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Poolsawat N, Nooroong P, Junsiri W, Watthanadirek-Wijidwong A, Srionrod N, Sangchuai S, Minsakorn S, Tazawa K, Anuracpreeda P. Ehrlichia canis: Molecular characterization and genetic diversity based on the p28 and trp36 genes. Res Vet Sci 2023; 155:88-102. [PMID: 36657265 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.11.013] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis is a common tick-borne intracellular pathogen causing canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) in dogs worldwide. The aims of this study were to investigate the genetic diversity and antigenicity of E. canis based on the p28 and trp36 genes in dogs in Thailand. The E. canis p28 and trp36 genes were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloned for sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. 36% (44/120) of dog blood samples were positive for E. canis DNA consisting of p28 (31%, 14/44) and trp36 (69%, 30/44) genes with 792 and 882 bp of PCR products size, respectively. The E. canis TRP36 from all Thailand sequences exhibited encoded nine amino acids (TEDSVSAPA) with 11 copies of tandem repeats along the sequences. The phylogenetic trees of E. canis, using the p28 and trp36 genes, exhibited that the Thailand isolates fell into two clades and one clade with similarity ranging from 55.95 to 100% and 100%, respectively. The results of diversity analysis revealed 10 and 20 haplotypes of the p28 and trp 36 genes, respectively. The entropy analysis of the p28 and trp36 nucleic acid sequences showed 442 and 1321 high entropy peaks respectively, whereas those of the P28 and TRP36 amino acid sequences showed 477 and 388 high entropy peaks, respectively. For B-cell epitopes analysis, the conserved amino acid of P28 and TRP36 sequences has been also demonstrated. Therefore, the results could be utilized to improve the understanding of phylogenetic relationship, genetic diversity and antigenicity of E. canis Thailand isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Napassorn Poolsawat
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Pornpiroon Nooroong
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Witchuta Junsiri
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Amaya Watthanadirek-Wijidwong
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Nitipon Srionrod
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Siriphan Sangchuai
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Sutthida Minsakorn
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Keiichiro Tazawa
- Worldwide Veterinary Service Thailand, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
| | - Panat Anuracpreeda
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
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Navarrete MG, Hodžić A, Corona-González B, Cordeiro MD, da Silva CB, Báez LC, Obregón D, de Aguiar DM, da Silva Campos AN, Taques ÍIGG, Wu-Chuang A, López ER, Piloto-Sardiñas E, Abuin-Denis L, da Fonseca AH, Cabezas-Cruz A. Novel Ehrlichia canis genogroup in dogs with canine ehrlichiosis in Cuba. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:295. [PMID: 35999566 PMCID: PMC9396871 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05426-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is caused by the tick-borne pathogen Ehrlichia canis, an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium of the family Anaplasmataceae with tropism for canine monocytes and macrophages. The trp36 gene, which encodes for the major immunoreactive protein TRP36 in E. canis, has been successfully used to characterize the genetic diversity of this pathogen in different regions of the world. Based on trp36 sequence analysis, four E. canis genogroups, United States (US), Taiwan (TWN), Brazil (BR) and Costa Rica (CR), have been identified. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic diversity of E. canis in Cuba based on the trp36 gene. Methods Whole blood samples (n = 8) were collected from dogs found to be infested with the tick vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) and/or presenting clinical signs and symptoms of CME. Total DNA was extracted from the blood samples and trp36 fragments were amplified by PCR. Nucleotide and protein sequences were compared using alignments and phylogenetic analysis. Results Four of the trp36 sequences obtained (n = 8) fall within the phylogenetic cluster grouping the US genogroup E. canis strains. The other E. canis trp36 sequences formed a separate and well-supported clade (94% bootstrap value) that is phylogenetically distant from the other major groups and thus represents a new genogroup, herein designated as the ‘Cuba (CUB) genogroup’. Notably, dogs infected with the CUB genogroup presented frequent hemorrhagic lesions. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that genetic diversification of E. canis in Cuba is associated with the emergence of E. canis strains with increased virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maylin González Navarrete
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Agrarian University of Havana, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Km 23 1/2, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Belkis Corona-González
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Matheus Dias Cordeiro
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ, 23890000, Brazil
| | - Claudia Bezerra da Silva
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ, 23890000, Brazil
| | - Liani Coronado Báez
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Dasiel Obregón
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Daniel Moura de Aguiar
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Hospital Veterinário da Facultade de Medicina Veterinária, Federal University of Mato Grosso State, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Amanda Noeli da Silva Campos
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Hospital Veterinário da Facultade de Medicina Veterinária, Federal University of Mato Grosso State, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Ísis Indaiara Gonçalves Granjeiro Taques
