1
|
Osikowicz LM, Billeter SA, Rizzo MF, Rood MP, Freeman AN, Burns JE, Hu R, Juieng P, Loparev V, Kosoy M. Distribution and Diversity of Bartonella washoensis Strains in Ground Squirrels from California and Their Potential Link to Human Cases. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:683-690. [PMID: 27705539 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the prevalence of Bartonella washoensis in California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi) and their fleas from parks and campgrounds located in seven counties of California. Ninety-seven of 140 (69.3%) ground squirrels were culture positive and the infection prevalence by location ranged from 25% to 100%. In fleas, 60 of 194 (30.9%) Oropsylla montana were found to harbor Bartonella spp. when screened using citrate synthase (gltA) specific primers, whereas Bartonella DNA was not found in two other flea species, Hoplopsyllus anomalus (n = 86) and Echidnophaga gallinacea (n = 6). The prevalence of B. washoensis in O. montana by location ranged from 0% to 58.8%. A majority of the gltA sequences (92.0%) recovered from ground squirrels and fleas were closely related (similarity 99.4-100%) to one of two previously described strains isolated from human patients, B. washoensis NVH1 (myocarditis case in Nevada) and B. washoensis 08S-0475 (meningitis case in California). The results from this study support the supposition that O. beecheyi and the flea, O. montana, serve as a vertebrate reservoir and a vector, respectively, of zoonotic B. washoensis in California.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M Osikowicz
- 1 Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Sarah A Billeter
- 2 Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health , Ontario, California
| | - Maria Fernanda Rizzo
- 1 Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Michael P Rood
- 3 Vector Management Program, Environmental Health Division, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health , Baldwin Park, California
| | - Ashley N Freeman
- 2 Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health , Ontario, California
| | - Joseph E Burns
- 2 Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health , Ontario, California
| | - Renjie Hu
- 2 Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health , Ontario, California
| | - Phalasy Juieng
- 4 Division of Scientific Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Vladimir Loparev
- 4 Division of Scientific Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michael Kosoy
- 1 Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Fort Collins, Colorado
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Milazzo ML, Cajimat MNB, Mauldin MR, Bennett SG, Hess BD, Rood MP, Conlan CA, Nguyen K, Wekesa JW, Ramos RD, Bradley RD, Fulhorst CF. Epizootiology of Tacaribe serocomplex viruses (Arenaviridae) associated with neotomine rodents (Cricetidae, Neotominae) in southern California. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 15:156-66. [PMID: 25700047 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to advance our knowledge of the epizootiology of Bear Canyon virus and other Tacaribe serocomplex viruses (Arenaviridae) associated with wild rodents in California. Antibody (immunoglobulin G [IgG]) to a Tacaribe serocomplex virus was found in 145 (3.6%) of 3977 neotomine rodents (Cricetidae: Neotominae) captured in six counties in southern California. The majority (122 or 84.1%) of the 145 antibody-positive rodents were big-eared woodrats (Neotoma macrotis) or California mice (Peromyscus californicus). The 23 other antibody-positive rodents included a white-throated woodrat (N. albigula), desert woodrat (N. lepida), Bryant's woodrats (N. bryanti), brush mice (P. boylii), cactus mice (P. eremicus), and deer mice (P. maniculatus). Analyses of viral nucleocapsid protein gene sequence data indicated that Bear Canyon virus is associated with N. macrotis and/or P. californicus in Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and western Riverside County. Together, analyses of field data and antibody prevalence data indicated that N. macrotis is the principal host of Bear Canyon virus. Last, the analyses of viral nucleocapsid protein gene sequence data suggested that the Tacaribe serocomplex virus associated with N. albigula and N. lepida in eastern Riverside County represents a novel species (tentatively named "Palo Verde virus") in the genus Arenavirus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Louise Milazzo
- 1 Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zehnder AM, Hawkins MG, Koski MA, Lifland B, Byrne BA, Swanson AA, Rood MP, Gee JE, Elrod MG, Beesley CA, Blaney DD, Ventura J, Hoffmaster AR, Beeler ES. Burkholderia pseudomallei isolates in 2 pet iguanas, California, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 20:304-6. [PMID: 24447394 PMCID: PMC3901496 DOI: 10.3201/eid2002.131314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, was isolated from abscesses of 2 pet green iguanas in California, USA. The international trade in iguanas may contribute to importation of this pathogen into countries where it is not endemic and put persons exposed to these animals at risk for infection.
