1
|
Bermúdez C SE, Félix ML, Domínguez A L, Araúz D, Venzal JM. Molecular screening of tick-borne microorganisms in ticks from rural areas of Panama, with the first record of Ehrlichia minasensis in Rhipicephalus microplus from Central America. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1301-1308. [PMID: 38221589 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10306-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
During a molecular screening of rickettsial, borrelial and protozoal agents in ticks from rural areas of Panama, we detected DNA of Rickettsia amblyommatis in four Amblyomma mixtum collected from horses in a locality in Los Santos province. Ehrlichia minasensis and Anaplasma marginale were identified from three and two Rhipicephalus microplus, respectively, collected on cows from Chiriqui province. No DNA from other tick-borne agents was found. These results increase the information of R. amblyommatis and A. marginale in Panama, and also mark the first record of E. minasensis in Central America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio E Bermúdez C
- Departamento de Investigación en Entomología Médica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Avenida Justo Arosemena y Calle 35, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá, Panama.
- Programa de Desarrollo de las Ciencias Básicas (PEDEClBA), Universidad de la República, Rivera, Salto, Uruguay.
| | - María L Félix
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Rivera, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Lillian Domínguez A
- Departamento de Investigación en Entomología Médica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Avenida Justo Arosemena y Calle 35, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá, Panama
| | - Dimelza Araúz
- Departamento Investigación en Virología y Biotecnología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá, Panama
| | - José M Venzal
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Rivera, Salto, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Molazadeh S, Tukmechi A, Hadian M, Dalir-Naghadeh B. Phylogenetic analysis of Ehrlichia species isolated from horses and dogs in Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 103:102080. [PMID: 37913628 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of Ehrlichia spp. in horses and dogs in Iran. Blood samples were collected from 400 animals, including 200 horses and 200 dogs, from five different provinces in Iran. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Ehrlichia spp. based on amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. The semi-nested PCR method was used to amplify the dsb, TRP36, and gltA genes. The results showed that 4.5 % of the samples (3 % horses and 6 % dogs) were positive for Ehrlichia sp. The highest prevalence was observed in Kerman and Khuzestan, while the lowest was found in West Azerbaijan, Golestan, and Mazandaran. The study suggests that the populations of dogs and horses in the country should be considered important factors in the epidemiology of ehrlichiosis. Phylogenetic analysis based on the dsb and TRP36 genes revealed that the prevalent species were E. canis and E. ruminantium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siamak Molazadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran.
| | - Amir Tukmechi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Hadian
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran.
| | - Bahram Dalir-Naghadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hernandez SAV, Salamat SEA, Galay RL. Analysis of the bacterial community in female Rhipicephalus microplus ticks from selected provinces in Luzon, Philippines, using next-generation sequencing. Exp Appl Acarol 2023; 91:463-475. [PMID: 37823957 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00851-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of the tick microbiome can help understand tick-symbiont interactions and identify undiscovered pathogens, which may aid in implementing control of ticks and tick-borne diseases. The tropical cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus is a widespread ectoparasite of cattle in the Philippines, negatively affecting animal productivity and health. This study characterized the bacterial community of R. microplus from Luzon, Philippines, through next-generation sequencing of 16s rRNA. DNA was extracted from 45 partially engorged female ticks from nine provinces. The DNA samples were pooled per province and then sequenced and analyzed using an open-source bioinformatics platform. In total, 667 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified. The ticks in all nine provinces were found to have Coxiella, Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, and Acinetobacter. Basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) analysis revealed the presence of known pathogens of cattle, such as Bartonella, Ehrlichia minasensis, and Dermatophilus congolensis. The tick samples from Laguna, Quezon, and Batangas had the most diverse bacterial species, whereas the tick samples from Ilocos Norte had the lowest diversity. Similarities in the composition of the bacterial community in ticks from provinces near each other were also observed. This is the first study on metagenomic analysis of cattle ticks in the Philippines, providing new insights that may be useful for controlling ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheane Andrea V Hernandez
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, 4031, Philippines
| | - Saubel Ezrael A Salamat
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, 4031, Philippines
| | - Remil L Galay
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, 4031, Philippines.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lu M, Ji Y, Zhao H, Wang W, Tian J, Duan C, Qin X, Guo Y, Chen G, Lei F, Meng C, Li K. Circulation of multiple Rickettsiales bacteria in ticks from Sichuan province, Southwest China. Microb Pathog 2023; 183:106313. [PMID: 37625661 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
During 2021, 403 ticks including Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis, Ixodes ovatus, Ixodes acutitarsus, and Rhipicephalus microplus were collected from three sites (590, 310, and 576 km away from each other) in Sichuan Province, China. A total of nine Rickettsiales species were identified in them, including three Rickettsia spp., five Anaplasma spp., and one Ehrlichia sp. Anaplasma ovis and a novel Rickettsia sp. named "Candidatus Rickettsia liangshanensis" were characterized in I. ovatus ticks from Liangshan, with positive rates of 11.11% and 45.56%, respectively. Anaplasma capra (13.33%) and Anaplasma bovis (15.33%) were detected in H. qinghaiensis ticks from Maerkang. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA, gltA, and groEL gene sequences indicated that the A. bovis strains were divided into two groups. Additionally, a novel Ehrlichia species named "Candidatus Ehrlichia maerkangensis" was identified. It is closely related to "Candidatus Ehrlichia zunyiensis" which was previously reported in Berylmys bowersi rats from Zunyi City, Southwest China. In R. microplus from Mianyang, "Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis" was detected with a high prevalence (92.99%). Notably, a variant of R. raoultii was identified in I. acutitarsus (33.33%). This may be the first Rickettsiales bacterium reported in I. acutitarsus. Our results reveal the remarkable biodiversity of Rickettsiales in this area. Some of these bacteria are human pathogens, indicating the potential exposure risk to local people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Lu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing City, China
