60 results on '"R. felis"'
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2. First detection of Rickettsia felis and Ehrlichia canis in the common bed bug Cimex lectularius.
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Selmi, Rachid, Belkahia, Hanène, Tayh, Ghassan, Mezzi, Abderrahmene, Chibani, Sarra, Ben Said, Mourad, and Messadi, Lilia
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RICKETTSIA , *BEDBUGS , *EHRLICHIA , *FELIS , *CANIS , *BARTONELLA , *SPECIES - Abstract
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. • The study revealed the detection of Rickettsia and Ehrlichia spp. DNA in a single pool of Cimex lectularius. • The analysis of Dsb and ompB partial sequences showed 100% similarity with those of E. canis and R. felis found in GenBank. • Phylogenetic analysis revealed similarity to R. felis and E. canis found in dogs and ticks from American and European countries. • Further research is needed to explore the potential role of bed bugs in the epidemiology of these vector-borne bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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3. New records of pathogenic bacteria in different species of fleas collected from domestic and peridomestic animals in Spain. A potential zoonotic threat?
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Zurita, Antonio, Trujillo, Ignacio, and Cutillas, Cristina
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RICKETTSIA , *DOMESTIC animals , *PATHOGENIC bacteria , *FLEAS , *SPECIES , *CAT flea - Abstract
Climate change is causing many vectors of infectious diseases to expand their geographic distribution as well as the pathogens they transmit are also conditioned by temperature for their multiplication. Within this context, it is worth highlighting the significant role that fleas can play as vectors of important pathogenic bacteria. For this purpose, our efforts focused on detecting and identifying a total of 9 bacterial genera (Rickettsia sp.; Bartonella sp.; Yersinia sp.; Wolbachia sp., Mycobacterium sp., Leishmania sp., Borrelia sp., Francisella sp. and Coxiella sp.) within fleas isolated from domestic and peridomestic animals in the southwestern region of Spain (Andalusia). Over a 19-months period, we obtained flea samples from dogs, cats and hedgehogs. A total of 812 fleas was collected for this study. Five different species were morphologically identified, including C. felis , C. canis , S. cuniculi , P. irritans , and A. erinacei. Wolbachia sp. was detected in all five species identified in our study which a total prevalence of 86%. Within Rickettsia genus, two different species, R. felis and R. asembonensis were mainly identified in C. felis and A. erinacei , respectively. On the other hand, our results revealed a total of 131 fleas testing positive for the presence of Bartonella sp., representing a prevalence rate of 16% for this genus identifying two species B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae. Lastly, both Y. pestis and L. infantum were detected in DNA of P. irritans and C. felis , respectively isolated from dogs. With these data we update the list of bacterial zoonotic agents found in fleas in Spain, emphasizing the need to continue conducting future experimental studies to assess and confirm the potential vectorial role of certain synanthropic fleas. • We updated the list of bacterial agents found in fleas in Spain. • The synanthropic fleas assessed were C. felis , A. erinacei , C. canis , S. cuniculi and P. irritans. • The presence of certain infectious agents such as Y. pestis , L. infantum , R. felis , or B. henselae was reported. • It is necessary to assess and confirm the potential vectorial role that certain synanthropic fleas could have. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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4. Molecular and next-generation sequencing analysis of tick-borne pathogens of Rhipicephalus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in cattle and dogs.