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Hospital Veterinário da Facultade de Medicina Veterinária, Federal University of Mato Grosso State, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eugenio Roque López
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Agrarian University of Havana, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Km 23 1/2, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Elianne Piloto-Sardiñas
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Lianet Abuin-Denis
- Animal Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Avenue 31 between 158 and 190, P.O. Box 6162, 10600, Havana, Cuba
| | - Adivaldo Henrique da Fonseca
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ, 23890000, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Xu S, Chen M, Feng T, Zhan L, Zhou L, Yu G. Use ggbreak to Effectively Utilize Plotting Space to Deal With Large Datasets and Outliers. Front Genet 2021; 12:774846. [PMID: 34795698 PMCID: PMC8593043 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.774846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rapid increase of large-scale datasets, biomedical data visualization is facing challenges. The data may be large, have different orders of magnitude, contain extreme values, and the data distribution is not clear. Here we present an R package ggbreak that allows users to create broken axes using ggplot2 syntax. It can effectively use the plotting area to deal with large datasets (especially for long sequential data), data with different magnitudes, and contain outliers. The ggbreak package increases the available visual space for a better presentation of the data and detailed annotation, thus improves our ability to interpret the data. The ggbreak package is fully compatible with ggplot2 and it is easy to superpose additional layers and applies scale and theme to adjust the plot using the ggplot2 syntax. The ggbreak package is open-source software released under the Artistic-2.0 license, and it is freely available on CRAN (https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=ggbreak) and Github (https://github.com/YuLab-SMU/ggbreak).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangbin Xu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meijun Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingze Feng
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Zhan
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lang Zhou
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangchuang Yu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Kaewmongkol S, Suwan E, Sirinarumitr T, Jittapalapong S, Fenwick SG, Kaewmongkol G. Detection of specific IgM and IgG antibodies in acute canine monocytic ehrlichiosis that recognize recombinant gp36 antigens. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04409. [PMID: 32685730 PMCID: PMC7358732 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of antibody detection tools for all stages of Ehrlichia canis infections and for various genotypes remains unclear. We produced recombinant gp36 (rgp36) antigens from different isolates of Thai E. canis to confirm the immunoreactivities to these recombinant proteins from naturally infected dogs. Sera and blood samples were taken from 21 dogs naturally infected with E. canis and in the clinical stages of acute phase ehrlichiosis. The expression vectors and competent E. coli produced two isolates of rgp36. These two major rgp36s were recognized by the dogs' sera in Western blotting, with both anti-dog IgM and IgG used as secondary antibodies. The two different genotypes of these local recombinant immunoreactive proteins were gp36 subgroup A (isolate 1055) and subgroup B (isolate 533). The Western blot analyses successfully identified both specific IgM and IgG from the dogs' sera. Of all 21 cases, five dogs presented specific IgM, twenty dogs presented specific IgG, and the commercial test used found fifteen seropositive dogs. There were four dogs that presented both specific IgM and IgG. Only one dog presented specific IgM only. This report is the first identification of a specific IgM in dogs in response to acute infections with E. canis. The recombinant gp36 isolates may be useful as potential antigenic material for subsequent serological tests that have a high possibility for differentiating between acute, chronic, primary, and nonprimary infections with E. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eukote Suwan
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Stanley G Fenwick
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, USA
| | - Gunn Kaewmongkol
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Nambooppha B, Rittipornlertrak A, Tattiyapong M, Tangtrongsup S, Tiwananthagorn S, Chung YT, Sthitmatee N. Two different genogroups of Ehrlichia canis from dogs in Thailand using immunodominant protein genes. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 63:116-125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Ehrlichia canis in a Philippine dog. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:266-269. [PMID: 28943246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by a rickettsial bacterium, Ehrlichia canis, is distributed worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Transmission of E. canis is primarily mediated by the vector tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and the bacteria then infect and replicate in monocytes and macrophages. Many cases are seen in veterinary hospitals and treated routinely; however, the genetic variation of E. canis strains found in the Philippines has been poorly investigated to date. In this study, the 16S rRNA gene and the gp200 gene of E. canis were detected by polymerase chain reaction from an infected dog in the Philippines, and the deduced amino acid sequence of the gp200 gene was subjected to a phylogenetic analysis. The Philippine genotype formed a cluster with the Taiwan genotype, and was somewhat divergent from the USA and Brazil strains. This suggested that E. canis underwent evolution in East and Southeast Asia, confirming the utility of the gp200 gene for the assessment of genetic relationships among strains.
