Province, China. Pathogens 2023; 12:763. [PMID: 37375453 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens significantly threaten human and animal health worldwide. Haemaphysalis longicornis is one of the dominant tick species in East Asia, including China. In the present study, 646 Ha. longicornis ticks were collected from free-ranging domestic sheep in the southern region of Hebei Province, China. Tick-borne pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance (i.e., Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Theileria, and Hepatozoon spp.) were detected in the ticks using PCR assays and sequence analysis. The prevalence rates of these pathogens were 5.1% (33/646), 15.9% (103/646), 1.2% (8/646), 17.0% (110/646), 0.15% (1/646), and 0.15% (1/646), respectively. For Rickettsia spp., R. japonica (n = 13), R. raoultii (n = 6), and Candidatus R. jingxinensis (n = 14) were detected for the first time in the province, while several Anaplasma spp. were also detected in the ticks, including A. bovis (n = 52), A. ovis (n = 31), A. phagocytophilum (n = 10), and A. capra (n = 10). A putative novel Ehrlichia spp. was also found with a prevalence of 1.2% in the area. The present study provides important data for effectively controlling ticks and tick-borne diseases in the Hebei Province region of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiu Teng
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Shijiazhuang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Na Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiaojing Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jia He
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Baohong Xu
- Shijiazhuang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Tian Qin
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
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Cao XQ, Gu XL, Zhang L, Xu J, Han HJ, Yu XJ. Molecular detection of Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Bartonella in ticks from free-ranging sheep in Gansu Province, China. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102137. [PMID: 36738629 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102137] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Ticks pose a serious threat to public health as carriers and often vectors of zoonotic pathogens. There are few systematic studies on the prevalence and genetic diversity of tick-borne bacterial pathogens in Western China. In this study, 465 ticks were collected from free-ranging sheep in Gansu Province in China. Ticks were divided into 113 pools and tick DNA was extracted from these ticks. PCR assays were performed using specific primers to screen for tick-borne pathogens as well as sequence analysis based on the 16S rRNA (rrs), ompB, gltA, ompA genes for Rickettsia, rrs, groEL genes for Anaplasma, and ssrA and rpoB genes for Bartonella. The PCR results showed that the minimum infection rates with Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Bartonella were 16.8% (78/465), 18.9% (88/465), and 0.9% (4/465), respectively. Sequence analysis based on the concatenated sequences of rrs-ompB-gltA-ompA indicated that the Rickettsia species identified in the ticks belonged to Rickettsia raoultii, Rickettsia slovaca, and Rickettsia sibirica, respectively; phylogenetic analysis based on the groEL gene showed that all Anaplasma strains identified were Anaplasma ovis; and phylogenetic analysis based on the ssrA and rpoB genes indicated that all Bartonella strains in the ticks belonged to Bartonella melophagi. The results of this study showed that ticks in Gansu Province harbored multiple pathogens that may cause rickettsial diseases and bartonellosis. These diseases were neglected in the area and physicians and public health workers need to pay attention to their diagnoses to prevent human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hui-Ju Han
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, China.
| | - Xue-Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Luan Y, Gou J, Zhong D, Ma L, Yin C, Shu M, Liu G, Lin Q. The Tick-Borne Pathogens: An Overview of China's Situation. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:1-20. [PMID: 36642777 PMCID: PMC9841149 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00658-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are important medical arthropods that can transmit hundreds of pathogens, such as parasites, bacteria, and viruses, leading to serious public health burdens worldwide. Unexplained fever is the most common clinical manifestation of tick-borne diseases. Since the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases led to the hospital overload and fewer laboratory tests for tick-borne diseases. Therefore, it is essential to review the tick-borne pathogens and further understand tick-borne diseases. PURPOSE The geographic distribution and population of ticks in the Northern hemisphere have expanded while emerging tick-borne pathogens have been introduced to China continuously. This paper focused on the tick-borne pathogens that are threatening public health in the world. Their medical significant tick vectors, as well as the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control measures, are emphasized in this document. METHODS In this study, all required data were collected from articles indexed in English databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. RESULTS Ticks presented a great threat to the economy and public health. Although both infections by tick-borne pathogens and SARS-CoV-2 have fever symptoms, the history of tick bite and its associated symptoms such as encephalitis or eschar could be helpful for the differential diagnosis. Additionally, as a carrier of vector ticks, migratory birds may play a potential role in the geographical expansion of ticks and tick-borne pathogens during seasonal migration. CONCLUSION China should assess the risk score of vector ticks and clarify the potential role of migratory birds in transmitting ticks. Additionally, the individual and collective protection, vector control, comprehensive surveillance, accurate diagnosis, and symptomatic treatment should be carried out, to meet the challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Luan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jingmin Gou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongjie Zhong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuansong Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Minfeng Shu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guangyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China
| | - Qing Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China.