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Intirach, Jitrawadee, Lv, Xin, Sutthanont, Nataya, Cai, Benchi, Champakaew, Danita, Chen, Tao, Han, Qian, and Lv, Zhiyue
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TICKS , *RICKETTSIA , *IXODIDAE , *RHIPICEPHALUS , *NUCLEOTIDE sequencing , *MITES , *SEQUENCE analysis - Abstract
• We discovered 10 tick-borne diseases in Rhipicephalus ticks collected from various hosts on Hainan Island, China, using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). • Revealed the predominant bacterial phylum (Bacteroidota) and family (Muribaculaceae) in Rhipicephalus spp., enhancing our understanding of tick-associated microbiota. Illumina NovaSeq sequencing showed a unique dominance of Bacteroidota in Rhipicephalus spp. • Identified dual and triple co-infections in R. microplus, R. haemaphysaloides , and R. linnaei , highlighting the complex relationships among tick-borne diseases and complicating our knowledge of these diseases. • Reported the first observations of Anaplasma sp., A. marginale, R. felis , and Coxiella sp. in R. haemaphysaloides on Hainan Island, expanding our understanding of regional tick-borne disease dynamics. • Emphasized the importance of studying tick-associated microbial communities to formulate effective strategies for controlling and preventing tick-borne diseases in the area. The study provides crucial insights into microbial communities and pathogens in Rhipicephalus spp. Ticks are small and adaptable arachnid ectoparasites and global carriers of various pathogens that threaten both human and animal health. They are present in many parts of China. A total of 858 ticks were collected from various regions and hosts, then subjected to species identification based on morphological and molecular characteristics, as described in the authors' previous study. Eighty-three individual tick samples were selected for screening pathogens based on metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The genomic DNA of tick species was extracted, and amplification of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was carried out from DNA of individual ticks using V3-V4 hypervariable regions, before subjecting to metagenomic analysis. Each tick underwent specific PCR tests for identifying the bacterial species present, including Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Coxiella , and Rickettsia , and also protozoans such as Babesia, Theileria , and Hepatozoon. Illumina NovaSeq sequencing results revealed that the dominant phylum and family in Rhipicephalus spp. were Bacteroidota and Muribaculaceae, respectively. Alpha diversity patterns varied depending on tick sex (R. linnaei only), species and location, but not on host. Furthermore, bacterial pathogens, including A. marginale (58 %, 29/50), A. platys (6 %, 3/50), E. minasensis (2 %, 1/50), Ehrlichia sp. (10 %, 5/50), T. sinensis (24 %, 12/50), T. orientalis (54 %, 27/50) and Coxiella -like bacteria (CLB) (80 %, 40/50) were detected in R. microplus , while E. canis (33.33 %, 10/30), H. canis (20 %, 6/30) and CLB (100 %, 30/30) were detected in R. linnaei. Also, Anaplasma sp. (33.33 %, 1/3), A. marginale (33.33 %, 1/3), R. felis (33.33 %, 1/3) and CLB (100 %, 3/3) were detected in R. haemaphysaloides. Dual and triple co-infections involving pathogens or CLB were detected in 84.00 % of R. microplus , 66.66 % of R. haemaphysaloides , and 33.00 % of R. linnaei. The report on microbial communities and pathogens, which found from Rhipicephalus spp. in Hainan Island, is an important step towards a better understanding of tick-borne disease transmission. This is the first report in the area on the presence of Anaplasma sp., A. marginale, R. felis and Coxiella , in R. haemaphysaloides. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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5. Distribution of different Rickettsia species in countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean (WHO-EMRO) region: An overview.
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Seidi, Shahin, Omidi, Amir Hossein, and Esmaeili, Saber
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Rickettsia is a zoonotic bacterial pathogen transmitted by vectors and has extensive reservoirs in animal and human populations. Rickettsiosis is a public health problem all over the world. However, comprehensive information on the geographical distribution of different Rickettsia species, infection status of reservoirs, vectors, and human cases is lacking in most parts of the world. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the geographical distribution of different Rickettsia species and their vectors in countries of the WHO-EMRO region. In this review study, a search was conducted for reports and published studies on Rickettsia species from WHO-EMRO region countries in various databases from 1995 to 2022. Finally, the reported status of human cases, reservoirs, and vectors associated with each species in different countries was documented. Reports of infections related to the detection of Rickettsia species were only available for 15 out of 22 WHO-EMRO member countries. A total of twenty-four Rickettsia species, including R. sibrica, R. lusitaniae, R. africae, R. prowazekii, R. felis, R. typhi, R. rickettsii, R. aeschlimannii, R. conorii, R. massiliae, R. helvetica, R. monacensis, R. rhipicephali, R. bellii, R. asembonensis, R. hoogstraalii, R. andeanae, R. raoultii, R. asiatica, R. slovaca, R. australis, R. barbariae, Candidatus R. amblyommii, and Candidatus R. goldwasserii , were reported from WHO-EMRO member countries. Furthermore, human cases infected with six different Rickettsia species, including R. sibrica , R. prowazekii , R. felis , R. typhi , R. rickettsii , R. aeschlimannii , R. conorii , R. massiliae , and R. helvetica , were reported from these countries. The vast diversity of Rickettsia vectors has contributed to the ongoing discovery of new Rickettsia species. Therefore, further research on the reservoir hosts of Rickettsia infections in the understudied WHO-EMRO region is crucial. This research sheds light on Rickettsia disease's epidemiology and transmission dynamics in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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6. Rickettsia species in ticks collected from wild pigs (Sus scrofa) and Philippine deer (Rusa marianna) on Guam, Marianna Islands, USA.
