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He M, Zhang L, Hu H, Liu X, Zhang C, Xin Y, Liu B, Chen Z, Xu K, Liu Y. Complete genome sequencing and comparative genomic analyses of a new spotted-fever Rickettsia heilongjiangensis strain B8. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2153085. [PMID: 36440590 PMCID: PMC9930820 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2153085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia heilongjiangensis, a tick-borne obligate intracellular bacterium and causative agent of spotted fever in China, has attracted increasing concern regarding its capability in causing human rickettsiosis. Here, we conducted a genomic analysis of a new R. heilongjiangensis strain B8 (B8) isolated from the serum of a patient who had been bitten by a Haemaphysalis longicornis tick in Anhui Province, China. The present study sought to identify exclusive genes that might be associated with the pathogenicity of B8 using comparative genomics. Specifically, the sequences of B8 were assembled into one circular chromosome of 1,275,081 bp and predicted to contain 1447 genes. Comparative genome analyses were performed based on the genome of B8 and 28 spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsial genomes deposited in NCBI. Phylogenomic analyses indicated the B8 strain was clustered within the R. heilongjiangensis species; however, a sum of 112 and 119 B8-unique genes was identified when compared with R. heilongjiangensis and R. japonica strains, respectively. Functional annotation analyses revealed that these B8-unique genes were mainly annotated to defence mechanisms, lipid transport and metabolism, cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis. These data indicate B8 rather represents a previously undescribed human-pathogenic SFG rickettsia lineage, which may be an intermediate lineage of R. heilongjiangensis and R. japonica. Overall, this study isolated a new strain of R. heilongjiangensis in East-Central China for the first time, and provided potential B8-unique genetic loci that could be used for the discrimination of B8 from other R. heilongjiangensis and closely related SFG Rickettsial strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maozhang He
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lifeng Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haoran Hu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Xin
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Boyu Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kehan Xu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China,Kehan Xu Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical, The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical; The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China, Yan Liu
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Jena SS, Kar M, Soreng I, Acharrya S, Misra SR. Meningo-Encephalitis due to Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia--A Rare Case Report with Serial Follow up MRI. Neurol India 2022; 70:412-414. [PMID: 35263931 DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.338705] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsial infection has rarely been reported to develop severe central nervous system involvement. We report a case of meningoencephalitis presenting with fever, headache, drowsiness, seizures, and a skin rash, showing ELISA IgM positivity to SFG Rickettsia group. MRI brain showed multifocal bilateral asymmetric patchy areas of T2W/FLAIR hyperintensity with significant diffusion restriction. Treatment with doxycycline resulted in clinical & radiological improvement. Rickettsial meningoencephalitis is a relatively under-diagnosed entity, probably due to the low index of suspicion and the lack of definitive diagnostic facilities in developing countries. This case was presented to highlight the importance of clinical suspicion mainly in endemic areas, the potential severity of the disease, and the need of early initiation of therapy to prevent mortality and long term neurological morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhransu S Jena
- Consultant in Neurology, Care Hospital, Prachi Enclave, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Mitalee Kar
- Consultant in Neurology, Care Hospital, Prachi Enclave, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Indumati Soreng
- Consultant in Neurology, Care Hospital, Prachi Enclave, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sudeep Acharrya
- Consultant in Neurology, Care Hospital, Prachi Enclave, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sudhi R Misra
- Consultant in Neurology, Care Hospital, Prachi Enclave, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Moonga LC, Hayashida K, Kawai N, Nakao R, Sugimoto C, Namangala B, Yamagishi J. Development of a Multiplex Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Method for Simultaneous Detection of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae and Malaria Parasites by Dipstick DNA Chromatography. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E897. [PMID: 33147773 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10110897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae causes febrile illness in humans worldwide. Since SFG rickettsiosis’s clinical presentation is nonspecific, it is frequently misdiagnosed as other febrile diseases, especially malaria, and complicates proper treatment. Aiming at rapid, simple, and simultaneous detection of SFG Rickettsia spp. and Plasmodium spp., we developed a novel multiple pathogen detection system by combining a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method and dipstick DNA chromatography technology. Two primer sets detecting SFG Rickettsia spp. and Plasmodium spp. were mixed, and amplified products were visualized by hybridizing to dipstick DNA chromatography. The multiplex LAMP with dipstick DNA chromatography distinguished amplified Rickettsia and Plasmodium targeted genes simultaneously. The determined sensitivity using synthetic nucleotides was 1000 copies per reaction for mixed Rickettsia and Plasmodium genes. When genomic DNA from in vitro cultured organisms was used, the sensitivity was 100 and 10 genome equivalents per reaction for Rickettsia monacensis and Plasmodium falciparum, respectively. Although further improvement will be required for more sensitive detection, our developed simultaneous diagnosis technique will contribute to the differential diagnosis of undifferentiated febrile illness caused by either SFG Rickettsia spp. or Plasmodium spp. in resource-limited endemic areas. Importantly, this scheme is potentially versatile for the simultaneous detection of diverse infectious diseases.