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Guo J, Song S, Cao S, Sun Z, Zhou Q, Deng X, Zhao T, Chai Y, Zhu D, Chen C, Baryshnikov PI, Blair HT, Wang Z, Wang Y, Zhang H. Molecular Detection of Zoonotic and Veterinary Pathogenic Bacteria in Pet Dogs and Their Parasitizing Ticks in Junggar Basin, North-Western China. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:895140. [PMID: 35898544 PMCID: PMC9311330 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.895140] [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: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recognized epidemiological importance of ticks as vectors for pathogens that cause numerous zoonotic and veterinary diseases, data regarding the pathogens of pet dogs and their parasitic ticks in the Junggar Basin are scarce. In this study, a total of 178 blood samples and 436 parasitic ticks were collected from pet dogs in Junggar Basin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), north-western China. All ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus turanicus sensu stricto (s.s.) according to morphological and molecular characteristics. Rh. turanicus s.s. ticks were collected from pet dogs in China for the first time. Seven tick-borne pathogens, such as Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia massiliae, Candidatus R. barbariae, Brucella spp., Rickettsia sibirica, and Anaplasma ovis, were detected from ticks, whereas the first five bacteria were detected from blood samples of dogs. Brucella spp. was the most predominant pathogen in both blood samples and ticks of pet dogs, with the detection rates of 16.29 and 16.74%, respectively. Moreover, 17 ticks and 1 blood sample were co-infected with two pathogens, and 1 tick was co-infected with three pathogens. This study provided molecular evidence for the occurrence of Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Brucella spp. circulating in pet dogs and their parasitic ticks in Junggar Basin, north-western China. These findings extend our knowledge of the tick-borne pathogens in pet dogs and their parasitic ticks in Central Asia; therefore, further research on these pathogens and their role in human and animal diseases is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Guo
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Shengnan Song
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Shuzhu Cao
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Zhihua Sun
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Qiyue Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Xingmei Deng
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Tianyi Zhao
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yingjin Chai
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Dexin Zhu
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Chuangfu Chen
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - P. I. Baryshnikov
- College of Veterinary, Altai National Agricultural University, Barnaul, Russia
| | - Hugh T. Blair
- International Sheep Research Center, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Zhen Wang
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- *Correspondence: Zhen Wang
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- Yuanzhi Wang
| | - Hui Zhang
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- Hui Zhang
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He Y, Chen W, Ma P, Wei Y, Li R, Chen Z, Tian S, Qi T, Yang J, Sun Y, Li J, Kang M, Li Y. Molecular detection of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in yaks (Bos grunniens) and Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:613. [PMID: 34949216 PMCID: PMC8697493 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05109-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplasma, Babesia and Theileria are tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) that affect livestock worldwide. However, information on these pathogens in yaks (Bos grunniens) and Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), China, is limited. In this study, Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. infections were assessed in yaks and Tibetan sheep from Qinghai Province. METHODS A total of 734 blood samples were collected from 425 yaks and 309 Tibetan sheep at nine sampling sites. Standard or nested polymerase chain reaction was employed to screen all the blood samples using species- or genus-specific primers. RESULTS The results showed that 14.1% (60/425) of yaks and 79.9% (247/309) of Tibetan sheep were infected with at least one pathogen. Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma bovis, Anaplasma capra, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia bovis and Theileria spp. were detected in this study, with total infection rates for all the assessed animals of 22.1% (162/734), 16.3% (120/734), 23.6% (173/734), 8.2% (60/734), 2.7% (20/734) and 19.3% (142/734), respectively. For yaks, the infection rate of A. bovis was 6.4% (27/425), that of B. bovis was 4.7% (20/425) and that of Theileria spp. was 3.3% (14/425). Moreover, 52.4% (162/309) of the Tibetan sheep samples were infected with A. ovis, 30.1% (93/309) with A. bovis, 56.0% (173/309) with A. capra, 19.4% (60/309) with A. phagocytophilum and 41.4% (128/309) with Theileria spp. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed the prevalence of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in yaks and Tibetan sheep in Qinghai Province, China, and provides new data for a better understanding of the epidemiology of TBPs in these animals in this area of the QTP, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongcai He
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Wangkai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Ping Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Yaoping Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Ruishan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Zhihong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Shuyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Tongsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Jinfang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Jixu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
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9
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Lyu Y, Shen Y, Hu CY, Xu PP, Qin W, Gong L, Zhou Y, Gong TQ, Sun J, Chen BL, Sun Y, Xie SY, Li KC, Chang HW. The first reported outbreak of an undetermined species of human infection with spotted fever group Rickettsia in Lu'an, China. Acta Trop 2021; 223:106072. [PMID: 34358513 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE On May 2, 2017, an outbreak of unexplained fever with rashes was reported in Lu'an, China. In this study, we aimed to identify the possible pathogens, epidemiological characteristics, and risk factors of this outbreak. METHODS We conducted descriptive field epidemiological studies. Blood samples were tested using an indirect immunofluorescence assay for Rickettsia rickettsii antibody, and nested polymerase chain reaction and gene sequencing assays were performed. RESULTS We recruited 39 cases who had symptomatic onset from April 20 to June 8, 2017. Among these, 9 were suspected cases, 18 were probable cases, and 12 were confirmed cases. No one died. The main clinical manifestations were fever (100%), rash (100%), fatigue (97.3%), myalgia (83.8%), and anorexia (83.8%). None of the patients died. Thirty-seven patients who were treated with antibiotics during hospitalization showed significant improvement. The cases were distributed across 14 townships in 2 counties. The median age was 59 (43.0-81.0) years, of which 93.3% had a history of tea picking (28/30), and 77.3% (17/22) had a history of tick bites. The mean incubation period was 5.0 days (2.0-13.0 days). Serum IgG titers were higher in convalescent patients than in the general population (p = 0.016). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the ompA sequences of Rickettsia sp. Lu'an-2018 had an 86.8%-99.0% sequence identity with the 23 strains of Rickettsia found worldwide. CONCLUSIONS This was the first reported outbreak of an undetermined species of a human infection with the spotted fever group of Rickettsia in China, which might be caused by ticks biting local residents when picking tea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Lyu