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Cleveland, Christopher A., Swanepoel, Liandrie, Box, Erin K., De Nicola, Anthony, and Yabsley, Michael J.
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WILD boar , *INTRODUCED animals , *RICKETTSIA , *SPECIES , *TICKS , *DEER - Abstract
Highlights • Rickettsia species were detected in ticks removed from non-native animals (Philippine deer and wild pigs) on Guam. • Two Rickettsia species, R. amblyommatis and ' Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis' (R. felis cluster), were detected in ticks recovered from Philippine deer. • One Rickettsia species, R. amblyommatis , was detected in a tick recovered from a wild pig. Abstract The prevalence and diversity of ticks on wildlife species on Guam is understudied, as to date no work has been conducted on the infection of these ticks with Rickettsia (obligate intracellular pathogens that use a variety of ectoparasites as vectors and can cause disease in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife species). The goal of our study was to investigate the presence of Rickettsia species on the island of Guam by testing ticks found on Philippine deer (Rusa marianna) and wild pigs (Sus scrofa). Increasing numbers of these species have led to increased interactions with humans, including hunting, highlighting the importance of studies on vector prevalence and associated zoonotic pathogens. In this study, ticks were removed from Philippine deer and wild pigs in March and April of 2015 and tested for Rickettsia spp. using nested PCR. Overall, a low prevalence of Rickettsia spp. was detected (5.4% (6/112 ticks)). Ticks removed from wild pigs were identified as Amblyomma breviscutatum , one of which was positive for Rickettsia ambylommatis. Ticks recovered from Philippine deer were identified as Rhipicephalus microplus , and five were positive for Rickettsia ; two with R. amblyommatis and one with ' Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis', a recently proposed species in the R. felis cluster. The remaining two sequences were short and species classification was not possible. Rickettsia felis is a known zoonotic pathogen in the spotted fever group of Rickettsia and there is evidence that ' C. R. senegalensis' can also cause illness in people. This study confirms the occurrence of Rickettsia in ticks on Guam and highlights the presence of potential human pathogenic species in the R. felis cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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7. The presence of Rickettsia felis in communities in the central highlands of Vietnam.
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Hoang, Minh-Trang Thi, Ngo, Van-Phuong, Stenos, John, and Ng-Nguyen, Dinh
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FELIS , *DNA antibodies , *FEVER , *RICKETTSIA , *UPLANDS - Abstract
• This study identifies the presence of R. felis and R. felis genotype RF2125 in communities in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. • R. felis DNA was detected in 2.53 % of human blood samples. • Seven out of the 213 participants were seropositive for R. felis. Rickettsia felis is an emerging flea-borne spotted fever pathogen that causes febrile illness in humans. In Vietnam, R. felis was detected in hospitalized patients, but there is no information on its presence in the Vietnamese community. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the presence of R. felis in humans of the Central Highlands of Vietnam. A total of 158 blood and 213 serum samples were subjected to PCR and IFAT, respectively, to detect the presence of R. felis DNA and antibodies against R. felis. PCR assays detected R. felis DNA in four out of 158 blood samples, accounting for a prevalence of 2.53 % (95 % CI: 0.81 %-6.76 %). Phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of R. felis and R. felis genotype RF2125 in the communities in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The result of IFAT identified seven out of 213 serum samples (3.29 %, 95 % CI: 1.45 %-6.93 %) positive for antibodies against R. felis. This study was the first to demonstrate the presence of active R. felis infections in the communities in the Central Highlands of Vietnam utilizing both molecular and serological methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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8. Follow-up of a Rickettsia felis encephalitis: Some new insights into clinical and imaging features.