| | - Yuqi Ji
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongqing Zhao
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing City, China
| | - Wen Wang
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing City, China
| | - Junhua Tian
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 430024, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chengyu Duan
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xincheng Qin
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing City, China
| | - Yawen Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Gaosong Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Fuyu Lei
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chao Meng
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Kun Li
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing City, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ali A, Ullah S, Numan M, Almutairi MM, Alouffi A, Tanaka T. First report on tick-borne pathogens detected in ticks infesting stray dogs near butcher shops. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1246871. [PMID: 37799410 PMCID: PMC10548827 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1246871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Public health is a major concern for several developing countries due to infectious agents transmitted by hematophagous arthropods such as ticks. Health risks due to infectious agents transmitted by ticks infesting butcher-associated stray dogs (BASDs) in urban and peri-urban regions have been neglected in several developing countries. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study assessing public health risks due to ticks infesting BASDs in Pakistan's urban and peri-urban areas. A total of 575 ticks (390 from symptomatic and 183 from asymptomatic BASDs) were collected from 117 BASDs (63 symptomatic and 54 asymptomatic); the ticks belonged to 4 hard tick species. A subset of each tick species' extracted DNA was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the 16S rDNA and cox1 sequences of the reported tick species, as well as bacterial and protozoal agents. The ticks' 16S rDNA and cox1 sequences showed 99-100% identities, and they were clustered with the sequence of corresponding species from Pakistan and other countries in phylogenetic trees. Among the screened 271 ticks' DNA samples, Anaplasma spp. was detected in 54/271 (19.92%) samples, followed by Ehrlichia spp. (n = 40/271, 14.76%), Rickettsia spp. (n = 33/271, 12.17%), Coxiella spp. (n = 23/271, 4.48%), and Hepatozoon canis (n = 9/271, 3.32%). The obtained sequences and phylogenetic analyzes revealed that the pathogens detected in ticks were Ehrlichia minasensis, Ehrlichia sp., Hepatozoon canis, Coxiella burnetii, Coxiella sp., Anaplasma capra, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma sp., Rickettsia massiliae, "Candidatus Rickettsia shennongii" and Rickettsia aeschlimannii. Tick-borne pathogens such as E. minasensis, H. canis, A. capra, A. platys, and R. aeschlimannii, were detected based on the DNA for the first time in Pakistan. This is the first report on public health risks due to ticks infesting BASDs. These results not only provided insights into the occurrence of novel tick-borne pathogens in the region but also revealed initial evidence of zoonotic threats to both public health and domestic life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Shafi Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Numan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Day CA, Butler RA, Durick HE, Chandler JG, Paulsen DJ, Mordoh SL, Foggin C, Parry R, Moyo I, Russo L, Kennedy MA, Trout Fryxell RT. An ecological and epidemiological single-season survey of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia positive ticks in Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe. Med Vet Entomol 2023; 37:195-208. [PMID: 36695750 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for continued research on the ecology of tick-borne diseases in Africa. Our objective was to provide a preliminary description of the ecology and epidemiology of tick species, tick-borne pathogens, and animal hosts in Zimbabwe, focusing efforts at Victoria Falls National Park, for a single season. We tested the hypothesis that tick surveillance and pathogen screening data can be used to model associations among ticks, hosts, and pathogens. We collected ticks from domesticated animals and wildlife in Zimbabwe and screened the ticks for the presence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia bacteria. Nearly 30% of the screened ticks were PCR-positive; 89% of tick species were PCR-positive, and 88% of animal species carried at least one PCR-positive tick. We sequenced a subset of amplicons that were similar to three Anaplasma species and three Ehrlichia species. The odds of a tick being PCR-positive increased when many ticks were collected from the host or the tick was collected from a cow (domesticated animal). Tick species shared host species more often than expected. We demonstrate that ticks in northwestern Zimbabwe present a One Health problem for nearby wildlife and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A Day
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - R A Butler
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - H E Durick
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - J G Chandler
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - David J Paulsen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - S L Mordoh
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - C Foggin
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
| | - R Parry
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
| | - I Moyo
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
| | - L Russo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - M A Kennedy
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - R T Trout Fryxell
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li J, Zhang C, Lu M, Wang Y, Liu F, Wang W, Li K. Infection by a previously uncharacterized Ehrlichia species in rodents from Inner Mongolia, Northern China. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102116. [PMID: 36577306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia are intracellular bacteria of medical importance to both humans and domestic animals. They are mainly vectored by ticks and harbored by domestic and wild animals such as rodents. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of Ehrlichia in rodents from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Northern China. In 2021, a total of 359 rodents representing 10 species were captured in two locations of Inner Mongolia: Siziwang Banner and Ar Horqin Banner. Subsequently, an Ehrlichia was detected and characterized in three Spermophilus dauricus and one Meriones unguiculatus. Its rrs, gltA, and groEL sequences have the highest identities of 100%, 87.9%, and 99.7% to known Ehrlichia species, respectively, and they form distinct clades in the phylogenetic trees. Ehrlichia strains mostly related to this species have been detected in ticks from Russia, suggesting that it may be exposed to humans and animals through tick bites. The pathogenicity of this Ehrlichia should be further studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianyun Li
- General Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Huhehot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010000, China.