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, China
| | - Yong Shen
- Emergency Department, Lu 'an affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an, China
| | - Cheng-Yang Hu
- School of Humanistic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Peng-Peng Xu
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, China
| | - Wei Qin
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, China
| | - Lei Gong
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, China
| | - Tian-Qi Gong
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, China
| | - Bei-Lei Chen
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, China
| | - Yong Sun
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - Shao-Yu Xie
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, China
| | - Kai-Chun Li
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, China
| | - Hong-Wei Chang
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, China.
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10
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Li H, Li XM, Du J, Zhang XA, Cui N, Yang ZD, Xue XJ, Zhang PH, Cao WC, Liu W. Candidatus Rickettsia xinyangensis as Cause of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis, Xinyang, China, 2015. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:985-988. [PMID: 32310072 PMCID: PMC7181907 DOI: 10.3201/eid2605.170294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2015, we evaluated 221 patients with undifferentiated fever and tick bite or animal exposure in Xinyang, China, for Rickettsia infection. Three with mild disease were infected with Candidatus R. xinyangensis, which clustered with R. fournieri and R. vini in phylogenetic analyses. Field investigations suggest Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks might be involved in transmission.
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11
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Wang Q, Guo WB, Pan YS, Jiang BG, Du CH, Que TC, Zhan L, Wu JH, Yu MH, Cui XM, Zhao L, Xu DL, Xia LY, Ye RZ, Li J, Li LF, Wei W, Zhou YH, Jiang JF, Jia N, Cao WC. Detection of Novel Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) in Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Southwestern China. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1363-1369. [PMID: 33399212 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Spotted fever group rickettsiae, mainly maintained and transmitted by ticks, are important etiological agents of (re)emerging zoonotic diseases worldwide. It is of great significance to investigate spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks in different areas for the prevention and control of rickettsioses. In this study, a total of 305 ticks were collected from wild and domestic animals in Chongqing, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Guangxi provinces of southwestern China during 2017-2019 and examined for the presence of spotted fever group rickettsiae by PCR with primers targeting the partial gltA, ompA, rrs, and htrA genes. Results showed that two spotted fever group rickettsiae species, including the pathogenic Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) and a potential novel species Rickettsia sp. sw (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), were identified. The Ca. R. jingxinensis sequences were recovered from Rhipicephalus microplus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and Haemaphysalis longicornis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) ticks and phylogenetically clustered with previous Ca. R. jingxinensis, Ca. R. longicornii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), and Rickettsia sp. XY118 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) strains. Rickettsia sp. sw was detected in Amblyomma geoemydae (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and Rh. microplus. Interestingly, as far as we know, this was the first report of Rickettsia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) in A. geoemydae. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that this potential novel species was closely related to R. aeschlimannii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) with gltA and ompA genes and grouped in a cluster composed of R. montanensis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), R. raoultii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), R. aeschlimannii, R. massiliae (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), and R. rhipicephali (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) with htrA, while formed a separate clade with rrs. The pathogenicity of Rickettsia sp. sw should be further confirmed. These results expand the knowledge of the geographical distribution and vector distribution of spotted fever group rickettsiae in China and are useful for assessing the potential public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Bin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Sheng Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Bao-Gui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Chun-Hong Du
- Yunnan Institute for Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Dali, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Teng-Cheng Que
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Terrestrial Wildlife Medical-Aid and Monitoring Epidemic Diseases Research Center, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Lin Zhan
- Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Hong Wu
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China
| | - Ming-Hui Yu
- Wulong County Animal Husbandry Bureau, Wulong, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ming Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lin Zhao
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Da-Li Xu
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Luo-Yuan Xia
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Run-Ze Ye
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lian-Feng Li
- Shanghai Institute for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wei
- Center for Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Hao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Fu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Na Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
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12