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Yuasa Y, Tsai YL, Chang CC, Hsu TH, Chou CC. The prevalence of Anaplasma platys and a potential novel Anaplasma species exceed that of Ehrlichia canis in asymptomatic dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus in Taiwan. J Vet Med Sci 2017; 79:1494-1502. [PMID: 28781347 PMCID: PMC5627318 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine anaplasmosis is regarded as an infection by Anaplasma platys rather than zoonotic Anaplasma phagocytophilum in subtropical areas based on the assumption that the common dog tick species is Rhipicephalus sanguineus, which transmits E. canis and presumably A. platys. We investigated asymptomatic dogs and dog ticks from 16 communities in Nantou County, Taiwan to identify common dog tick species and to determine the prevalence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. Of total 175 canine blood samples and 315 ticks, including 306 R. sanguineus and 9 Haemaphysalis hystricis, 15 dogs and 3 R. sanguineus ticks were positive for E. canis, while 47 dogs and 71 R. sanguineus ticks were positive for A. platys, via nested PCR for 16S rDNA and DNA sequencing of selected positive amplicons. However, among the dogs and ticks that were positive to A. platys 16S rDNA, only 20 dogs and 11 ticks were positive to nested PCR for A. platys groEL gene. These results revealed the importance of searching for novel Anaplasma spp. closely related to A. platys in dogs and ticks. Seropositivity to a commercial immunochromatographic test SNAP 4Dx Anaplasma sp. was not significantly associated with PCR positivity for A. platys but with infestation by ticks carrying A. platys (P<0.05). Accordingly, R. sanguineus may be involved in transmission of A. platys but may not act as a reservoir of E. canis and PCR results for 16S rDNA could be a problematic diagnostic index for A. platys infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Yuasa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo Kuang Road, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Lun Tsai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, 1 Xuefu Road, Pingtung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chao-Chin Chang
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo Kuang Road, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tien-Huan Hsu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo Kuang Road, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Chung Chou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo Kuang Road, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Khatri-Chhetri R, Wang HC, Chen CC, Shih HC, Liao HC, Sun CM, Khatri-Chhetri N, Wu HY, Pei KJC. Surveillance of ticks and associated pathogens in free-ranging Formosan pangolins (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:1238-1244. [PMID: 27426438 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chinese pangolins are critically endangered insectivorous mammals distributed in several South and Southeast Asian countries. In recent years, there has been an increase in spread of tick-borne diseases in both humans and animals worldwide. Currently, limited information is available on ticks and associated pathogens infesting pangolins. The objective of the present study was to survey ticks and associated pathogens in the Formosan pangolin population in Southeastern Taiwan. Free-ranging Formosan pangolins captured during ecological survey were examined for the presence of ticks. DNA extracted from these ticks was used to identify the tick species and also to detect the tick-borne pathogens, by molecular methods. In the present study, we found 25% (13/52) of pangolins captured during 2012-2014 infested with ixodid ticks. A total of 21 ticks were collected and 3 species were identified: Haemaphysalis hystricis (14/21), Haemaphysalis formosensis (2/21) and Amblyomma testudinarium (5/21). We detected four different tick-borne pathogens, where one was identical to Anaplasma sp. strain An.H1446 while others showed close resemblance to Rickettsia conorii subsp. caspia A-167, Ehrlichia sp. TC251-2 and Cytauxzoon spp., respectively. The present study is the first survey of ticks infesting the free-ranging Chinese pangolins and pathogens harboured by these ticks. This information is important to know the diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, and its conservation significance to pangolins and other sympatric wildlife. Important future step should be regular surveillance of ticks and tick-borne diseases at human-domestic animals-wildlife interface, which can provide a useful insight into the dynamics of these pathogens and can help control and prevent outbreak of zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupak Khatri-Chhetri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chieh Wang
