RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis are tick-borne infections of great significance in South Africa. Theileriosis in dogs in South Africa is still poorly understood. Co-infection with multiple tick-borne diseases has been documented and is perceived as a common occurrence in South Africa. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of co-infections with Ehrlichia canis or Theileria equi in dogs with babesiosis in the Eastern Cape province. There is a lack of data on canine tick-borne disease distribution in this region. Possible associations of population characteristics and haematological and biochemistry measures with a co-infection of E. canis or T. equi in these dogs were also investigated. METHOD: The study population included 150 dogs naturally infected with babesiosis that presented to the Mdantsane State Veterinary Clinic between January 2021 and November 2021. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the Babesia spp. that the dogs were infected with and to identify co-infections. Association with co-infection for the following parameters were evaluated: sex, breed, age, duration of illness, leukocyte count, band neutrophil count, monocyte count, platelet count, ARC, and serum globulin concentration. Positive and negative predictive values of monocytosis, leukopenia, band neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, and non-regenerative absolute reticulocyte count for co-infection were also calculated. RESULTS: Babesia rossi was identified in 149/150 samples and B. vogeli in only 1/150 samples. A co-infection prevalence of 2.0% (3/149; 95% CI: 0.4-5.7) with B. rossi and E. canis was found. No other co-infections were reported. No investigated variables showed significant associations with co-infections. Monocytosis, in particular, was not associated with co-infection. CONCLUSION: Co-infection with other tick-borne diseases in dogs with babesiosis is uncommon in the Eastern Cape province. These findings raise the possibility that B. rossi may have a protective effect against other tick-borne diseases.
Asunto(s)
Babesiosis , Coinfección , Enfermedades de los Perros , Ehrlichiosis , Theileria , Theileriosis , Animales , Perros , Babesiosis/epidemiología , Babesiosis/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/microbiología , Coinfección/veterinaria , Coinfección/epidemiología , Coinfección/parasitología , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Theileriosis/epidemiología , Theileriosis/parasitología , Prevalencia , Femenino , Masculino , Sudáfrica/epidemiología , Theileria/aislamiento & purificación , Babesia/aislamiento & purificación , Ehrlichia canis/aislamiento & purificación , Ehrlichia/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
Despite the high global impacts of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) due to their wide distribution and zoonotic potential, the current epidemiological situation of CVBD in many tropical and subtropical regions remains unknown. This study examines the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and other pathogens causing CVBDs (Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Hepatozoon canis) in dogs living on the island of Boa Vista (Cape Verde Republic). Blood samples and infesting ticks were taken from 150 dogs across the island (stray, shelter, and pet dogs). Serum samples were tested using a rapid immunochromatographic test (Uranotest® Quattro) that detects antibodies against E. canis, L. infantum, Anaplasma spp. and D. immitis antigen. Levels of serum antibodies against E. canis were measured using the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). In addition, tick-borne pathogens in blood samples (Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Ehrlichia canis) were detected by microscopy observation and/or PCR plus sequencing. The seroprevalence of E. canis was extremely high at 82% (123/150), as revealed by both immunochromatography and IFAT. Most dogs returning a seropositive test result (82.92%; 102/123) had antibody titres > 1:1280 but showed no clinical signs or notable laboratory abnormalities. Of the 123 animals testing seropositive for E. canis, 67 (54.47%) also presented antibodies against Anaplasma spp., and 13 (10.56%) showed the presence of Hepatozoon spp. gamonts in the blood smear. Ehrlichia canis infection was detected in 17.1% (25/146) of dogs tested by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Co-infections were detected in seven of these dogs: four dogs tested PCR-positive for both E. canis and A. platys, two dogs tested positive for E. canis and Hepatozoon spp., and one dog tested positive for E. canis, A. platys and Hepatozoon spp. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was the only tick species found infesting the canine study population. The high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens detected in dogs from Boa Vista Island highlights a need for improved control measures designed to prevent the transmission of these pathogens.