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Shao JW, Yao XY, Song XD, Li WJ, Huang HL, Huang SJ, Zhang XL. Molecular detection and genetic diversity of Rickettsia spp. in pet dogs and their infesting ticks in Harbin, northeastern China. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:113. [PMID: 33678176 PMCID: PMC7938463 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02823-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: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pet dogs are important companion animals that share the environment within households, and play an important role in local community life. In addition, pet dogs also are reservoirs of zoonotic agents, including Rickettsia spp., thus increasing the risk of rickettsial infections in humans. It’s meaningful to investigate the epidemiology of rickettsial agents in pet dogs, and make contribute to the surveillance of rickettsioses in human in China. Results In this study, a total of 496 pet dogs’ blood samples and 343 ticks infested in pet dogs were collected, and the presence and prevalence of Rickettsia were determined by amplifying the partial gltA and 17-kDa genes, with an overall positive rate of 8.1 % in blood samples and 14.0 % in tick samples. In addition, the rrs, gltA, groEL, and ompA genes of rickettsial were also recovered to determine the species of Rickettsia detected furtherly. Sequencing blast and phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of three human pathogenic Rickettsia species (Rickettsia raoultii, Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae and Rickettsia felis) in samples associated with pet dogs. Moreover, all the sequences of Rickettsia that we obtained presented close relationship with others available in GenBank, and Rickettsia raoultii was the most predominant Rickettsia species infected in pet dogs’ blood samples or in tick samples. Conclusions This study provides the molecular epidemiology data about the Rickettsia spp. infection associated with pet dogs in urban areas of Harbin city. Three rickettisae species pathogenic to humans were identified from pet dogs’ blood and the infested ticks in urban areas of Harbin city. Considering the intimate relationship between human and pets, these results indicate the potential transmission risk of human rickettisal infections from pet dogs through ectoparasites, and also highlighting that more attention should be paid to rickettsial infection in pet dogs and the infested ticks from the “One health” perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Wei Shao
- Key Laboratory for Preventive Research of Emerging Animal Diseases, Foshan University, 528231, Foshan, Guangdong, China.,College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 528231, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin-Yan Yao
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 528231, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xu-Dong Song
- Dr.Song's Clinic, 150086, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wen-Jun Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 528231, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui-Lan Huang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 528231, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Shu-Jian Huang
- Key Laboratory for Preventive Research of Emerging Animal Diseases, Foshan University, 528231, Foshan, Guangdong, China.,College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 528231, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xue-Lian Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Preventive Research of Emerging Animal Diseases, Foshan University, 528231, Foshan, Guangdong, China. .,College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 528231, Foshan, Guangdong, China.
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13
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Hosseini-Chegeni A, Tavakoli M, Telmadarraiy Z, Faghihi F. Molecular Detection of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) in Ticks of Iran. ARCHIVES OF RAZI INSTITUTE 2020; 75:317-325. [PMID: 33025772 DOI: 10.22092/ari.2019.125746.1317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are reservoir hosts of pathogenic Rickettsia in humans and domestic animals. Most pathogenic Rickettsia species belong to the spotted fever group (SFG). The present study aimed to determine the tick species infected with Rickettsia based on the genus-specific 23S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA), 16S rRNA, and citrate synthase (gltA) gene fragments. A total of 61 tick specimens were selected for molecular assay and 12 samples for sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using neighbor-joining and Bayesian inference methods. Argas persicus, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Ha. inermis, and Hyalomma asiaticum were infected by spotted fever Rickettsia. The SFG is the main group of Rickettsia that can be detected in the three genera of ticks from Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hosseini-Chegeni
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.,Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - M Tavakoli
- Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Z Telmadarraiy
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Faghihi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Batu N, Wang Y, Liu Z, Huang T, Bao W, He H, Geri L. Molecular epidemiology of Rickettsia sp. and Coxiella burnetii collected from Hyalomma asiaticum in Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) in inner Mongolia of China. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101548. [PMID: 32993954 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to determine the presence of Rickettsia sp. and Coxiella burnetii in Hyalomma asiaticum collected from Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) in Inner Mongolia of China. A total of 385 H. asiaticum adults collected from Bactrian camels from Alxa in Inner Mongolia from 2017 to 2018 were examined using PCR combined with sequencing. The results indicated that 18 (4.7 %) and 5 (1.3 %) samples tested positive for Rickettsia and C. burnetii, respectively. The corresponding nucleotide identities among detected genes ranged between 99.7 % and 100 % for the sequences of 17 kD and ompB from Rickettsia and 16S rRNA and FtsX from C. burnetii. Two representative strains-Rickettsia IMA-1 strain and C. burnetii IMA-1 strain-were used for subsequent analysis. NCBI BLAST and phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the detected strain Rickettsia IMA-1 may represent a novel species of spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae. The C. burnetii IMA-1 strain was grouped with Coxiella burnetii str. RSA439 (GenBank: CP040059.1). In addition, the Rickettsia sp. was successfully isolated from the ticks in Vero cells incubated at 28 °C. These findings indicate that the H. asiaticum collected off Bactrian camels in Inner Mongolia carried SFG Rickettsia species and C. burnetii and could contribute to the etiology of febrile illness in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naren Batu
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Yunchong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Zhicheng Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Tianpeng Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Weidong Bao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Haiyan He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Letu Geri
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China.