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhehot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, China
| | - Miao Lu
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Changping Liuzi 5 Changping District, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Huhehot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010010, China
| | - Fang Liu
- General Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Huhehot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010000, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Changping Liuzi 5 Changping District, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Kun Li
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Changping Liuzi 5 Changping District, Beijing 102206, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Addo SO, Baako BOA, Bentil RE, Addae CA, Behene E, Asoala V, Sallam M, Mate S, Dunford JC, Larbi JA, Baidoo PK, Wilson MD, Diclaro JW 2nd, Dadzie SK. Molecular survey of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species in livestock ticks from Kassena-Nankana, Ghana; with a first report of Anaplasma capra and Ehrlichia minasensis. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:92. [PMID: 36795247 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03430-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens harm livestock production and pose a significant risk to public health. To combat these effects, it is necessary to identify the circulating pathogens to create effective control measures. This study identified Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species in ticks collected from livestock in the Kassena-Nankana Districts between February 2020 and December 2020. A total of 1550 ticks were collected from cattle, sheep and goats. The ticks were morphologically identified, pooled and screened for pathogens using primers that amplify a 345 bp fragment of the 16SrRNA gene and Sanger sequencing. The predominant tick species collected was Amblyomma variegatum (62.98%). From the 491 tick pools screened, 34 (6.92%) were positive for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. The pathogens identified were Ehrlichia canis (4.28%), Ehrlichia minasensis (1.63%), Anaplasma capra (0.81%) and Anaplasma marginale (0.20%). This study reports the first molecular identification of the above-mentioned Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species in ticks from Ghana. With the association of human infections with the zoonotic pathogen A. capra, livestock owners are at risk of infections, calling for the development of effective control measures.
Collapse
|
9
|
Tarragona EL, Flores FS, Lamattina D, Torrents J, Sebastian PS, Nava S. Two novel Ehrlichia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) strains detected in ticks (Ixodida, Ixodidae) and opossums (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) in Argentina. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102043. [PMID: 36150285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine if there is circulation of microorganisms of the genus Ehrlichia in opossums Didelphis albiventris and their ticks from the Humid Chaco in Argentina. Blood samples of 15 specimens of the opossum D. albiventris were analysed. Immature stages of the ticks Amblyomma ovale (Larvae=26; Nymphs=10), Amblyomma sculptum (Larvae=86; Nymphs=6) and Ornithodoros sp. cf. O. mimon (Larvae=90) were also analyzed. DNA was extracted individually from blood samples and ticks. Molecular detection of Ehrlichia agents was performed targeting two different loci: 16S rRNA and dsb gen. The phylogenetic analyses showed that the Ehrlichia sp. detected in D. albiventris in this study is identical to Ehrlichia sp. strain Natal previously detected in two marsupials from Brazil. Furthermore, a new Ehrlichia strain was amplified from an A. ovale nymph (named as Ehrlichia sp. strain El Bagual) which is phylogenetically closely related to a strain of Ehrlichia sp. detected in Bradypus tridactylus in Brazil. The findings of the current study represent the first report of these two strains of Ehrlichia for Argentina, showing that the diversity of Ehrlichia spp. is greater than previously assumed. Further studies should determine the epidemiological relevance of these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelina L Tarragona
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA - CONICET) Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, E.E.A. Rafaela, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina. CC 22, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Fernando S Flores
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Daniela Lamattina
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical (INMeT) - ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Almafuerte y Ámbar S/N, CP 3370, Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina/CONICET
| | - Jorgelina Torrents
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Kreder 2805, CP 3080 Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Patrick S Sebastian
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA - CONICET) Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, E.E.A. Rafaela, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina. CC 22, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Santiago Nava
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA - CONICET) Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, E.E.A. Rafaela, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina. CC 22, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ramírez-Hernández A, Arroyave E, Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Martínez-Diaz HC, Betancourt-Ruiz P, Olaya-M LA, Forero-Becerra EG, Hidalgo M, Blanton LS, Walker DH. Emerging Tickborne Bacteria in Cattle from Colombia. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:2109-2111. [PMID: 36148977 PMCID: PMC9514337 DOI: 10.3201/eid2810.220657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia minasensis is a new pathogenic bacterial species that infects cattle, and Borrelia theileri causes bovine borreliosis. We detected E. minasensis and B. theileri DNA in cattle from southwestern Colombia by using PCR. E. minasensis and B. theileri should be considered potential etiologies of febrile syndrome in cattle from Colombia.