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Zeng, Ziling, Wang, Chunjuan, Liu, Cuicui, Wang, Baojie, Meng, Xin, Chen, Yan, and Guo, Shougang
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ANTI-NMDA receptor encephalitis , *FELIS , *RICKETTSIA , *DIAGNOSTIC imaging , *ENCEPHALITIS , *CEREBROSPINAL fluid - Abstract
• A misdiagnosed case of Rickettsia felis encephalitis was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid mNGS. • Neuroimaging showed a focal lesion in the right thalamus which was indistinguishable from a glioma. • Perivascular inflammation in the lesion implied a vasophilic characteristic of the pathogen. • Rickettsia felis encephalitis could clinically display as none-specific neurological symptoms. Rickettsia felis (R. felis) infection is a cause of unspecified encephalitis. However, the incidence has been underestimated due to the intracellular features of the pathogen and insufficient understanding of its clinical picture. This study reported a case of R. felis infection in a 26-year-old female who only manifested with certain neurological symptoms. With a lack of specific systemic inflammatory symptoms, the diagnosis was initially misdiagnosed as a brain glioma. However, a brain tissue biopsy showed prominent perivascular inflammatory infiltrations, which indicated inflammatory disease. Spinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was taken after ruling out other common infectious and autoimmune diseases. The results suggested R. felis infection, which was also supported by Weil-Felix reaction in the serum. After the diagnosis was corrected as R. felis encephalitis, the patient was successfully treated with doxycycline and had a good prognosis at the 1-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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9. Molecular investigations of cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) provide the first evidence of Rickettsia felis in Malta and Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis in Israel.
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Hornok, S., Baneth, G., Grima, A., Takács, N., Kontschán, J., Meli, M.L., Suter, V., Salant, H., Farkas, R., and Hofmann-Lehmann, R.
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CAT flea , *RICKETTSIA , *DNA , *ROCKY Mountain spotted fever tick , *NUCLEOTIDE sequence - Abstract
Rickettsia felis , the causative agent of flea-borne spotted fever, occurs on all continents except Antarctica, owing to the cosmopolitan distribution of its cat flea vector. In this study, cat fleas were collected in two countries where the occurrence of R. felis was either unknown (Malta) or where accurate prevalence data were lacking (Israel). Altogether 129 fleas were molecularly analysed for the presence of rickettsial DNA. On the basis of three genetic markers, R. felis was identified in 39.5% (15/38) of the cat fleas from Malta. Sequences showed 100% identity to each other and to relevant sequences in GenBank. Among the 91 cat fleas from Israel, two (2.2%) contained the DNA of Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis. Phylogenetically, the R. felis and Candidatus R. senegalensis identified here clustered separately (with high support) but within one clade, which was a sister group to that formed by the typhus group and spotted fever group rickettsiae. This is the first record of R. felis in Malta and of Candidatus R. senegalensis outside its formerly reported geographical range including Africa, Asia and North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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10. Molecular evidence and diversity of the spotted-fever group Rickettsia spp. in small mammals from natural, suburban and urban areas of Eastern Slovakia.
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Heglasová, Ivana, Víchová, Bronislava, Kraljik, Jasna, Mošanský, Ladislav, Miklisová, Dana, and Stanko, Michal
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Abstract Rickettsiae of the spotted fever group are considered as emerging pathogens; ticks, fleas and mites are known to be their vectors. However, the prevalence and species diversity of rickettsiae in small mammals and the role of these hosts in the circulation of bacteria are much less studied. During 2014–2016, a total of 250 small mammals (Apodemus agrarius , Apodemus flavicollis , Apodemus uralensis , Myodes glareolus , Crocidura leucodon , Crocidura suaveolens, Micromys minutus, Microtus arvalis , Microtus subterraneus, Neomys fodiens and Sorex minutus) were captured in natural, suburban and urban habitats of eastern Slovakia. Ear biopsies of 245 individuals were examined for the presence of SFG rickettsiae by molecular methods. The overall prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in small mammals was 11%. The predominant species, Rickettsia helvetica was confirmed in the striped field mouse (A. agrarius), the yellow-necked mouse (A. flavicollis), the bank vole (M. glareolus) and the common vole (M. arvalis) in natural and suburban habitats, followed by Rickettsia sp. closely related to R. felis identified in A. flavicollis captured in a suburban habitat. Finally, R. slovaca was found in only one yellow-necked mouse (A. flavicollis) captured in a natural habitat, with the sympatric occurrence of Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks. We assume the presence of R. slovaca especially in sites with the occurrence of Dermacentor spp. All small mammals captured in the urban habitat tested were negative for the presence of rickettsiae. This study brings the first molecular evidence of R. slovaca in a rodent captured in Slovakia. Rickettsia sp. closely related to R. felis was first time detected in A. flavicollis in suburban site of Slovakia. The highest species diversity of rickettsiae was observed in A. flavicollis , and the highest prevalence of bacteria was recorded in M. glareolus. The highest occurrence of rickettsiae-positive small mammals was recorded during the spring and autumn months, May, June and September, respectively. This may be related with the seasonal activity of the tick vectors. This study confirms the long-term persistence of Rickettsia spp. in small mammals in natural and suburban habitats of Slovakia. Some rodent species that have a wider ecological valency may contribute to the maintenance, circulation and dissemination of rickettsiae within and out the natural foci more significantly than those species that have narrower relation to the certain type of habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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11. Complete bacterial profile and potential pathogens of cat fleas Ctenocephalides felis.