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15
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Distribution and molecular characterization of rickettsiae in ticks in Harbin area of Northeastern China. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008342. [PMID: 32497120 PMCID: PMC7272007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are world-spreading infectious zoonoses. Ticks serve as reservoirs and vectors for Rickettsia and play a key role in transmission of rickettsioses. Most of the Chinese rickettsiosis patients are reported from Northeastern China but the distribution of tick and tick-borne Rickettsia species in Northeastern China remain poorly studied. In this study, a total of 1,286 ticks were captured from the seven counties of Harbin, an area in Northeastern China, and the tick-borne Rickettsia species were identified by PCR and sequencing of rrs, gltA, groEL, ompA and 17-kDa antigen-encoding genes. Of the 5 identified tick species, Haemaphysalis longicornis and Ixodes persulcatus were the predominant tick species in the livestock and vegetation, respectively. Rickettsia raoultii and “Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae” were the two detectable Rickettsia species in the ticks with a 28.8% positive rate but no rickettsiae were found in ticks of Haemaphysalis concinna. R. raoultii detected in 37.6% of the Dermacentor nuttalli, Dermacentor silvarum and H. longicornis ticks while “Ca. R. tarasevichiae” was only present in 22.8% of the I. persulcatus ticks. In particular, the positive rate of both R. raoultii and “Ca. R. tarasevichiae” in ticks from the livestock (40.7%) was significantly higher than that from the vegetation (19.5%). The results indicate that the tick and tick-borne Rickettsia species are diverse in different regions of Harbin due to geographic difference and the ticks from livestock may play a more important role in transmission of rickettsioses to human. Rickettsiosis is a tick-borne infectious disease of global importance. The disease has been prevailing in Northeastern China but the distribution of tick and tick-borne Rickettsia species from different areas of Northeastern China remain poorly studied. We collected a total of 1,286 ticks in the seven counties with different geographic environments of Harbin, an area of Northeastern China, and all the ticks were classified as Dermacentor nuttalli, Dermacentor silvarum, Haemaphysalis concinna, Haemaphysalis longicornis or Ixodes persulcatus. A total of 28.8% of the ticks tested positive for either Rickettsia raoultii or “Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae”, in which 37.6% of the D. nuttalli, D. silvarum and H. longicornis ticks were positive for R. raoultii while 22.8% of the I. persulcatus ticks were positive for “Ca. R. tarasevichiae”. The positive rate of both R. raoultii and “Ca. R. tarasevichiae” in ticks from the livestock (40.7%) was significantly higher than that from the vegetation (19.5%). All the data indicate that ticks in the Harbin area have a high infection rate with Rickettsia species and domestic animals may have a tick-livestock rickettsial circulation that may play an important role in transmission of rickettsioses.