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Lowery K, Rosen T. Probable African Tick Bite Fever in the United States. Yale J Biol Med 2020; 93:49-54. [PMID: 32226336 PMCID: PMC7087050] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
African tick bite fever (ATBF) is a tick-borne rickettsial disease most often observed in North American and European tourists returning home from the southern portion of Africa. Ticks infected with Rickettsia africae transmit this parasitic bacterium to humans, who subsequently develop an influenza-like illness, one or more inoculation eschars, and in some cases, a cutaneous rash. Because ATBF often presents with non-specific symptoms that suggest other infectious diseases, establishing the diagnosis may be difficult. Confirmatory assays, including serology and nucleic acid amplification, may take weeks to return and cannot help with acute treatment decisions. We present a case of a previously healthy 60-year-old woman who developed an illness strongly suggestive of ATBF after a missionary trip to Zimbabwe and discuss the disease's diagnostic challenges. Our paper also reviews the epidemiology of this disease and the currently available diagnostic laboratory tests and recommended treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kami Lowery
- MD Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Theodore Rosen
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jamail Specialty Care Center, Houston, TX,To whom all correspondence should be addressed: Theodore Rosen, Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jamail Specialty Care Center, 1977 Butler Street, Suite E6.200, Houston, TX, 77030; Tel: 713-798-6131, Fax: 713-794-7863,
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Kasama K, Fujita H, Yamamoto S, Ooka T, Gotoh Y, Ogura Y, Ando S, Hayashi T. Genomic Features of Rickettsia heilongjiangensis Revealed by Intraspecies Comparison and Detailed Comparison With Rickettsia japonica. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2787. [PMID: 31866968 PMCID: PMC6908463 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia heilongjiangensis is the causative agent of Far-Eastern spotted fever (FESF). In Japan, a human case of FESF was identified in Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture in 2008, and R. heilongjiangensis bacteria were isolated from Haemaphysalis concinna ticks collected in the suspected geographical area of infection. Although the intraspecies genome diversity of Rickettsia has been poorly investigated, our recent analysis revealed extremely low genomic diversity of R. japonica, the agent of Japanese spotted fever, which is a close relative of R. heilongjiangensis. In this study, to investigate the genomic diversity of R. heilongjiangensis and understand the genetic relationship between Japanese and Chinese isolates, we sequenced three isolates from H. concinna ticks collected in Sendai and one isolate from a H. concinna tick collected in Inner Mongolia, China, and performed genomic comparisons between these isolates and strain 054, the type strain isolated from a Dermacentor silvarum tick in Heilongjiang Province, China. Although the three Japanese strains were isolated in 2008, 2009, and 2012, their genome sequences were identical, indicating that H. concinna ticks carrying a single R. heilongjiangensis clone have been distributed in Sendai, Japan. Among the five R. heilongjiangensis isolates, only 81 SNPs and 13 insertion/deletion sites were identified, despite the significant differences in these isolates both geographically and temporally. A significant portion of the 81 SNPs (16/81) were found to be recombinogenic. These results indicate low genomic diversity of R. heilongjiangensis, as observed in R. japonica. We further performed a detailed genomic comparison of R. heilongjiangensis and R. japonica to accurately define conserved and species-specific genes. This analysis revealed that although notable variations were found in the genomic loci encoding RelA/SpoT family proteins and tandem repeats in major surface proteins, there was only a small difference in the gene repertoire between the two species, suggesting that SNPs and small InDels are responsible for the functional or physiological differences between the two species, if present. Through this analysis, several species-specific genomic regions that can serve as ideal PCR targets for distinguishing R. heilongjiangensis and R. japonica were also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Kasama
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiromi Fujita
- Mahara Institute of Medical Acarology, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Seigo Yamamoto
- Frontier Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Tadasuke Ooka
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Gotoh
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshitoshi Ogura
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shuji Ando
- Department of Virology-I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hayashi
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Lee JK, Stokes JV, Moraru GM, Harper AB, Smith CL, Wills RW, Varela-Stokes AS. Transmission of Amblyomma maculatum-Associated Rickettsia spp. During Cofeeding on Cattle. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:511-518. [PMID: 30063189 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amblyomma maculatum is the primary vector for the spotted fever group rickettsiae, Rickettsia parkeri, a known pathogen, and "Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae," currently considered nonpathogenic. Spotted fever group rickettsiae are typically endothelial cell associated and rarely circulate in the blood. Horizontal transmission to naïve ticks through blood feeding from an infected host is likely rare. Cofeeding provides an opportunity for rickettsial transmission to naïve ticks in the absence of circulating rickettsiae. We evaluated R. parkeri transmission through cofeeding between A. maculatum adults and nymphs on beef calves. Six calves in each of two trials were infested with A. maculatum that had been capillary fed R. parkeri. Four days later, calves each received recipient A. maculatum that were either capillary fed "Ca. R. andeanae" or not capillary fed before infestation. Trials differed by whether we included a barrier to minimize adjacent feeding between recipient and donor ticks. After cofeeding, we detected R. parkeri in 27% of "Ca. R. andeanae"-free recipient ticks, whereas R. parkeri was not detected in any recipient ticks that were capillary fed "Ca. R. andeanae." Rickettsia parkeri transmission efficiency to naïve ticks was greater when ticks freely cofed in proximity. No rickettsial DNA was detected in calf blood. Results confirm cofeeding as a method of horizontal transmission of R. parkeri in the absence of host rickettsemia and suggest no evidence of transmission by cofeeding when recipient ticks are first exposed to "Ca. R. andeanae" through capillary feeding. While cofeeding may provide an opportunity for maintaining the pathogen, R. parkeri, the mechanisms driving any potential effect of "Ca. R. andeanae" on R. parkeri transmission are unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Keun Lee
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - John V Stokes
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Gail M Moraru
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Amanda B Harper
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Catherine L Smith
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Robert W Wills
- 2 Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Andrea S Varela-Stokes
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
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Kim YS, Choi YJ, Lee KM, Ahn KJ, Kim HC, Klein T, Jiang J, Richards A, Park KH, Jang WJ. First isolation of Rickettsia monacensis from a patient in South Korea. Microbiol Immunol 2017; 61:258-263. [PMID: 28593634 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 09/25/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A Rickettsia sp. was isolated from the blood of a patient with an acute febrile illness using the shell vial technique; the isolate was named CN45Kr and was identified by molecular assay as Rickettsia monacensis, which was first recognized as a pathogen in Spain. Sequencing analysis showed that the gltA sequence of the isolate was identical to that of Rickettsia sp. IRS3. The ompA-5mp fragment sequence showed 100% identity to those of R. monacensis and Rickettsia sp. In56 and ompA-3pA In56 and 100% identity to that of Rickettsia sp. IRS3. The ompB sequence was found to have 99.9% similarity to that of R. monacensis IrR/Munich. This study confirms the pathogenicity of this agent and provides additional information about its geographic distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon-Sook Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Munhwa-ro 282, Jung-gu, Daejeon 35015
| | - Yeon-Joo Choi
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science Building. Neungdong-ro 120, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029
| | - Kyung-Min Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science Building. Neungdong-ro 120, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029.,International Vaccine Institute, SNU Research Park, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151742
| | - Kyu-Joong Ahn
- Department of Dermatology, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Neungdong-ro 120-1, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, South Korea
| | - Heung-Chul Kim
- Fifth Medical Detachment, 168th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 65th Medical Brigade, Unit 15247, APO AP 96205-5247
| | - Terry Klein
- Force Health Protection and Preventive Medicine, 65th Medical Brigate/USAMEDDAC-K, Unit 15281, APO AP 96205-528
| | - Ju Jiang
- Department of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Allen Richards
- Department of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Kyung-Hee Park
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science Building. Neungdong-ro 120, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029
| | - Won-Jong Jang
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science Building. Neungdong-ro 120, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029
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Maina AN, Farris CM, Odhiambo A, Jiang J, Laktabai J, Armstrong J, Holland T, Richards AL, O'Meara WP. Q Fever, Scrub Typhus, and Rickettsial Diseases in Children, Kenya, 2011-2012. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 22:883-6. [PMID: 27088502 PMCID: PMC4861507 DOI: 10.3201/eid2205.150953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To increase knowledge of undifferentiated fevers in Kenya, we tested paired serum samples from febrile children in western Kenya for antibodies against pathogens increasingly recognized to cause febrile illness in Africa. Of patients assessed, 8.9%, 22.4%, 1.1%, and 3.6% had enhanced seroreactivity to Coxiella burnetii, spotted fever group rickettsiae, typhus group rickettsiae, and scrub typhus group orientiae, respectively.
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Abstract
Fever with rash is one of the most common causes of referral to a dermatologist. A plethora of conditions need to be considered in the differential diagnosis. They may be broadly classified into infectious causes, drug reactions, and autoimmune disorders. Here we present a rare case of rickettsial fever with cardiac involvement in an elderly male patient with no comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehal Balvant Lunge
- Department of Dermatology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Vaibhav Patil
- Department of Cardiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Sameer Ambar
- Department of Cardiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Vishwas Naik
- Department of Dermatology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
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