Collapse
|
11
|
Lu M, Meng C, Gao X, Sun Y, Zhang J, Tang G, Li Y, Li M, Zhou G, Wang W, Li K. Diversity of Rickettsiales in Rhipicephalus microplus Ticks Collected in Domestic Ruminants in Guizhou Province, China. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101108. [PMID: 36297165 PMCID: PMC9607482 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhipicephalus microplus ticks are vectors for multiple pathogens infecting animals and humans. Although the medical importance of R. microplus has been well-recognized and studied in most areas of China, the occurrence of tick-borne Rickettsiales has seldom been investigated in Guizhou Province, Southwest China. In this study, we collected 276 R. microplus ticks from cattle (209 ticks) and goats (67 ticks) in three locations of Guizhou Province. The Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia were detected by targeting the 16S rRNA gene and were further characterized by amplifying the key genes. One Rickettsia (Ca. Rickettsia jingxinensis), three Ehrlichia (E. canis, E. minasensis, Ehrlichia sp.), and four Anaplasma (A. capra, A. ovis, A. marginale, Ca. Anaplasma boleense) species were detected, and their gltA and groEL genes were recovered. Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis, a spotted fever group of Rickettsia, was detected in a high proportion of the tested ticks (88.89%, 100%, and 100% in ticks from the three locations, respectively), suggesting the possibility that animals may be exposed to this type of Rickettsia. All the 16S, gltA, groEL, and ompA sequences of these strains are 100% identical to strains reported in Ngawa, Sichuan Province. E. minasensis, A. marginale, and Candidatus Anaplasma boleense are known to infect livestock such as cattle. The potential effects on local husbandry should be considered. Notably, E. canis, A. ovis, and A. capra have been reported to infect humans. The relatively high positive rates in Qianxinan (20.99%, 9.88%, and 4.94%, respectively) may indicate the potential risk to local populations. Furthermore, the genetic analysis indicated that the E. minasensis strains in this study may represent a variant or recombinant. Our results indicated the extensive diversity of Rickettsiales in R. microplus ticks from Guizhou Province. The possible occurrence of rickettsiosis, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis in humans and domestic animals in this area should be further considered and investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Lu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Chao Meng
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271016, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Tongzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tongzhou District, Beijing 101100, China
| | - Yue Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271016, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Guizhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Guangpeng Tang
- Liuzhi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Liupanshui 553400, China
| | - Yilin Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271016, China
| | - Mengyao Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271016, China
| | - Guangyi Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271016, China
| | - Wen Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271016, China
| | - Kun Li
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Commerce, Beichen District, Tianjin 300134, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chigwada AD, Mapholi NO, Ogola HJO, Mbizeni S, Masebe TM. Pathogenic and Endosymbiotic Bacteria and Their Associated Antibiotic Resistance Biomarkers in Amblyomma and Hyalomma Ticks Infesting Nguni Cattle (Bos spp.). Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11040432. [PMID: 35456107 PMCID: PMC9028808 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Deciphering the interactions between ticks and their microbiome is key to revealing new insights on tick biology and pathogen transmission. However, knowledge on tick-borne microbiome diversity and their contribution to drug resistance is scarce in sub–Saharan Africa (SSA), despite endemism of ticks. In this study, high-throughput 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and PICRUSt predictive function profiling were used to characterize the bacterial community structure and associated antibiotic resistance markers in Amblyomma variegatum, A. hebraeum, and Hyalomma truncatum ticks infesting Nguni cattle (Bos spp.). Twenty-one (seven families and fourteen genera) potentially pathogenic and endosymbiotic bacterial taxa were differentially enriched in two tick genera. In H. truncatum ticks, a higher abundance of Corynebacterium (35.6%), Porphyromonas (14.4%), Anaerococcus (11.1%), Trueperella (3.7%), and Helcococcus (4.7%) was detected. However, Rickettsia (38.6%), Escherichia (7%), and Coxiellaceae (2%) were the major differentially abundant taxa in A. variegatum and A. hebraeum. Further, an abundance of 50 distinct antibiotic resistance biomarkers relating to multidrug resistance (MDR) efflux pumps, drug detoxification enzymes, ribosomal protection proteins, and secretion systems, were inferred in the microbiome. This study provides theoretical insights on the microbiome and associated antibiotic resistance markers, important for the design of effective therapeutic and control decisions for tick-borne diseases in the SSA region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey Dickson Chigwada
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa; (A.D.C.); (N.O.M.); (H.J.O.O.); (S.M.)
| | - Ntanganedzeni Olivia Mapholi
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa; (A.D.C.); (N.O.M.); (H.J.O.O.); (S.M.)
| | - Henry Joseph Oduor Ogola
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa; (A.D.C.); (N.O.M.); (H.J.O.O.); (S.M.)
- School of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo P.O. Box 210-40601, Kenya
| | - Sikhumbuzo Mbizeni
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa; (A.D.C.); (N.O.M.); (H.J.O.O.); (S.M.)