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16
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Li Y, Wen X, Li M, Moumouni PFA, Galon EM, Guo Q, Rizk MA, Liu M, Li J, Ji S, Tumwebaze MA, Byamukama B, Chahan B, Xuan X. Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens harbored by ticks collected from livestock in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101478. [PMID: 32723638 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ticks carry and transmit a wide range of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and protozoa) that are of importance to humans and animals globally. However, information about the tick-borne pathogens harbored by ticks in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), northwestern China, is scarce. This study investigated the occurrence of tick species of domestic animals and tick-borne pathogens by using morphological molecular identification and sequence analysis in Turpan, Qitai, Altay, Hejing, Nileke, and Zhaosu counties (XUAR). A total of 5822 adult ticks (females and males) from 12 tick species were identified from 5 animal species (cattle, goats, sheep, camels, and horses) in 6 counties in the XUAR. Collected tick species included Dermacentor marginatus (24.7 %), Dermacentor nuttalli (20.8 %), Hyalomma anatolicum (13.7 %), Dermacentor niveus (13.1 %), Haemaphysalis punctata (10.7 %), Dermacentor silvarum (7.1 %), Dermacentor pavlovskyi (3.9 %), Hyalomma asiaticum (2.2 %), Rhipicephalus pumilio (1.9 %), Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (0.7 %), Rhipicephalus turanicus (0.6 %), and Hyalomma asiaticum kozlovi (0.6 %). Furthermore, 750 partially engorged adult ticks (females and males), including H. anatolicum (250), D. nuttalli (250), and D. marginatus (250), were individually separated according to species and sampling site, used for DNA extraction, and then screened for tick-borne pathogens. The most common pathogen was Rickettsia raoultii (36.80 %), followed by Brucella sp. (26.2 %), Anaplasma ovis (22.4 %), Babesia caballi (14.8 %), Theileria equi (8.7 %), and Theileria ovis (8.5 %). The sequencing of 6 genes showed a 96-100 % nucleotide identity between the sequences in this study and those deposited in GenBank. This study provides a scientific reference for the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases in the XUAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchang Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Xiuxiu Wen
- Parasitology Laboratory, Veterinary College, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China
| | - Min Li
- Parasitology Laboratory, Veterinary College, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China
| | - Paul Franck Adjou Moumouni
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Eloiza May Galon
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Qingyong Guo
- Parasitology Laboratory, Veterinary College, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China
| | - Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, 35516, Egypt
| | - Mingming Liu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Jixu Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shengwei Ji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Maria Agnes Tumwebaze
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Benedicto Byamukama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Bayin Chahan
- Parasitology Laboratory, Veterinary College, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Human Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia Infecting Yaks ( Bos grunniens) in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9040249. [PMID: 32231020 PMCID: PMC7238049 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9040249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA) is a plateau with the highest average altitude, located in Northwestern China. There is a risk for interspecies disease transmission, such as spotted fever rickettsioses. However, information on the molecular characteristics of the spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. in the area is limited. This study performed screenings, and detected the DNA of human pathogen, SFG Rickettsia spp., with 11.3% (25/222) infection rates in yaks (Bosgrunniens). BLASTn analysis revealed that the Rickettsia sequences obtained shared 94.3–100% identity with isolates of Rickettsia spp. from ticks in China. One Rickettsia sequence (MN536161) had 100% nucleotide identity to two R. raoultii isolates from Chinese Homo sapiens, and one isolate from Qinghai Dermacentorsilvarum. Meanwhile, another Rickettsia sequence (MN536157) shared 99.1–99.5% identity to one isolate from Dermacentor spp. in China. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis of SFG Rickettsia spp. ompA gene revealed that these two sequences obtained from yaks in the present study grouped with the R. slovaca and R. raoultii clades with isolates identified from Dermacentor spp. and Homo sapiens. Our findings showed the first evidence of human pathogen DNA, SFG Rickettsia spp., from animals, in the QTPA.
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18
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Satjanadumrong J, Robinson MT, Hughes T, Blacksell SD. Distribution and Ecological Drivers of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia in Asia. ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:611-626. [PMID: 30993545 PMCID: PMC6910891 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01409-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Spotted fever group and related rickettsia (SFGR) are a neglected group of pathogens that belong to the genus Rickettsia. SFGR are zoonotic and are transmitted by arthropod vectors, primarily ticks, fleas and mites to accidental hosts. These emerging and re-emerging infections are widely distributed throughout the world. Land-use change and increasing human-wildlife conflict compound the risk of SFGR infection to local people in endemic areas and travelers to these regions. In this article, we discuss the rickettsial organisms causing spotted fever and related diseases, their arthropod vectors in Asia and the impact of land-use change on their spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaruwan Satjanadumrong
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithee Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Matthew T Robinson
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Tom Hughes
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithee Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- EcoHealth Alliance, 460 West 34th Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stuart D Blacksell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithee Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK.
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19
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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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20
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Lu M, Li F, Liao Y, Shen JJ, Xu JM, Chen YZ, Li JH, Holmes EC, Zhang YZ. Epidemiology and Diversity of Rickettsiales Bacteria in Humans and Animals in Jiangsu and Jiangxi provinces, China. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13176. [PMID: 31511528 PMCID: PMC6739303 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49059-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by Rickettsiales bacteria are a global public health problem. To better understand the diversity and origins of Rickettsiales infection in humans and animals, we sampled 134 febrile patients, 173 rodents and 43 shrews, as well as 358 ticks, from two cities in Jiangsu and Jiangxi provinces, China. Our data revealed a relatively high prevalence of scrub typhus cases in both localities. In addition, both serological tests and genetic analysis identified three patients infected with Anaplasma bovis, Rickettsia monacensis, and Orientia tsutsugamushi bacteria. Molecular epidemiological investigation revealed the co-circulation of multiple species of Rickettsiales bacteria in small mammals and ticks in both provinces, potentially including novel bacterial species. In sum, these data demonstrate the ongoing importance of Rickettsiales infection in China and highlight the need for the regular surveillance of local arthropods, mammals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Li
- Yancheng Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yancheng, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Yong Liao
- Ganzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ganzhou, Jiangxi province, China
| | - Jin-Jin Shen
- Yancheng Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yancheng, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Jian-Min Xu
- Jiangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang, Jiangxi province, China
| | - Yin-Zhong Chen
- Yancheng Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yancheng, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Jian-Hua Li
- Ganzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ganzhou, Jiangxi province, China
| | - Edward C Holmes
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Zhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China. .,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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21
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Yin X, Guo S, Ding C, Cao M, Kawabata H, Sato K, Ando S, Fujita H, Kawamori F, Su H, Shimada M, Shimamura Y, Masuda S, Ohashi N. Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Inner Mongolia, China, 2015-2016. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:2105-2107. [PMID: 30334715 PMCID: PMC6200000 DOI: 10.3201/eid2411.162094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We found Rickettsia raoultii infection in 6/261 brucellosis-negative patients with fever of unknown origin in brucellosis-endemic Inner Mongolia, China. We further identified Hyalomma asiaticum ticks associated with R. raoultii, H. marginatum ticks associated with R. aeschlimannii, and Dermacentor nuttalli ticks associated with both rickettsiae species in the autonomous region.