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Wu, Ya-Li, Hu, Shi-Feng, Zhang, Xue-Ling, Wang, Hui-Mei, Pan, Hai-Yu, Liu, Guo-Hua, and Deng, Yuan-Ping
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CAT flea , *COXIELLA burnetii , *ANAPLASMA phagocytophilum , *ACINETOBACTER baumannii , *GUT microbiome , *PATHOGENIC microorganisms , *FLEA control - Abstract
Fleas are important ectoparasites and vectors associated with a wide range of pathogenic diseases, posing threats to public health concerns, especially cat fleas that spread worldwide. Understanding the microbial components is essential due to cat fleas are capable of transmitting pathogens to humans, causing diseases like plague and murine typhus. In the present study, metagenomic next-generation sequencing was applied to obtain the complete microbiota and related functions in the gut of Ctenocephalides felis. A total of 1,870 species was taxonomically recognized including 1,407 bacteria, 365 eukaryotes, 69 viruses, and 29 archaea. Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum among the six samples. Pathogens Rickettsia felis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Coxiella burnetii , and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were taxonomically identified and had high abundances in all samples. The resistance gene MexD was predominant in microbial communities of all cat fleas. We also performed epidemiological surveys of pathogens R. felis, A. baumannii, C. burnetii , and A. phagocytophilum among 165 cat fleas collected from seven provinces in China, while only the DNAs of R. felis (38/165, 23.03%) and C. burnetii (2/165, 1.21%) were obtained. The data provide new insight and understanding of flea intestinal microbiota and support novel information for preventing and controlling fleas and their transmitted diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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12. High seroprevalence for indigenous spotted fever group rickettsiae in forestry workers from the federal state of Brandenburg, Eastern Germany.
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Wölfel, Silke, Speck, Stephanie, Essbauer, Sandra, Thoma, Bryan R., Mertens, Marc, Werdermann, Sandra, Niederstrasser, Olaf, Petri, Eckhardt, Ulrich, Rainer G., Wölfel, Roman, and Dobler, Gerhard
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In the last decade six Rickettsia species, including Rickettsia slovaca have been characterized in Germany. All of these species could be linked to distinct clinical syndromes in humans. However, due to lack of seroepidemiological data an estimation of the prevalence and the public health impact of rickettsial infections in Germany is difficult. The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae in a population with an elevated exposure risk to ticks. For that purpose, 559 sera of forestry workers in the federal state of Brandenburg, Eastern Germany, were screened for SFG-rickettsiae reactive IgG antibodies. Positive sera were subsequently titrated by microimmunofluorescence assay against R. helvetica , R. raoultii , R. felis , “ R. monacensis “ and R. slovaca. The total average IgG seroprevalence rate against SFG rickettsiae of 27.5% was found to be represented by 9.7% R. helvetica , 5% R. raoultii , 2.7% R. felis , 0.5% “ R. monacensis “ and 0.5% R. slovaca. The remaining 9.1% positive test results were of non-differentiable origin. IgG seroprevalences ranged from 11% to 55% in the different forestry districts. Older and male participants had a significantly higher probability for seropositivity and higher anti-rickettsia antibody titer level. In addition, the number of recent as well as the recalled lifetime tick bites was significantly associated with seropositivity and higher titers against SFG rickettsiae. In conclusion, we found an unexpected high total seroprevalence against SFG rickettsiae in forestry workers and serological evidence confirming the occurrence of R. raoultii, R. felis, “ R. monacensis “ and R. helvetica in the federal State of Brandenburg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2017
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13. Molecular identification of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia felis in fox fleas, Chile.