- Diagnostic and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chih Chen
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chun Shih
- Diagnostic and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Chun Liao
- Diagnostic and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Min Sun
- Institute of Bioresources, College of Agriculture, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
| | - Nabin Khatri-Chhetri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yi Wu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
| | - Kurtis Jai-Chyi Pei
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan; Pingtung Rescue Center for Endangered Wild Animals, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
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Tsai KH, Chang SF, Yen TY, Shih WL, Chen WJ, Wang HC, Yu XJ, Wen TH, Wu WJ, Shu PY. Prevalence of antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. and Orientia tsutsugamushi in small mammals around harbors in Taiwan. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:45. [PMID: 26817445 PMCID: PMC4728797 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1318-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne ehrlichiosis and mite-borne scrub typhus represent important emerging zoonotic rickettsial diseases. Although scrub typhus has been recognized by the Taiwanese public health system, information on ehrlichial infections is scarce in Taiwan. In this study, the risk of spread of ectoparasites on rodents through aerial and marine transportation was assessed in international and domestic harbors. Here, we report the first systematic surveillance of seroprevalence against Ehrlichia spp. in small mammals on the main island of Taiwan. METHODS In total, 1648 small mammals were trapped from 8 international ports, 18 domestic fishing harbors, and 7 local public health centers around Taiwan from November 2004 to December 2008. Sera were analyzed using indirect immunofluorescence assays to detect IgG antibodies against Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Orientia tsutsugamushi. A serum titer of ≧1:80 was considered positive. RESULTS Antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. and O. tsutsugamushi were detected in 3.28% and 4.92% of small mammals active around harbors, respectively. The seropositive rate against Ehrlichia was higher in northern Taiwan from 2005 to 2008. However, O. tsutsugamushi infections increased in southern Taiwan during this period. The serological evidence of ehrlichial and O. tsutsugamushi infections in all international ports were included in the study. No significant differences were found among the seropositive rates of Ehrlichia spp. and O. tsutsugamushi in small mammals trapped between international and local harbors. CONCLUSIONS The overall prevalence of Ehrlichia spp. and O. tsutsugamushi infections in small mammals active around harbors was 3.28% and 4.92%, respectively. The results provided serological evidence supporting the potential risks of transporting pathogens through air and maritime traffic. This study highlights serious issues of the emergence and spread of rickettsial diseases in Taiwan. The incidence of human ehrlichiosis requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Institute of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan. .,Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan.
| | - Shu-Feng Chang
- Center for Research, Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, No.161, Kun-Yang Street, Taipei, 11561, Taiwan.
| | - Tsai-Ying Yen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Liang Shih
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan. .,Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare and National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan.
| | - Wan-Jen Chen
- Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare and National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan.
| | - Hsi-Chieh Wang
- Center for Research, Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, No.161, Kun-Yang Street, Taipei, 11561, Taiwan.
| | - Xue-Jie Yu
- Departmentof Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Tzai-Hung Wen
- Department of Geography, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Jer Wu
- Department of Entomology, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Yun Shu
- Center for Research, Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, No.161, Kun-Yang Street, Taipei, 11561, Taiwan.