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22
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Guo WP, Wang YH, Lu Q, Xu G, Luo Y, Ni X, Zhou EM. Molecular detection of spotted fever group rickettsiae in hard ticks, northern China. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1587-1596. [PMID: 30920159 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae are important causative agents of (re)emerging tick-borne infectious diseases in humans, and ticks play a key role in their maintenance and transmission. In this study, hard ticks were collected from five sampling sites in North China in 2017 and 2018. Of them, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Rhipicephalus microplus and Dermacentor nuttalli were collected from livestock (sheep and goats) and the vegetation, Hyalomma asiaticum from sheep, goats and camels, and Hyalomma marginatum from sheep and goats. The SFG rickettsiae were identified in these ticks by amplifying the partial rrs and complete 17-kDa genes, with an overall infection rate of 52.9%. In addition, the nearly full-length rrs and gltA and partial ompA genes were recovered to classify the species of SFG rickettsiae further. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of three human pathogenic species in Hy. asiaticum, Hy. marginatum, Ha. longicornis and De. nuttalli, including two cultured ones (Rickettsia raoultii and Rickettsia aeschlimannii) and one uncultured (Candidatus R. jingxinensis). Furthermore, partial groEL gene was also obtained, and phylogenetic trees were also reconstructed to better understand the genetic relationship with known sequences in each SFG rickettsiae species detected in the current study. Notably, the R. aeschlimannii sequences described in this study were closely related to those from abroad rather than from another part of China, indicating their different origin. However, the R. raoultii and Ca. R. jingxinensis sequences presented close relationship with variants from other parts of China. In sum, our data revealed SFG rickettsiae species in northern China, highlighting the need for surveillance of their infection in local humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ping Guo
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi-Han Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qizhong Lu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuhang Luo
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuebing Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Disease, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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23
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Xu J. Reverse microbial etiology: A research field for predicting and preventing emerging infectious diseases caused by an unknown microorganism. JOURNAL OF BIOSAFETY AND BIOSECURITY 2019; 1:19-21. [PMID: 32501431 PMCID: PMC7148598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobb.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To predict, detect, prepare for, and prevent potential emerging infectious diseases caused by unknown microorganisms in the future, we have proposed the research field of reverse microbial etiology. We isolate and classify unknown microorganisms and assesse their ability to cause infection, an outbreak, or epidemic. We suggest a list of potential pathogens and propose a preparation, prevention, and control strategy to protect global health and global economy and to ensure global security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing 102206, PR China
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24
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Guo WP, Huang B, Zhao Q, Xu G, Liu B, Wang YH, Zhou EM. Human-pathogenic Anaplasma spp., and Rickettsia spp. in animals in Xi'an, China. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006916. [PMID: 30419024 PMCID: PMC6258427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In China, thirteen species of tick-borne rickettsiales bacteria pathogenic to human have been reported in ticks and host animals, and human patients caused by them also has been identified. However, investigation for rickettsiales bacteria circulating in Xi'an wasn't performed although diseases resembling human diseases caused by these organisms have been found. In this study, domestic animals and ticks in Xi'an, China, were tested for the presence of rickettsiales bacteria pathogenic to humans. Besides A. ovis, a high prevalence of A. capra was observed suggesting a high public health risk exists. In addition, two novel Anaplasma species closely related to A. phagocytophilum were identified and formed distinct lineages in the phylogenetic trees, with more than 98.3% identities for rrs gene, while divergences up to 20.2% and 37.0% for groEL and gltA genes, respectively. Both of these two novel Anaplasma species were found to circulate in goats and further assessment of their pathogenicity is needed. Ca. R. jingxinensis, with potential pathogenicity, was also detected in H. longicomis ticks with high prevalence. However, other causative agents were not identified although they were distributed in other areas of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ping Guo
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baicheng Huang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baoyuan Liu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi-Han Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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25