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Millán, Javier, Sepúlveda-García, Paulina, Di Cataldo, Sophia, Canales, Nivia, Sallaberry-Pincheira, Nicole, Painean, Javier, Cevidanes, Aitor, and Müller, Ananda
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FERRET , *RICKETTSIA , *BARTONELLA , *FELIS , *CAT flea , *FLEAS , *FOXES , *RHIPICEPHALUS - Abstract
Seventy-five flea pools (one to ten fleas per pool) from 51 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) and five South American grey foxes or chillas (Lycalopex griseus) from the Mediterranean region of Chile were analyzed for the presence of DNA of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. through quantitative real-time PCR for the nouG and gltA genes, respectively. Positive samples were further characterized by conventional PCR protocols, targeting gltA and ITS genes for Bartonella , and gltA, ompA, and ompB genes for Rickettsia. Bartonella was detected in 48 % of the Pulex irritans pools (B. rochalimae in three pools, B. berkhoffii in two pools, B. henselae in one pool), and 8 % of the Ctenocephalides felis felis pools (B. rochalimae , one pool). Rickettsia was confirmed in 11 % of P. irritans pools and 92 % of the Ct. felis pools. Characterization confirmed R. felis in all sequenced Rickettsia -positive pools. All Ct. canis pools were negative. A Ct. felis pool from a wild-found domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) also resulted positive for R. felis. Although opportunistic, this survey provides the first description of zoonotic pathogens naturally circulating in fleas parasitizing Chilean free-living carnivores. • Wild fox fleas from Chile analysed as pools for DNA of Bartonella and Rickettsia. • 46 % and 11 % of Pulex irritans pools were positive for Bartonella and Rickettsia , respectively. • 18 % and 85 % of Ctenocephalides felis felis pools were positive for Bartonella and Rickettsia , respectively. • Sequencing confirmed DNA of B. rochalimae, B. berkhoffii, B. henselae and R. felis. • All Ctenocephalides canis pools resulted negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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14. Rickettsia felis and species of fleas parasitizing on household dogs in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
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Nguyen, Van Trong, Nguyen, Hieu Quoc, Nguyen, Van Thai, and Ng-Nguyen, Dinh
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FELIS , *FLEAS , *CAT flea , *RICKETTSIA , *SPECIES , *RHIPICEPHALUS , *DOGS - Abstract
Rickettsia felis is an obligate intracellular gra m-negative bacterium that belongs to the family of Rickettsiaceae. Ctenocephalides felis, cat flea, is the primary vector of the bacteria. The flea is the most common ectoparasite in dogs and associated with flea-borne spotted fever in humans. Information on R. felis and flea species parasitizing on dogs in Vietnam is limited. This study aimed to identify the species of fleas collected from dogs in the Central Highlands of Vietnam and detected the existence of R. felis in these fleas utilizing molecular tools. Morphological identification of 1618 fleas and molecular confirmation revealed the predominance of C. felis orientis parasitizing on dogs in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Sixty-eight out of 100 fleas collected from household dogs were positive for spotted fever group rickettsiae; whilst R. felis was detected in 97.06 % (66/68) of C. felis orientis and C. felis felis. The results of this study indicate the potentially high risk of R. felis infection to humans and animals. • The predominance of Ctenocephalides felis orientis parasitizing on dogs in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. • Sixty-eight per 100 fleas were positive for spotted fever group rickettsiae, and R. felis was detected in 66 fleas. • Both Ctenocephalides felis orientis and Ctenocephalides felis felis were identified to harbor R. felis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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15. Rickettsia felis: The Complex Journey of an Emergent Human Pathogen.
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Angelakis, Emmanouil, Mediannikov, Oleg, Parola, Philippe, and Raoult, Didier
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RICKETTSIA felis , *PATHOGENIC bacteria , *FEBRILE seizures , *EPIDEMIOLOGY , *MOSQUITO vectors , *PATIENTS - Abstract
Rickettsia felis is an obligate intracellular bacterium that is different from other officially recognized rickettsial species. It has multiple genes of different origins, an incubation temperature of less than 32 °C, and a conjugative plasmid. This Rickettsia is commonly detected in febrile patients in sub-Saharan Africa. R. felis is frequently detected in cat fleas, but recently mosquitoes have been suspected to be able to transmit the bacterium. However, many aspects of the ecology and epidemiology of R. felis are not completely understood and remain to be uncovered. We aim here to give an update of the current knowledge about this fascinating organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2016
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16. Candidatus ‘Rickettsia senegalensis’ in cat fleas in Senegal.