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Enfermedades de los Perros , Ehrlichia canis , Ehrlichiosis , Animales , Perros , Ehrlichia canis/aislamiento & purificación , Ehrlichia canis/genética , Ehrlichia canis/inmunología , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/microbiología , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Ehrlichiosis/microbiología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Cabo Verde/epidemiología , Anaplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Anaplasma/genética , Anaplasma/inmunología , Leishmania infantum/inmunología , Leishmania infantum/aislamiento & purificación , Leishmania infantum/genética , Prevalencia , Babesia/aislamiento & purificación , Babesia/inmunología , Babesia/genética , Femenino , Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores/epidemiología , Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores/microbiología , Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores/veterinaria , Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores/parasitología , Masculino , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos/sangre , Anaplasmosis/epidemiología , Anaplasmosis/microbiología , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/epidemiología , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/veterinaria , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/microbiología , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/parasitología , Dirofilaria immitis/inmunología , Dirofilaria immitis/aislamiento & purificación , Dirofilaria immitis/genéticaRESUMEN
Outbreaks of suspected tick-borne disease (redwater fever) have been reported in captive deer of the Scottish Highlands. In this pilot study, polymerase chain reaction and amplicon sequencing were used to detect tick-borne pathogens in opportunistically collected blood and spleen samples from 63 (healthy, n = 44; diseased, n = 19) cervids, and 45 questing and feeding ticks (Ixodes ricinus) from the outbreak sites in 2021-2022. Potentially pathogenic Babesia species were detected in deer but not identified in ticks, Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in both deer and ticks, and Borrelia afzelii was detected in ticks but not in deer. Sequencing confirmed Babesia capreoli and Babesia cf. odocoilei parasitemia in clinically healthy red deer (Cervus elaphus), B. capreoli parasitemia in clinically healthy domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus), and two cases of B. cf. odocoilei-associated hemolytic anemia in white-lipped deer (Cervus albirostris), of which one was fatal despite imidocarb treatment. White-lipped deer appear to be highly susceptible to babesiosis caused by B. cf. odocoilei. This investigation highlights the importance of disease surveillance, including molecular diagnostics, for the detection of emerging tick-borne pathogens in managed populations of cervids.
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum , Babesia , Babesiosis , Ciervos , Ehrlichiosis , Animales , Ciervos/parasitología , Babesia/aislamiento & purificación , Anaplasma phagocytophilum/aislamiento & purificación , Babesiosis/epidemiología , Babesiosis/parasitología , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Escocia/epidemiología , Femenino , Masculino , Ixodes/microbiología , Ixodes/parasitologíaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Tick-transmitted parasites as Babesia gibsoni, Babesia vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, and Hepatozoon canis are major health concern for dogs. Owing to prevalence and infection severity, there is need of sensitive, specific, and affordable test for their simultaneous detection. METHODS: Prevalence of B. gibsoni, B. vogeli, E. canis, and H. canis infections was assessed on 719 blood samples by microscopy and multiplex PCR assay targeting 18S rRNA (B. gibsoni & H. canis), ITS1 & 5.8S rRNA (B. vogeli) and VirB9 gene (E. canis). An internal control (canine-actin) was also included to increase the accuracy of assay and effect of associated risk factors with disease prevalence was also studied. RESULTS: Microscopic prevalence of B. gibsoni, B. vogeli, E. canis and H. canis was 5.0%, 0.1%, 1.4% and 1.0%, respectively, whereas with multiplex PCR assay, the corresponding values were 8.9%, 1.1%, 2.6% and 5.1% besides concurrent infections of B. gibsoni & H. canis (0.4%), B. gibsoni & E. canis (0.4%), E. canis & H. canis (0.3%) and B. gibsoni & B. vogeli (0.1%). Analytical sensitivity of developed assay was 0.1pg (B. gibsoni & H. canis), 0.01pg (B. vogeli), and 1.0pg (E. canis). A â³fairâ³ (B. vogeli & H. canis) to â³substantialâ³ (B. gibsoni & E. canis) agreement between two tests was observed with data as statistically significant. Breed, sex and location were significantly associated with B. gibsoni infection. CONCLUSION: The developed multiplex PCR assay offers a potential solution to detect these pathogens simultaneously, aiding in timely diagnosis and effective disease management in suspected dogs.
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Babesia , Babesiosis , Enfermedades de los Perros , Ehrlichia canis , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa Multiplex , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas , Perros , Animales , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/diagnóstico , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa Multiplex/métodos , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa Multiplex/veterinaria , India/epidemiología , Babesia/genética , Babesia/aislamiento & purificación , Prevalencia , Babesiosis/epidemiología , Babesiosis/parasitología , Babesiosis/diagnóstico , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/veterinaria , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/epidemiología , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/parasitología , Ehrlichia canis/genética , Ehrlichia canis/aislamiento & purificación , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/diagnóstico , ARN Ribosómico 18S/genética , Masculino , Femenino , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Coccidiosis/diagnósticoRESUMEN
Human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (HME) is a tick-borne bacterial infection caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Most available data come from case reports, case series and retrospective studies, while prospective studies and clinical trials are largely lacking. To obtain a clearer picture of the currently known epidemiologic distribution, clinical and paraclinical presentation, diagnostic aspects, complications, therapeutic aspects, and outcomes of HME, we systematically reviewed the literature and analyzed and summarized the data. Cases of HME are almost exclusively reported from North America. Human infections due to other (non-chaffeensis) Ehrlichia spp. are rare. HME primarily presents as an unspecific febrile illness (95% of the cases), often accompanied by thrombocytopenia (79.1% of the cases), leukopenia (57.8% of the cases), and abnormal liver function tests (68.1% of the cases). Immunocompromized patients are overrepresented among reviewed HME cases (26.7%), which indicates the role of HME as an opportunistic infection. The incidence of complications is higher in immunocompromized compared to immunocompetent cases, with ARDS (34% vs 19.8%), acute renal failure (34% vs 15.8%), multi organ failure (26% vs 14.9%), and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (26% vs 14.9%) being the most frequent reported. The overall case fatality is 11.6%, with a significant difference between immunocompetent (9.9%) and immunocompromized (16.3%) cases, and sequelae are rare (4.2% in immunocompetent cases, 2.5% in immunocompromised cases).