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Ge Y, Guo G, Ge B, Yin H, Yin H. The spleen microbiota of small wild mammals reveals distinct patterns with tick-borne bacteria. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006499. [PMID: 29975692 PMCID: PMC6033388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wild mammals serve as reservoirs for a variety of microbes and play an important role in the enzootic cycles of these microbes. Some of them are vector-borne bacteria in the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia of the order Rickettsiales, which can cause febrile illnesses in human beings as well as animals. Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. and many spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. are transmitted to mammalian hosts by tick vectors during blood meals. As a powerful sequencing method, the next generation sequencing can reveal the complexity of bacterial communities in humans and animals. Compared with limited studies on blood microbiota, however, much fewer studies have been carried out on spleen microbiota, which is very scarce in wild mammals. Chongming Island is the third biggest island in China. It was unclear whether there were any vector-borne bacteria in Chongming Island. In the present study, we explored the bacterial microbiota in the spleens of wild mice and shrews from the rural areas of Chongming Island and investigated the prevalence of vector-borne bacteria. Methodology/Principal findings Genomic DNAs were extracted from the spleen samples of 35 mice and shrews. The 16S rDNA V3-V4 regions of the DNA extracts were amplified by PCR and subjected to the 16S rDNA-targeted metagenomic sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform. All the 35 spleen samples obtained data with sufficient coverage (99.7–99.9%) for analysis. More than 1,300,000 sequences were obtained after quality control and classified into a total of 1,967 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) clustered at 97% similarity. The two most abundant bacterial phyla were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria according to the analysis of rarefied sequences. Among the bacterial communities detected in this study, Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Coxiella were adjacently clustered by hierarchical analysis. Significant differences in many bacterial features between Anaplasma-positive and Anaplasma-negative samples were identified by LEfSe analysis and Wilcoxon rank-sum test, suggesting that the Anaplasma-infection of small wild mammals was associated with a specific pattern of spleen microbiota. Conclusions/Significance Our study has comprehensively characterized the complex bacterial profiles in the spleens of wild mice and shrews from Chongming Island, Shanghai city. This work has revealed distinct spleen bacterial communities associated with tick-borne bacteria in wild animals. The detection of tick-borne bacteria highlights the risk of contracting pathogens with public health importance upon tick-exposure in the studied areas. In this study, the 16S rDNA-targeted metagenomic sequencing was used to determine the bacterial community and diversity in the spleens of small wild mammals from China. The 16S rDNAs were amplified from the spleen genomic DNAs of 35 small wild mice and shrews and sequenced by Illumina MiSeq technology. More than 1,300,000 sequences were obtained after quality control and classified into a total of 1,967 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) clustered at 97% similarity. The two most abundant bacterial phyla were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria according to the analysis of rarefied sequences. Within the bacterial communities detected in this study, vector-borne bacteria, Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Coxiella, were adjacently clustered by hierarchical analysis. Significant differences in many bacterial features between Anaplasma-positive and Anaplasma-negative samples were observed, suggesting that the infection of small wild mammals with Anaplasma is associated with a distinct pattern of spleen microbiota. This study has revealed the complex bacterial profiles in the spleens of wild mice and shrews. The detection of vector-borne bacteria highlights the role of wild mice and shrews as animal reservoirs with potential public health importance in the studied areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ge
- Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Guangpu Guo
- Departement of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baoxue Ge
- Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongmei Yin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Yin
- The State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu, China
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26
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Molecular prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks from Qinghai Province, northwestern China. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 57:1-7. [PMID: 29107656 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses is one of the oldest known vector-borne diseases and has been viewed as emerging or re-emerging disease in China. The causative agents have been increasingly recognized and exhibited a high degree of genetic diversity and widespread distribution. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks from Qinghai Province, northwestern China. In total, 860 questing adult ticks representing six species were collected. The SFG rickettsiae were detected in Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis (19.6%, 79/404), Dermacentor abaensis (73.7%, 157/213), Dermacentor silvarum (50.0%, 47/94), Dermacentor nuttalli (67.4%, 97/144), and Ixodes crenulatus (100%, 3/3), with an overall infection rate of 44.5%. The infection rates of SFG rickettsiae were significantly higher in Dermacentor spp. than in Haemaphysalis spp. (p<0.05). Sequence analyses of the gltA and ompA genes revealed that five SFG rickettsiae are present in ticks in Qinghai, including R. sibirica subspecies sibirica, R. raoultii, "Candidatus Rickettsia tibetani", and "Candidatus Rickettsia gannanii" Y27 and F107. Moreover, a potential novel Rickettsia species (Rickettsia sp. 10CYF) was identified in D. nuttalli and I. crenulatus. These findings extend our knowledge of the potential vector spectrum and distribution of rickettsiae, and provided valuable information for assessing the potential risk for public health.
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