| | - Tracy Madimabi Masebe
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa; (A.D.C.); (N.O.M.); (H.J.O.O.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-11-471-2268
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Elhachimi L, Rogiers C, Casaert S, Fellahi S, Van Leeuwen T, Dermauw W, Valcárcel F, Olmeda ÁS, Daminet S, Khatat SEH, Sahibi H, Duchateau L. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens Abound in the Cattle Population of the Rabat-Sale Kenitra Region, Morocco. Pathogens 2021; 10:1594. [PMID: 34959550 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens cause the majority of diseases in the cattle population in Morocco. In this study, ticks were collected from cattle in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region of Morocco and identified morphologically, while tick-borne pathogens were detected in cattle blood samples via polymerase chain reaction assay and sequencing. A total of 3394 adult ixodid ticks were collected from cattle and identified as eight different tick species representing two genera, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. The collected ticks consisted of Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma detritum, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma impeltatum. The overall prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in blood samples was 63.8%, with 29.3% positive for Babesia/Theileria spp., 51.2% for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., and none of the samples positive for Rickettsia spp. Sequencing results revealed the presence of Theileria annulata, Babesia bovis, Anaplasma marginale, Theileria buffeli, Theileria orientalis, Babesia occultans, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma capra, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma bovis, Ehrlichia minasensis, and one isolate of an unknown bovine Anaplasma sp. Crossbreeds, females, older age, and high tick infestation were the most important risk factors for the abundance of tick-borne pathogens, which occurred most frequently in Jorf El Melha, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Ait Ichou, and Arbaoua locations.
Collapse
|
14
|
Chiuya T, Villinger J, Masiga DK, Ondifu DO, Murungi MK, Wambua L, Bastos ADS, Fèvre EM, Falzon LC. Molecular prevalence and risk factors associated with tick-borne pathogens in cattle in western Kenya. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:363. [PMID: 34838023 PMCID: PMC8627057 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03074-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are of global importance, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where they represent a major constraint to livestock production. Their association with human disease is also increasingly recognized, signalling their zoonotic importance. It is therefore crucial to investigate TBPs prevalence in livestock populations and the factors associated with their presence. We set out to identify TBPs present in cattle and to determine associated risk factors in western Kenya, where smallholder livestock production is important for subsistence and market-driven income. Results Tick-borne pathogen infections in blood samples collected from cattle at livestock markets and slaughterhouses between May 2017 and January 2019 were identified by high-resolution melting analysis and sequencing of PCR products of genus-specific primers. Of the 422 cattle sampled, 30.1% (127/422) were infected with at least one TBP, while 8.8% (37/422) had dual infections. Anaplasma spp. (19.7%) were the most prevalent, followed by Theileria (12.3%), Ehrlichia (6.6%), and Babesia (0.2%) spp. Sequence analysis of the TBPs revealed them to be Anaplasma platys-like organisms (13.5%), Theileria velifera (7.4%), Anaplasma marginale (4.9%), Theileria mutans (3.1%), Theileria parva (1.6%), and Babesia bigemina (0.2%). Ehrlichia ruminantium, Rickettsia spp., and arboviruses were not detected. Exotic breeds of cattle were more likely to be infected with A. marginale compared to local breeds (OR: 7.99, 95% CI: 3.04–22.02, p < 0.001). Presence of ticks was a significant predictor for Anaplasma spp. (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.32–3.69, p = 0.003) and Ehrlichia spp. (OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.22–7.23, p = 0.022) infection. Cattle sampled at slaughterhouses were more likely to be positive for Anaplasma spp. (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.01–2.70, p = 0.048) and A. marginale (OR: 3.84, 95% CI: 1.43–12.21, p = 0.012), compared to those sampled at livestock markets. Conclusion This study reports TBP prevalence and associated risk factors in western Kenya, factors which are key to informing surveillance and control measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatenda Chiuya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel K Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dickens O Ondifu
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maurice K Murungi
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Lillian Wambua
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Armanda D S Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Eric M Fèvre
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.,Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Laura C Falzon
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya. .,Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Melo ALT, Luo T, Zhang X, Muraro LS, Pereira NA, Cabezas-Cruz A, Dantas-Torres F, McBride JW, de Aguiar DM. Serological evidence of Ehrlichia minasensis infection in Brazilian dogs. Acta Trop 2021; 219:105931. [PMID: 33901440 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Ehrlichia spp. are important tick-borne pathogens of animals in Brazil, and Ehrlichia canis is the most prevalent species infecting dogs. Moreover, Ehrlichia minasensis has also recently been identified as a novel ehrlichial agent that infects cattle in Brazil. The objective of this study was to determine whether dogs could be infected by E. minasensis. To investigate this possibility, sera (n = 429) collected from dogs in the Pantanal region were retrospectively analyzed for the presence of antibodies against E. canis and E. minasensis. Canine sera were screened by two isolates of E. canis in indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and the majority (n = 298; 69.4%) had antibodies with endpoint titers ranging from 80 to 327,680. In order to further confirm E. canis-specific antibodies, IFA positive sera were analyzed by ELISA using E. canis-specific peptides (i.e. TRP19 and TRP36 US/BR/CR), which detected E. canis antibodies in 80.2% (239/298) of the dog sera. Fifty-nine (13.7%) samples had detectable antibodies to E. canis by IFA but were negative by E. canis peptide ELISA. These sera were then tested by E. minasensis IFA (Cuiaba strain) as antigen and 67.8% (40/59) were positive (titers ranging from 80 to 20,480). Eleven sera had antibody titers against E. minasensis at least two-fold higher than observed for E. canis and suggests that these dogs were previously infected with E. minasensis. The results of the present study suggest that multiple ehrlichial agents infect dogs in Brazil, which highlights the need to consider different Ehrlichia spp. in Brazilian dogs, particularly in areas where dogs are frequently exposed to multiple tick species. This investigation is the first to provide serologic evidence of E. minasensis infection in dogs from Brazil.