Asunto(s)
Ehrlichia chaffeensis , Ehrlichiosis , Humanos , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Ehrlichiosis/complicaciones , Ehrlichiosis/microbiología , Ehrlichiosis/diagnóstico , Huésped Inmunocomprometido , AnimalesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Ehrlichiosis is a potentially fatal tick-borne disease that can progress to involve the central nervous system (CNS) (i.e., neuro-ehrlichiosis), particularly in cases where diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Despite a six-fold national increase in the incidence of ehrlichiosis over the past 20 years, recent data on the prevalence and manifestations of neuro-ehrlichiosis are lacking. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients tested for ehrlichiosis at University of North Carolina Health facilities between 2018 and 2021 and identified patients who met epidemiological criteria for ehrlichiosis as established by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and employed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We estimated the prevalence of neurological symptoms and described the spectrum of neurological manifestations in acute ehrlichiosis, documenting select patient cases in more detail in a case series. RESULTS: Out of 55 patients with confirmed or probable ehrlichiosis, five patients (9.1%) had neurologic symptoms, which is notably lower than previous estimates. Neurological presentations were highly variable and included confusion, amnesia, seizures, focal neurological deficits mimicking ischemic vascular events, and an isolated cranial nerve palsy, though all patients had unremarkable neuroimaging at time of presentation. All but one patient had risk factors for severe ehrlichiosis (i.e., older age, immunosuppression). CONCLUSIONS: Neuro-ehrlichiosis may lack unifying patterns in clinical presentation that would otherwise aid in diagnosis. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for neuro-ehrlichiosis in patients with acute febrile illness, diverse neurological symptoms, and negative neuroimaging in lone star tick endemic regions.
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Ehrlichiosis , Humanos , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Masculino , Femenino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , North Carolina/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Anaplasma and Ehrlichia are tick-borne bacterial pathogens that cause anaplasmoses and ehrlichioses in humans and animals. In this study, we examined the prevalence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species in ticks and domesticated animals in Suizhou County, Hubei Province in the central China. We used PCR amplification and DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA, groEL, and gltA genes to analyze. We collected 1900 ticks, including 1981 Haemaphysalis longicornis and 9 Rhipicephalus microplus, 159 blood samples of goats (n = 152), cattle (n = 4), and dogs (n = 3) from May to August of 2023. PCR products demonstrated that Anaplasma bovis, Anaplasma capra, and an Ehrlichia species were detected in the H. longicornis with the minimum infection rates (MIR) of 1.11%, 1.32%, and 0.05%, respectively; A. bovis, A. capra, and unnamed Anaplasma sp. were detected in goats with an infection rate of 26.31%, 1.31% and 1.97%, respectively. Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species were not detected from cattle, dogs and R. microplus ticks. The genetic differences in the groEL gene sequences of the Anaplasma in the current study were large, whereas the 16S rRNA and gltA gene sequences were less disparate. This study shows that ticks and goats in Suizhou County, Hubei Province carry multiple Anaplasma species and an Ehrlichia species, with relatively higher infection rate of A. bovis in goats. Our study indicates that multiple Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species exist in ticks and goats in the central China with potential to cause human infection.