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Bartonella spp. were detected in rats (Rattus norvegicus) trapped in downtown Los Angeles, California, USA. Of 200 rats tested, putative human pathogens, B. rochalimae and B. tribocorum were found in 37 (18.5%) and 115 (57.5%) rats, respectively. These bacteria among rodents in a densely populated urban area are a public health concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay A K B Gundi
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Purcell RH, Engle RE, Rood MP, Kabrane-Lazizi Y, Nguyen HT, Govindarajan S, St Claire M, Emerson SU. Hepatitis E virus in rats, Los Angeles, California, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2012; 17:2216-22. [PMID: 22172320 PMCID: PMC3311208 DOI: 10.3201/eid1712.110482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [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] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This virus is unlikely to be a zoonotic threat. The role of rats in human hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections remains controversial. A genetically distinct HEV was recently isolated from rats in Germany, and its genome was sequenced. We have isolated a genetically similar HEV from urban rats in Los Angeles, California, USA, and characterized its ability to infect laboratory rats and nonhuman primates. Two strains of HEV were isolated from serum samples of 134 wild rats that had a seroprevalence of antibodies against HEV of ≈80%. Virus was transmissible to seronegative Sprague-Dawley rats, but transmission was spotty and magnitude and duration of infection were not robust. Viremia was higher in nude rats. Serologic analysis and reverse transcription PCR were comparably sensitive in detecting infection. The sequence of the Los Angeles virus was virtually identical to that of isolates from Germany. Rat HEV was not transmissible to rhesus monkeys, suggesting that it is not a source of human infection.
Collapse
|
6
|
Abramowicz KF, Rood MP, Krueger L, Eremeeva ME. Urban focus of Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis in Los Angeles, California. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2010; 11:979-84. [PMID: 21142968 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Classic murine typhus, caused by Rickettsia typhi, is endemic in the continental United States in areas of Texas and southern California. We conducted an environmental investigation in an urban area of Los Angeles identified as the probable exposure site for a case of murine typhus. Four Rattus norvegicus heavily infested with Xenopsylla cheopis (average 32.5 fleas per animal, range 20-42) were trapped, and fleas, blood, and tissues were collected. DNAs from all specimens were tested for R. typhi and Rickettsia felis using a TaqMan assay targeting the rickettsial citrate synthase gene. Although rickettsiemia was not detected, DNA of R. felis was detected in at least one tissue from each rat. Tissues from 3 rats were also positive for R. typhi DNA. R. typhi and R. felis DNAs were detected in fleas collected from each animal with average minimal infection rates of 10% and 32.3%, respectively. Although R. typhi still circulates in urban Los Angeles in the classic Oriental flea-rat cycle, R. felis is more prevalent, even in this association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle F Abramowicz
- National Center for Zoonotic and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Gerogia 30333, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cajimat MN, Milazzo ML, Hess BD, Rood MP, Fulhorst CF. Principal host relationships and evolutionary history of the North American arenaviruses. Virology 2007; 367:235-43. [PMID: 17624390 PMCID: PMC2323605 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2007.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2006] [Revised: 03/20/2007] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A previous study suggested that the genomes of the arenaviruses native to North America are a product of genetic recombination between New World arenaviruses with significantly different phylogenetic histories. The purpose of this study was to extend our knowledge of the principal host relationships and evolutionary history of the North American arenaviruses. The results of this study suggest that the large-eared woodrat (Neotoma macrotis) is a principal host of Bear Canyon virus and that the present-day association of Bear Canyon virus with the California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) in southern California represents a successful host-jumping event from the large-eared woodrat to the California mouse. Together, the results of analyses of viral gene sequence data in this study and our knowledge of the phylogeography of the rodents that serve as principal hosts of the New World arenaviruses suggest that genetic recombination between arenaviruses with significantly different phylogenetic histories did not play a role in the evolution of the North American arenaviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria N.B. Cajimat
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-1019
- Current affiliation: University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 109 South Observatory, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109,
| | - Mary Louise Milazzo
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Pathology, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-0609,
| | - Barry D. Hess
- County of Riverside, Department of Environmental Health, Vector Control Program, 800 South Sanderson Avenue, Hemet, California 92545,
| | - Michael P. Rood
- County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Health, Vector-borne Disease Surveillance Unit, 5050 Commerce Drive, Baldwin Park, California 91706,
| | - Charles F. Fulhorst
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Pathology, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-0609,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Smith HM, Reporter R, Rood MP, Linscott AJ, Mascola LM, Hogrefe W, Purcell RH. Prevalence study of antibody to ratborne pathogens and other agents among patients using a free clinic in downtown Los Angeles. J Infect Dis 2002; 186:1673-6. [PMID: 12447746 DOI: 10.1086/345377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2002] [Revised: 08/12/2002] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are hosts for various microbes. Homeless people who have contact with rats may be at risk of infection by them. The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services initiated a seroepidemiologic study among patients who used a free clinic in downtown Los Angeles; 200 serum specimens obtained for other routine assays were tested for antibodies to ratborne pathogens and other agents. The seroprevalence of antibody to hepatitis E virus in this population was 13.6%; to Bartonella elizabethae, 12.5%; to B. quintana, 9.5%; to B. henselae, 3.5%; to Seoul virus, 0.5%; and to Rickettsia typhi, 0.0%. This study found that patients and locally trapped rats had antibodies to some of the same agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Smith
- Acute Communicable Disease Control Unit, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, California 90012, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|