Collapse
|
16
|
Forero-Becerra E, Patel J, Martínez-Díaz HC, Betancourt-Ruiz P, Benavides E, Durán S, Olaya-Másmela LA, Bolaños E, Hidalgo M, McBride JW. Seroprevalence and Genotypic Analysis of Ehrlichia canis Infection in Dogs and Humans in Cauca, Colombia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:1771-1776. [PMID: 33755584 PMCID: PMC8103471 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis infections have been reported in humans in Venezuela and Costa Rica. In this study, 506 healthy residents and 114 dogs from four municipalities (Cauca, Colombia) were surveyed and blood samples collected. Antibodies to E. canis in human and canine sera were evaluated using the Tandem repeat protein 19 (TRP19) peptide ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Ehrlichia canis TRP19 antibodies were detected in only 1/506 human sera, but the single positive sample was negative by IFA. The majority (75/114; 66%) of dogs surveyed had antibodies to the E. canis TRP19 peptide by ELISA, and eight randomly selected sera were further confirmed by E. canis IFA. Genomic DNA samples obtained from 73 E. canis TRP19 ELISA-positive dog blood samples were examined by PCR targeting the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene. Ehrlichia canis 16S rRNA was amplified in 30 (41%) of the dogs, and 16 amplicons were selected for DNA sequencing, which confirmed that all were E. canis. A second PCR was performed on the 16 confirmed E. canis 16S rRNA PCR-positive samples to determine the TRP36 genotype by amplifying the trp36 gene. TRP36 PCR amplicon sequencing identified nine dogs infected with the U.S. E. canis TRP36 genotype (56%), one dog with the Brazilian genotype (6%), and six dogs with the Costa Rican genotype (38%). Moreover, these molecular genotype signatures were consistent with serologic analysis using TRP36 genotype-specific peptides. Notably, there was no serologic evidence of E. canis infection in humans, suggesting that E. canis infection in dogs in Cauca is not associated with zoonotic human infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elkin Forero-Becerra
- Research Training Program, Fogarty International Center (Code 1 D43), University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas;,Address correspondence to Elkin Forero-Becerra, Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (GIDIMEVETZ), Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Av. Central del Norte No. 39-115, Tunja 150001, Colombia. E-mail:
| | - Jignesh Patel
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| | - Heidy-C Martínez-Díaz
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Paola Betancourt-Ruiz
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Efraín Benavides
- Grupo de Investigación Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Steven Durán
- Grupo de Investigación Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Luz-A Olaya-Másmela
- Programa de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Libre - Cali, Sede Valle del Lili, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
| | - Eliana Bolaños
- Secretaría de Salud del Departamento del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Jere W. McBride
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Muraro LS, Souza ADO, Leite TNS, Cândido SL, Melo ALT, Toma HS, Carvalho MB, Dutra V, Nakazato L, Cabezas-Cruz A, de Aguiar DM. First Evidence of Ehrlichia minasensis Infection in Horses from Brazil. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030265. [PMID: 33669023 PMCID: PMC7996482 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Ehrlichia includes tick-borne bacterial pathogens affecting humans, domestic and wild mammals. Ehrlichia minasensis has been identified in different animal species and geographical locations, suggesting that this is a widely distributed and generalist Ehrlichia. In the present study, we evaluated Ehrlichial infection in 148 Equidae presented to the Medical Clinic Department of a Veterinary Hospital from a midwestern region of Brazil. Blood samples and ticks collected from the animals were tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the presence of Ehrlichia spp. A multigenic approach including Anaplasmataceae-specific (i.e., 16S rRNA, groEL, gltA) and Ehrlichia-specific (i.e., dsb and trp36) genes was used for accurate bacteria identification. Sera samples were also collected and evaluated for the detection of anti-Ehrlichia antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA). Possible associations between molecular and serological diagnostics and clinical and hematological manifestations were tested using chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests. Sequence analysis of the dsb fragment revealed that three horses (2.03%) were exposed to E. minasensis. Sixty-one (41.2%) Equidae (58 equines and three mules), were seropositive for Ehrlichia spp., with antibody titers ranging between 40 and 2560. Seropositivity to ehrlichial antigens was statistically associated with tick infestation, rural origin, hypoalbuminemia and hyperproteinemia (p ≤ 0.05). The present study reports the first evidence of natural infection by E. minasensis in horses from Brazil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lívia S. Muraro
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil;
| | - Aneliza de O. Souza
- Veterinary Clinical Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Clinics, University of Cuiabá (UNIC), Av. Manoel José de Arruda 3100, Cuiabá 78065-900, Brazil; (A.d.O.S.); (T.N.S.L.)
| | - Tamyres N. S. Leite
- Veterinary Clinical Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Clinics, University of Cuiabá (UNIC), Av. Manoel José de Arruda 3100, Cuiabá 78065-900, Brazil; (A.d.O.S.); (T.N.S.L.)
| | - Stefhano L. Cândido
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil; (S.L.C.); (V.D.); (L.N.)
| | - Andréia L. T. Melo
- Veterinary of Clinical, Veterinary Medicine College, University of Cuiabá (UNIC), Av. Manoel José de Arruda 3100, Cuiabá 78065-900, Brazil; (A.L.T.M.); (M.B.C.)
| | - Hugo S. Toma
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Campus Universitário, Mailbox 3037, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil;
| | - Mariana B. Carvalho
- Veterinary of Clinical, Veterinary Medicine College, University of Cuiabá (UNIC), Av. Manoel José de Arruda 3100, Cuiabá 78065-900, Brazil; (A.L.T.M.); (M.B.C.)
| | - Valéria Dutra
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil; (S.L.C.); (V.D.); (L.N.)
| | - Luciano Nakazato
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil; (S.L.C.); (V.D.); (L.N.)