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Anaplasma , Anaplasmosis , Animales Domésticos , Ehrlichia , Variación Genética , Cabras , ARN Ribosómico 16S , Animales , Anaplasma/genética , Anaplasma/aislamiento & purificación , China/epidemiología , Ehrlichia/genética , Ehrlichia/aislamiento & purificación , Cabras/microbiología , Perros , Bovinos , Anaplasmosis/epidemiología , Anaplasmosis/microbiología , Prevalencia , Animales Domésticos/microbiología , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Garrapatas/microbiología , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Ehrlichiosis/microbiología , FilogeniaRESUMEN
Tick-borne diseases are important for animal and human health, because they can cause death if not diagnosed and treated early. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) can cause high morbidity in dog populations. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is among the most virulent infectious in humans; dogs are also susceptible to infection. The aims of this study were to evaluate the presence of Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia spp. infections in domestic dogs, and to identify tick species parasitizing dogs among urban areas of two municipalities (Sobral and Alcântaras) in the Ceará State, Northeastern Brazil. A total of 208 domiciled dogs was sampled. After clinical evaluation, blood samples and ticks were collected and submitted to Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) targeting E. canis DNA. Serum samples were screened by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assays (IFA) for antibodies against different strains of Rickettsia spp. previously recognized in Brazil. The results of this study indicate the molecular detection of E. canis in the state of Ceará, Brazil, where the proportion of canine infection in Sobral (9.9%) was higher than in Alcântaras (5.6%). Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was the prevalent tick species infesting the dogs in both municipalities (43.5 and 53.3%, respectively). Our serological results indicate that dogs of the study area were at low risk of exposure to these tick-borne Rickettsia spp. of the spotted fever group. Our study offers epidemiological data of these diseases to better understanding Rickettsiales epidemic and enzootic cycles in the Brazilian semiarid region, improving prevention and control measures.
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Enfermedades de los Perros , Ehrlichia canis , Ehrlichiosis , Rickettsia , Animales , Perros , Brasil/epidemiología , Ehrlichia canis/aislamiento & purificación , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/microbiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Rickettsia/aislamiento & purificación , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/microbiología , Masculino , Infecciones por Rickettsia/veterinaria , Infecciones por Rickettsia/epidemiología , Infecciones por Rickettsia/microbiología , Femenino , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa/veterinaria , Fiebre Maculosa de las Montañas Rocosas/veterinaria , Fiebre Maculosa de las Montañas Rocosas/epidemiología , Fiebre Maculosa de las Montañas Rocosas/microbiología , PrevalenciaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Ixodes ticks are pivotal in transmitting diseases like Lyme disease and human granulocytic anaplasmosis, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, respectively. These pathogens not only affect humans through single or multiple tick bites but also pose risks to animal hosts, leading to potential coinfections. Despite regional studies indicating significant prevalence, their global coinfection data remain sparse. This study aims to bridge this gap through a systematic review and meta-analysis of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum coinfections in Ixodes ticks worldwide. Addressing data limitations and study variability, it seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of coinfection patterns, their epidemiological implications and inform targeted prevention strategies. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols 2015 guidelines and PROSPERO registration, this study will undertake a thorough database search without constraints on language or publication date, using standardised screening and data extraction protocols. The quality and bias of studies will be evaluated using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. In the statistical analysis phase, conducted in R, we will initially determine the use of fixed or random-effects models based on the assessment of data heterogeneity. This choice will guide the framework for subsequent analyses. Within the selected model's framework, we will perform subgroup analyses and meta-regression to investigate the effects of various factors, ensuring that each step is tailored to the initial model selection to maintain analytical consistency. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: As this study does not involve clinical research or data collection from subjects, ethical approval is not required. We will uphold ethical standards in synthesising and reporting data. Study outcomes will be published in peer-reviewed journals, communicating findings to the scientific community and contributing to the understanding of Ixodes tickborne diseases. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023449735.
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum , Borrelia burgdorferi , Coinfección , Ixodes , Enfermedad de Lyme , Metaanálisis como Asunto , Revisiones Sistemáticas como Asunto , Anaplasma phagocytophilum/aislamiento & purificación , Ixodes/microbiología , Animales , Borrelia burgdorferi/aislamiento & purificación , Coinfección/epidemiología , Enfermedad de Lyme/epidemiología , Humanos , Prevalencia , Proyectos de Investigación , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia canis is an important rickettsial pathogen of dogs transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks in India. Globally, molecular characterization of E. canis is done using different E. canis gene targets. This study aimed to characterize genetic diversity of uncultured Ehrlichia species from dogs by 16S rRNA and partial gp200 gene (termed as p43 region) sequences data. Phylogeny based on 16S rRNA gene did not reveal any region-specific lineages. The phylogeny based on 5' region of E. canis gp200 gene (termed as p43 region) revealed four major clusters (A, B, C and D) and the Indian isolates fall under clusters A and B. Cluster A is characterized by an insertion of unique 141 bp tandem repeat sequence. Similar tandem repeat sequence was found in one of the E canis isolates from east-Asia, suggesting a possible divergence within this species. The study shows evidence for divergence of a new lineage within E. canis. The location of this insertion at the 'ankyrin repeat domains' containing region is suggestive of its possible role in modulation of host responses.