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Zhang J, Kelly P, Guo W, Xu C, Wei L, Jongejan F, Loftis A, Wang C. Development of a generic Ehrlichia FRET-qPCR and investigation of ehrlichioses in domestic ruminants on five Caribbean islands. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:506. [PMID: 26438311 PMCID: PMC4595018 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1118-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Ehrlichia are obligate intracellular Gram-negative tick-borne bacteria that are important human and animal pathogens. There is a need for assays to rapidly and reliably detect and differentiate the five generally recognized species into groups in a single reaction: E. canis, E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii, E. muris and E. ruminantium. Methods We developed primers and probes against the 16S rRNA gene to enable us to reliably detect the five major Ehrlichia spp. in a single FRET-qPCR. We tested the Ehrlichia FRET-qPCR on reference strains and on DNA from the blood of domestic ruminants from five Caribbean islands. The Ehrlichia present were determined using melting point analysis and by sequencing the Ehrlichia FRET-qPCR products as well as those of a nested PCR against the citrate synthase gene (gltA). Results Our Ehrlichia FRET-qPCR was negative for the closely related Anaplasma marginale and A. phagocytophilum but gave positive reactions with reference strains of the most generally recognized species and with other less characterized Ehrlichia of domestic ruminants, mainly E. ovina, the Panola Mountain Ehrlichia, and Ehrlichia sp. BOV2010. Melting point analysis revealed 4 distinct groups: E. ruminantium (Tm ~55.8 °C); E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii (Tm ~57.7 °C); E. canis, E. muris, E. ovina and Ehrlichia sp. BOV 2010 (Tm ~62.0 °C); and the Panola Mountain Ehrlichia (Tm ~65.5 °C). The detection limit of the FRET-qPCR was ~ 5 gene copies in a reaction and the sequences of the FRET-qPCR products were as expected. With DNA from domestic ruminants from the Caribbean we found 12.2 % (134/1,101) positive: cattle (76/385; 19.7 %), sheep (45/340; 13.2 %) and goats (13/376; 3.5 %). Melting point analysis and sequencing of the FRET-qPCR and nested PCR gltA products showed the Ehrlichia we detected were E. canis or very closely related organisms. Conclusions In a single reaction, our Ehrlichia FRET-qPCR can detect the Ehrlichia spp. we studied and differentiate them into four groups. Domestic ruminants in the Caribbean are not uncommonly exposed to Ehrlichia, possibly E. canis or very closely related organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilei Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China.
| | - Patrick Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis.
| | - Weina Guo
- Anhui Science and Technology University College of Animal Science, Anhui, China.
| | - Chuanling Xu
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China.
| | - Lanjing Wei
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China.
| | - Frans Jongejan
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| | - Amanda Loftis
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis.
| | - Chengming Wang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China.
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Aguiar DM, Zhang X, Melo ALT, Pacheco TA, Meneses AMC, Zanutto MS, Horta MC, Santarém VA, Camargo LMA, McBride JW, Labruna MB. Genetic diversity of Ehrlichia canis in Brazil. Vet Microbiol 2013; 164:315-21. [PMID: 23490559 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is a highly prevalent disease in Brazil, where the genetic diversity of Ehrlichia canis remains undefined. In this study, we used the TRP36 gene to examine the genetic diversity of E. canis strains from naturally infected dogs residing in five distinct geographic regions in Brazil. E. canis DNA was detected in 82/126 (65%) dogs by dsb-specific PCR and E. canis was isolated in cell culture from 13 dogs. Sequences obtained from dsb genes amplified from the isolates were identical to the US E. canis strain. An extended molecular characterization based on the TRP36 gene identified two major genogroups based on differences among eight isolates. Isolates with tandem repeat amino acid sequence (TEDSVSAPA) identical to the previously reported TRP36 sequence were found in the midwest, northeast and southeast regions of Brazil, and classified into the US genogroup. A novel Brazilian genotype with a different tandem repeat sequence (ASVVPEAE) was also identified in midwest, northern and southern regions. Similarity in the N-terminal sequence of a US genogroup member with the Brazilian genogroup suggested that genomic recombination between the two genogroups may have occurred. Other subtypes within the Brazilian genogroup were also identified using C-terminal amino acid divergence. We identified two distinct major Brazilian genogroups and several subtypes based on analysis of TRP36, and such information will be useful for further genotyping and possible associations with disease severity, understanding of the genetic and antigenic variability of E. canis, and for developing strain-specific vaccines and diagnostic methods based on TRP36.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Aguiar
- Laboratório de Virologia e Rickettsioses, Hospital Veterinário, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
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