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France;
| | - Daniel M. de Aguiar
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Muraro LS, Nogueira MF, Borges AMCM, Souza AO, Vieira TSWJ, de Aguiar DM. Detection of Ehrlichia sp. in Amblyomma sculptum parasitizing horses from Brazilian Pantanal wetland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101658. [PMID: 33556777 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia are transmitted by ticks and also are an important cause of infection in wild and domestic mammals. Infection with Ehrlichia spp. has been reported in horses, especially in the USA, Nicaragua and Brazil. In this study, we report the parasitism by Amblyomma sculptum, Rhipicephalus microplus and Dermacentor nitens ticks in horses from a ranch located in south Pantanal wetland. Molecular and serological analyzes to determine infection by Ehrlichia spp. in horses and their respective ticks were carried out. A total of 12 horses were submitted to blood collection to investigate antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using Ehrlichia canis crude antigens and to be tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in order to amplify fragments of the 16S rRNA, dsb, groEL and sodB gene of Ehrlichia spp. A total of 164 tick specimens were removed from horses, stored in isopropanol and later identified as D. nitens, A. sculptum and R. microplus. DNA from ticks were extracted and subjected to the same PCR assays to detect Ehrlichia spp. Anti-Ehrlichia spp. antibodies were detected in five/12 (41.7 %) horses by IFA, with antibody titers ranging from 40 to 160. All horse DNA samples were negative for the 16S rRNA, dsb, groEL and sodB of Ehrlichia spp. One A. sculptum female was positive to all target genes of Ehrlichia. This tick was parasitizing an Ehrlichia-seropositive horse with antibody titer of 80. Nucleotide sequences of 16S rRNA, dsb, groEL and sodB genes showed close relationship with different strains of Ehrlichia detected in wild mammals, Amblyomma ticks and horses from Brazil and Argentina. Detection of anti-Ehrlichia sp. antibodies suggests that horses have been exposed to an ehrlichial agent in the Pantanal. Future studies on Ehrlichia infection should be carried out to better elucidate and to bring new information about equine ehrlichiosis, since these animals are important hosts of ticks in the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands.
Collapse
|
19
|
Su H, Onoda E, Tai H, Fujita H, Sakabe S, Azuma K, Akachi S, Oishi S, Abe F, Ando S, Ohashi N. Diversity unearthed by the estimated molecular phylogeny and ecologically quantitative characteristics of uncultured Ehrlichia bacteria in Haemaphysalis ticks, Japan. Sci Rep 2021; 11:687. [PMID: 33436999 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80690-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia species are obligatory intracellular bacteria transmitted by arthropods, and some of these species cause febrile diseases in humans and livestock. Genome sequencing has only been performed with cultured Ehrlichia species, and the taxonomic status of such ehrlichiae has been estimated by core genome-based phylogenetic analysis. However, many uncultured ehrlichiae exist in nature throughout the world, including Japan. This study aimed to conduct a molecular-based taxonomic and ecological characterization of uncultured Ehrlichia species or genotypes from ticks in Japan. We first surveyed 616 Haemaphysalis ticks by p28-PCR screening and analyzed five additional housekeeping genes (16S rRNA, groEL, gltA, ftsZ, and rpoB) from 11 p28-PCR-positive ticks. Phylogenetic analyses of the respective genes showed similar trees but with some differences. Furthermore, we found that V1 in the V1-V9 regions of Ehrlichia 16S rRNA exhibited the greatest variability. From an ecological viewpoint, the amounts of ehrlichiae in a single tick were found to equal approx. 6.3E+3 to 2.0E+6. Subsequently, core-partial-RGGFR-based phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the five housekeeping loci revealed six Ehrlichia genotypes, which included potentially new Ehrlichia species. Thus, our approach contributes to the taxonomic profiling and ecological quantitative analysis of uncultured or unidentified Ehrlichia species or genotypes worldwide.