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Enfermedades de los Perros , Ehrlichia canis , Ehrlichiosis , Filogenia , ARN Ribosómico 16S , Animales , Perros , Ehrlichia canis/genética , Ehrlichia canis/aislamiento & purificación , Enfermedades de los Perros/microbiología , India , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Ehrlichiosis/microbiología , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Variación Genética , ADN Bacteriano/genéticaRESUMEN
This review highlights the causative organisms, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of the most common tick-borne illnesses in the United States, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Powassan virus, and alpha-gal syndrome. Tick bite prevention strategies and some basic tick removal recommendations are also provided.
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Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas , Humanos , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/diagnóstico , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/terapia , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/epidemiología , Animales , Medicina Silvestre , Enfermedad de Lyme/diagnóstico , Enfermedad de Lyme/terapia , Enfermedad de Lyme/epidemiología , Fiebre Maculosa de las Montañas Rocosas/diagnóstico , Fiebre Maculosa de las Montañas Rocosas/terapia , Fiebre Maculosa de las Montañas Rocosas/epidemiología , Estados Unidos/epidemiología , Garrapatas/virología , Mordeduras de Garrapatas/terapia , Ehrlichiosis/diagnóstico , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/terapia , Ehrlichiosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Anaplasmosis/diagnóstico , Anaplasmosis/epidemiología , Anaplasmosis/terapiaRESUMEN
Dogs play an important role as hosts and reservoirs for many zoonotic diseases. Ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and hepatozoonosis are a group of canine vector-borne diseases that can be transmitted via ectoparasites from dog to dog and also from dog to humans. This study focused on three main blood parasites of dog (i.e., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Hepatozoon spp.) among two different landscape types of eight villages of Santhong Sub-district, Nan Province, Thailand. In this study, 149 dogs were surveyed and blood samples were collected. Blood parasite infections in dogs were assessed using molecular detection approach. Babesia canis vogeli, Babesia gibsoni, Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis were detected with prevalence of infection at 10.7%, 8.1%, 3.4% and 0.7%, respectively. In terms of landscape type, prevalence of overall blood parasites, particularly Babesia spp. infections were higher in dogs living in upland forested areas (28.3%) compared to dogs from lowland agricultural areas (12.3%). Data obtained from the questionnaires on perceptions of dog owners showed that dogs raised all the time outside owner's house, and those dogs whose owners have never bathed and cleaned were more likely to be exposed to blood parasites. As infected dogs could play an important role as reservoirs of the blood parasites, attitude of dog owners may affect public health in terms of zoonotic disease transmission. Effective control measures and surveillance program of arthropod vectors and blood parasite infection in dogs still need to be advocated to minimize zoonotic disease transmission.
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Babesia , Babesiosis , Enfermedades de los Perros , Animales , Perros , Tailandia/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Babesiosis/epidemiología , Babesiosis/parasitología , Femenino , Masculino , Prevalencia , Babesia/aislamiento & purificación , Humanos , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/parasitología , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Eucoccidiida/aislamiento & purificación , Ehrlichia canis/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
Tick-borne bacteria of the genera Ehrlichia and Anaplasma cause several emerging human infectious diseases worldwide. In this study, we conduct an extensive survey for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma infections in the rainforests of the Amazon biome of French Guiana. Through molecular genetics and metagenomics reconstruction, we observe a high indigenous biodiversity of infections circulating among humans, wildlife, and ticks inhabiting these ecosystems. Molecular typing identifies these infections as highly endemic, with a majority of new strains and putative species specific to French Guiana. They are detected in unusual rainforest wild animals, suggesting they have distinctive sylvatic transmission cycles. They also present potential health hazards, as revealed by the detection of Candidatus Anaplasma sparouinense in human red blood cells and that of a new close relative of the human pathogen Ehrlichia ewingii, Candidatus Ehrlichia cajennense, in the tick species that most frequently bite humans in South America. The genome assembly of three new putative species obtained from human, sloth, and tick metagenomes further reveals the presence of major homologs of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma virulence factors. These observations converge to classify health hazards associated with Ehrlichia and Anaplasma infections in the Amazon biome as distinct from those in the Northern Hemisphere.
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Anaplasma , Animales Salvajes , Ehrlichia , Filogenia , Bosque Lluvioso , Garrapatas , Anaplasma/genética , Anaplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Anaplasma/patogenicidad , Anaplasma/clasificación , Ehrlichia/genética , Ehrlichia/aislamiento & purificación , Ehrlichia/clasificación , Humanos , Animales , Garrapatas/microbiología , Animales Salvajes/microbiología , Anaplasmosis/microbiología , Anaplasmosis/epidemiología , Anaplasmosis/transmisión , Guyana Francesa , Ehrlichiosis/microbiología , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Ehrlichiosis/transmisión , Metagenómica/métodos , Genoma Bacteriano/genética , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genéticaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Members of the Anaplasmataceae family, such as the Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species, cause economic losses and public health risks. However, the exact economic impact has not been comprehensively assessed in Mozambique due to limited data available on its basic epidemiology. Therefore, we investigated the molecular occurrence and identity of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. infecting beef cattle in Maputo province, Mozambique. METHODS: A total of 200 whole blood samples were collected from apparently healthy beef cattle. Whole blood DNA was extracted and tested for presence of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia ruminantium DNA through amplification of the 16S rRNA and map1 genes. Positive samples to Anaplasma spp. were subject to PCR assay targeting the A. marginale-msp5 gene. Amplicons obtained were purified, sequenced and subject to phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS: Anaplasma spp., A. marginale and E. ruminantium were detected in 153 (76.5%), 142 (71%) and 19 (9.5%) of all the samples analyzed, respectively. On this same sample group, 19 (9.5%) were co-infected with A. marginale and E. ruminantium. The 16S rRNA sequences of Anaplasma spp. obtained were phylogenetically related to A. marginale, A. centrale and A. platys. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that A. marginale-msp5 nucleotide sequences were grouped with sequences from Asia, Africa and Latin America, whereas E. ruminantium-map1 DNA nucleotide sequences were positioned in multiple clusters. CONCLUSION: Cattle in Maputo Province are reservoirs for multiple Anaplasma species. A high positivity rate of infection by A. marginale was observed, as well as high genetic diversity of E. ruminantium. Furthermore, five new genotypes of E. ruminantium-map1 were identified.
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Anaplasma marginale , Anaplasmosis , Enfermedades de los Bovinos , Ehrlichia ruminantium , Ehrlichiosis , Filogenia , ARN Ribosómico 16S , Animales , Mozambique/epidemiología , Bovinos , Anaplasmosis/epidemiología , Anaplasmosis/microbiología , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/microbiología , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/epidemiología , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/microbiología , Ehrlichiosis/diagnóstico , Anaplasma marginale/genética , Anaplasma marginale/aislamiento & purificación , Ehrlichia ruminantium/genética , Ehrlichia ruminantium/aislamiento & purificación , ADN Bacteriano/genética , Proteínas de la Membrana Bacteriana Externa/genética , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/veterinariaRESUMEN
Wild animals in general, birds in particular, play a key role in transporting ticks and propagating tick-borne pathogens. Several studies have confirmed the infection of birds with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, with overall prevalence varying widely from country to country and/or study to study. This zoonotic bacterium, transmitted mainly by ticks of the genus Ixodes, is responsible for granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans (HGA) and domestic animals (cats, dogs, horses). The disease is also called tick-borne fever (TBF) in ruminants. Extremely rare in the USA, TBF is very common in Europe, where it causes economic losses in livestock. Conversely, HGA is well established in the USA whereas only a few less severe cases have been observed in Europe. Current typing techniques support the existence of multiple variants with differences in virulence/pathogenicity and tropism for certain tick and host species. However, epidemiological cycles remain difficult to characterize in Europe. Several studies describe a cycle apparently involving only birds in Europe, but no such study has been conducted in mainland France. Our objectives were to search for A. phagocytophilum in passerine birds in the Ile-de-France region and to explore their diversity using groEL and ankA gene typing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Various tissues (spleen, liver, and skin) were collected from cadavers of 680 passerines between March and December 2021. The presence of A. phagocytophilum was detected by qPCR Taqman targeting the msp2 gene. Three blackbirds (Turdus merula) were found positive, representing detection rates of 0.4 % in all birds tested and 3.3 % in blackbirds. The higher frequency of detection in blackbirds could be at least partially explained by their lifestyle, as they feed on the ground. Analysis of the results of groEL and ankA typing and MLST from positive blackbirds support the hypothesis that the avian A. phagocytophilum strains in Ile-de-France are distinct from those found in mammals, and that they form their own cluster in Europe.