Collapse
|
20
|
Peter SG, Aboge GO, Kariuki HW, Kanduma EG, Gakuya DW, Maingi N, Mulei CM, Mainga AO. Molecular prevalence of emerging Anaplasma and Ehrlichia pathogens in apparently healthy dairy cattle in peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:364. [PMID: 32993638 PMCID: PMC7526178 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02584-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species are tick-borne pathogens of both veterinary and public health importance. The current status of these pathogens, including emerging species such as Ehrlichia minasensis and Anaplasma platys, infecting cattle in Kenya, remain unclear, mainly because of limitation in the diagnostic techniques. Therefore, we investigated the Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species infecting dairy cattle in Nairobi, Kenya using molecular methods. Results A total of 306 whole blood samples were collected from apparently healthy dairy cattle. Whole blood DNA was extracted and tested for presence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia DNA through amplification and sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene. Sequence identity was confirmed using BLASTn analysis while phylogenetic reconstruction was performed to determine the genetic relationship between the Kenyan isolates and other annotated genotypes available in GenBank. Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species were detected in 19.9 and 3.3% of all the samples analyzed, respectively. BLASTn analysis of the sequences against non-redundant GenBank nucleotide database revealed infections with A. platys (44.8%), A. marginale (31%) and A. bovis (13.8%). All four sequenced Ehrlichia spp. were similar to Ehrlichia minasensis. Nucleotide polymorphism was observed for A. platys, A. bovis and E. minasensis. The Anaplasma species clustered in four distinct phylogenetic clades including A. marginale, A. platys, A. bovis and some unidentified Anaplasma spp. The Kenyan Ehrlichia minasensis clustered in the same clade with isolates from America and Australia but distant from E. ruminantium. Conclusion This study provides the first report of infection of dairy cattle in Kenya with A. platys and E. minasensis, which are emerging pathogens. We conclude that cattle in peri-urban Nairobi are infected with various species of Anaplasma and E. minasensis. To understand the extent of these infections in other parts of the country, large-scale screening studies as well as vector identification is necessary to inform strategic control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shepelo Getrude Peter
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Gabriel Oluga Aboge
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hellen Wambui Kariuki
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Daniel Waweru Gakuya
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ndichu Maingi
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Matiku Mulei
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alfred Omwando Mainga
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cicculli V, DeCarreaux D, Ayhan N, Casabianca F, de Lamballerie X, Charrel R, Falchi A. Molecular screening of Anaplasmataceae in ticks collected from cattle in Corsica, France. Exp Appl Acarol 2020; 81:561-574. [PMID: 32728778 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00527-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria belonging to the family Anaplasmataceae cause infections in humans and domestic animals. The consequences of infection can be significant economic losses for farmers. To better understand the epidemiology of tick-borne Anaplasmataceae in Corsica, we used molecular methods to detect and characterize Anaplasmataceae in ixodid ticks collected from cattle. Anaplasmataceae were detected by using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 23S rRNA gene. Partial sequencing of rpoB and groEL allowed identifying species and conducting phylogenetic analyses. Infection rates were calculated using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In total, 597 Rhipicephalus bursa, 216 Hyalomma marginatum, and seven Ixodes ricinus were collected from cattle during July-August 2017 and July-December 2018. Overall, Anaplasmataceae DNA was detected in 15 of 255 tick pools (MLE = 1.7%; 95% CI 0.9-2.7%). The molecular analysis revealed two species within the genus Anaplasma: A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. We also detected bacteria within the genus Ehrlichia: we confirmed the detection of E. minasensis DNA in H. marginatum and R. bursa tick pools collected from cattle in Corsica and detected, for the first time to our knowledge, Candidatus E. urmitei in Corsican R. bursa ticks and a potential new species, Candidatus E. corsicanum. Further studies are needed to ascertain the pathogenesis and zoonotic potential of the strains and their importance for animals and public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Cicculli
- Laboratoire de Virologie, EA7310, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250, Corte, France
- Unité Des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13000, Marseille, France
| | - Dorine DeCarreaux
- Laboratoire de Virologie, EA7310, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250, Corte, France
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Laboratoire de Virologie, EA7310, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250, Corte, France
- Unité Des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13000, Marseille, France
| | - François Casabianca
- UR045 Laboratoire de Recherches sur le Développement de l'Élevage, Institut National de la Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Corte, France
| | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- Unité Des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13000, Marseille, France
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité Des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13000, Marseille, France
| | - Alessandra Falchi
- Laboratoire de Virologie, EA7310, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250, Corte, France.
- Laboratoire de Virologie, EA7310 BIOSCOPE, Campus Grimaldi, Bat PPDB RDC, Université de Corse, 20250, Corte, France.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
André MR, Calchi AC, Herrera HM, Zanatto DCS, Horta BCLS, Tasso JB, de Souza Ramos IA, de Mello VVC, Machado RZ. The co-infection with Ehrlichia minasensis, Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma platys is not associated with anemia in beef cattle in the Brazilian Pantanal. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2020; 21:100437. [PMID: 32862907 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The Anaplasmataceae family is composed of obligatory intracellular Gram-negative bacteria transmitted by arthropod vectors. In Brazil, with the exception of Anaplasma marginale, little is known about the occurrence of other Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species infecting cattle. The present study aimed at investigating the occurrence of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in beef cattle (Bos indicus) sampled in the Brazilian Pantanal, an area prone to periodic flooding and endemic for bovine trypanosomiasis. Blood samples from 400 cattle were collected and screened by PCR assays based on rrs and dsb genes from Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp., respectively. Positive samples for Anaplasma spp. were subjected to qPCR assays based on the msp-2 gene and nPCR based on the groEL gene. As a result, 4.75% (19/400) and 48.12% (167/347) were positive for Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia minasensis, respectively. Besides, positivity of 56.75% (227/400) for A. marginale and seropositivity of 90.75% (363/400) for Trypanosoma vivax were found. A high rate of co-infection was observed (67.25%), from which the co-infection by A. marginale and E. minasensis was more frequently found in calves than cows. Interestingly, none of the animals presenting co-infection showed anemia or other clinical signs. The present study showed, for the first time, the occurrence of A. platys and E. minasensis in beef cattle in the southern Pantanal, as well as a high rate of co-infection by A. marginale, E. minasensis and T. vivax in the sampled animals.
Collapse
|