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum , Enfermedades de las Aves , Ehrlichiosis , Animales , Anaplasma phagocytophilum/aislamiento & purificación , Anaplasma phagocytophilum/genética , Enfermedades de las Aves/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Aves/microbiología , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Ehrlichiosis/microbiología , Passeriformes , Filogenia , Francia/epidemiología , PrevalenciaRESUMEN
Bed bugs, common blood-feeding pests, have received limited attention regarding their potential involvement in emerging pathogen transmission. This study aimed to investigate the main vector-borne bacteria within bed bugs collected from Tunisian governorates and to genetically characterize the identified species. Molecular screening was conducted on field-collected bed bug samples, targeting zoonotic vector-borne bacteria from the Anaplasmataceae family, as well as the genera Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, and Borrelia. A total of 119 Cimex lectularius specimens were collected and grouped into 14 pools based on sampling Tunisian sites. Using genus-specific PCR assays, DNA of Rickettsia and Ehrlichia spp. was detected in a single pool. Sequencing and BLAST analysis of the obtained partial ompB and dsb sequences from positive samples revealed 100% similarity with those of Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia felis available in GenBank. Obtained partial sequences showed phylogenetic similarity to R. felis and E. canis isolates found in dogs and ticks from American and European countries. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate bed bugs in Tunisia and to report the worldwide identification of R. felis and E. canis DNA in the common bed bug, C. lectularius. These findings highlight the need for further research to explore the potential role of bed bugs in the epidemiology of these vector-borne bacteria.
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Chinches , ADN Bacteriano , Ehrlichia canis , Filogenia , Rickettsia felis , Animales , Chinches/microbiología , Rickettsia felis/genética , Rickettsia felis/aislamiento & purificación , Ehrlichia canis/genética , Ehrlichia canis/aislamiento & purificación , Túnez/epidemiología , ADN Bacteriano/genética , Perros , Infecciones por Rickettsia/microbiología , Infecciones por Rickettsia/veterinaria , Infecciones por Rickettsia/epidemiología , Infecciones por Rickettsia/transmisión , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Insectos Vectores/microbiología , Ehrlichiosis/microbiología , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Human anaplasmosis cases, caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, are increasing in the United States. This trend is explained, in part, by expansion in the geographic range of the primary vector, Ixodes scapularis. Multiple variants of A. phagocytophilum have been identified in field collected ticks, but only a single variant (human active, or "Ap-ha," variant) has been shown to be pathogenic in humans. Until recently, laboratory methods used to differentiate variants were cumbersome and seldomly used in large scale assessments of the pathogen's geographic distribution. As a result, many surveys reported A. phagocytophilum without segregating variants. Lack of discrimination among A. phagocytophilum variants could lead to overestimation of anaplasmosis risk to humans. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) assays were recently developed to efficiently detect multiple Ixodes scapularis-borne human pathogens including Ap-ha. In this study, we utilized NGS to detect and differentiate A. phagocytophilum variants (Ap-ha vs. non ha) in host-seeking I. scapularis nymphs and adults collected across 23 states in the eastern United States from 2012 to 2023 as part of national tick surveillance efforts and research studies. Many of the included ticks were tested previously using a TaqMan PCR assay that could detect A. phagocytophilum but could not differentiate variants. We retested A. phagocytophilum infected ticks with NGS to differentiate variants. Anaplasma phagocytophilum (any variant) was identified in 165 (35 %) of 471 counties from which ticks were tested, whereas Ap-ha was detected in 70 (15 %) of 469 counties where variants were differentiated. Both variants were identified in 32 % (n = 40) of 126 counties with either variant detected. Among states where A. phagocytophilum (any variant) was detected, prevalence ranged from 2 % to 19 % in unfed adults and from 0.2 % to 7.8 % in unfed nymphs; prevalence of Ap-ha variant ranged from 0.0 % to 16 % in adults, and 0.0 % to 4.6 % in nymphs.
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum , Secuenciación de Nucleótidos de Alto Rendimiento , Ixodes , Ninfa , Anaplasma phagocytophilum/genética , Anaplasma phagocytophilum/aislamiento & purificación , Ixodes/microbiología , Ixodes/crecimiento & desarrollo , Animales , Ninfa/microbiología , Ninfa/crecimiento & desarrollo , Estados Unidos/epidemiología , Femenino , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/microbiologíaRESUMEN
The tropical brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus linnaei, is a tick of much medical, veterinary, and zoonotic importance. This tick has a nearly world-wide distribution due to its ability to survive and propagate in kennels and houses. Rhipicephalus linnaei is the vector of Ehrlichia canis, the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, an often debilitating disease of canids and, occasionally, humans. To prevent incursion of E. canis into Australia, dogs entering Australia have been required to have a negative immunofluorescence antibody test for E. canis. In May 2020 however, E. canis was detected in Western Australia. The detection of E. canis in Australia prompted disease investigation and concerted surveillance for R. linnaei and E. canis in regions across Australia. These investigations revealed that R. linnaei was established far beyond the previously recognised geographic range limits of this tick. In the present paper, using records from various collections, published data, and data from our network of veterinarian collaborators and colleagues, we update the current geographic range of R. linnaei in Australia. Our analyses revealed that the geographic range of R. linnaei in Australia is much wider than was previously supposed, particularly in Western Australia, and in South Australia. We also map, for the first time, where E. canis has been detected in Australia. Last, we discuss the possible routes of incursion and subsequently the factors which may have aided the spread of E. canis in Australia which led to the establishment of this pathogen in Australia.
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Enfermedades de los Perros , Ehrlichia canis , Ehrlichiosis , Rhipicephalus , Animales , Australia/epidemiología , Ehrlichia canis/aislamiento & purificación , Perros , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Ehrlichiosis/transmisión , Ehrlichiosis/historia , Rhipicephalus/microbiología , Femenino , MasculinoRESUMEN
Background: Ehrlichia canis has been the main hemopathogen affecting domestic dogs in Brazil. Even though tick-infested dogs may lead to household infestation and predispose human exposure and public health concern, no comprehensive study has surveyed humans, dogs, and environmental ticks altogether. Materials and Methods: Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess tick-infested households, identify tick species, perform serological (immunofluorescence assay) and molecular (PCR and q-PCR) detection of Ehrlichia in ticks, in the eighth biggest metropolitan area of Brazil. Results: Between 2007 and 2020, 233/5973 (3.9%) out of all complaints were from tick-infested households of 200 different addresses. Overall, 370/552 (67.0%) ticks were collected and identified as adult and 182/552 (33.0%) as immature forms of Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. complex; a single tick from one owner, a female tick of Amblyomma sculptum; and 395 ticks from dogs, 319/395 (80.8%) adult and 72/395 (18.2%) immature forms of Rhipicephalus spp., and 4/395 (1.01%) female Amblyomma aureolatum. Overall, 2/135 (1.5%) owners and 13/136 (9.6%) dogs were seropositive for E. canis. The DNA of Anaplasmataceae family was molecularly detected in 16/50 (32.0%) R. sanguineus s.l. As expected, the number of monthly tick infestation complaints were directly associated, and mean (p = 0.01), maximum (p = 0.011), and minimum (p = 0.008) temperature were statistically significant and had a low positive correlation (0.24, 0.23, and 0.24, respectively). In addition, complaints were highly associated to all socioeconomic variables (p < 0.001), with the exception of the presence of vacant lots. Conclusions: Despite low samplings and human negative results, areas with low-income with adequate temperature and urban agglomerations have been shown to be associated risks for tick infestations, predisposing tick-borne diseases. In conclusion, monitoring should always be conducted in such areas, including One Health approach with serosurvey of owners and dogs, along with identification and molecular screening of ticks.
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Enfermedades de los Perros , Ehrlichia canis , Ehrlichiosis , Infestaciones por Garrapatas , Animales , Perros , Brasil/epidemiología , Ehrlichia canis/genética , Ehrlichia canis/aislamiento & purificación , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/microbiología , Humanos , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Infestaciones por Garrapatas/veterinaria , Infestaciones por Garrapatas/epidemiología , Factores de Riesgo , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Femenino , Masculino , Salud Única , Garrapatas/microbiología , Adulto , Composición FamiliarRESUMEN
Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis, responsible of diseases in dogs, are tick-borne pathogens with a proven or potential zoonotic role that have shown increasing prevalence worldwide. The aims of this retrospective study were to assess the frequency of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. exposure in dogs tested in a veterinary teaching hospital in Italy over a 9-year period, to compare the performance of the diagnostic tests used, to evaluate correlations with clinical data, and to genetically analyse the identified bacteria. During the study period, 1322 dogs tested by at least one of the rapid immunoenzymatic test, indirect immunofluorescent antibody test or end-point PCR assay for Anaplasmataceae detection were included. Dogs were tested if they had clinical signs or clinicopathological alteration or risk factors related to infection, and if they were potential blood-donor animals. Ninety-four of 1322 (7.1%) dogs tested positive for at least one pathogen: 53 (4.3%) for A. phagocytophilum, one (0.1%) for A. platys and 63 (4.6%) for E. canis. The number of dogs tested increased and the positivity rate progressively declined over the years. Comparison of tests showed a near-perfect agreement between serological tests and a poor agreement between PCR and indirect assays. A breed predisposition has been highlighted for A. phagocytophilum infection in hunting breed dogs and for E. canis infection in mixed breed dogs. Phylogeny confirmed potential zoonotic implications for A. phagocytophilum and showed no correlation of the identified bacteria with the geographical origin. Our study provides new insights into possible risk factors in dogs and evidenced discordant results between different tests, suggesting that a combination of serological and molecular assays is preferable for a correct diagnosis.