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Mediannikov, O., Aubadie-Ladrix, M., and Raoult, D.
- Abstract
Epidemiological studies of Rickettsia felis and related bacteria are very important, because the natural cycle of this important infection has not yet been established. The recent emergence of R. felis -associated febrile diseases in West and East Africa demands insightful epidemiological studies of the vectors and reservoirs of this bacterium in Africa. Twenty-nine cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis , were tested for the presence of rickettsiae, including R. felis , bartonellae, and borreliae, with specific quantitative real-time PCR assays. Supporting our previous studies, R. felis was not detected in the fleas collected. In addition, neither Bartonella nor Borrelia was found. In five (17%) examined fleas, we found another species of rickettsia. We isolated three rickettsial strains, and genetic analysis demonstrated that these strains represent a probable new species, provisionally called Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2015
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17. Molecular surveillance of microbial agents from cattle-attached and questing ticks from livestock agroecosystems of Antioquia, Colombia.
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Segura, Juan A., Dibernardo, Antonia, Manguiat, Kathy, Waitt, Brooks, Rueda, Zulma V., Keynan, Yoav, Wood, Heidi, and Gutiérrez, Lina A.
- Subjects
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RHIPICEPHALUS , *TICKS , *RICKETTSIA , *ANAPLASMA marginale , *DNA sequencing , *ANIMAL welfare , *AGRICULTURAL ecology , *POLYMERASE chain reaction - Abstract
Ticks are obligate ectoparasites and vectors of pathogens affecting health, agriculture, and animal welfare. This study collected ticks from the cattle and questing ticks of 24 Magdalena Medio Antioquia region cattle farms. Genomic DNA was extracted from the specimens (individual or pools) of the 2088 adult ticks collected from cattle and 4667 immature questing ticks collected from pastures. The molecular detection of Babesia , Anaplasma , Coxiella and Rickettsia genera was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification and subsequent DNA sequencing. In a total of 6755 Rhipicephalus microplus DNA samples, Anaplasma marginale was the most detected with a frequency of 2% (Confidence Interval- CI 1.68–2.36), followed by Babesia bigemina with 0.28% (CI 0.16–0.44), Coxiella spp. with 0.15% (CI 0.07–0.27), and Rickettsia spp. with 0.13% (CI 0.06–0.25). Molecular analysis of the DNA sequences obtained from the tick samples revealed the presence of Coxiella -like endosymbiont and R. felis. These results demonstrated the diversity of microorganisms present in R. microplus ticks predominantly associated with cattle and questing ticks from livestock agroecosystems, suggesting their role as reservoirs and potential biological vectors of these microorganisms on the studied sites. Also, it emphasizes the need to combine acarological surveillance with clinical diagnoses and control strategies on regional and national levels. • Babesia bigemina, Anaplasma marginale, Coxiella -like endosymbiont and Rickettsia felis were molecularly detected in Rhipicephalus microplus ticks from the Magdalena Medio region in Antioquia, Colombia. • Anaplasma marginale was the most detected microorganism in Rhipicephalus microplus among those studied. • Babesia bigemina was detected in both adult ticks Rhipicephalus microplus (female and male) cattle-attached and questing ticks (Larvae) collected from the studied farms with a total frequency of 0.28% CI (0.16-0.44). In contrast, Anaplasma marginale was only detected in adult ticks (female and male) collected from cattle-attached ticks with a 2% CI (1.68-2.36) frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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18. Description of “yaaf”, the vesicular fever caused by acute Rickettsia felis infection in Senegal.
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Mediannikov, Oleg, Fenollar, Florence, Bassene, Hubert, Tall, Adama, Sokhna, Cheikh, Trape, Jean-François, and Raoult, Didier
- Abstract
Summary: Rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia felis is an emerging infection in Africa and may account for 3–4% of ambulatory febrile fevers. We report herein a case of R. felis infection, for which we propose the name “yaaf”, meaning vesicle, in an 8-month-old girl who was diagnosed in the field by real-time PCR analysis of a skin lesion; these PCR analysis was performed at a local experimental point-of-care laboratory. The clinical presentation was polymorphous skin lesions, including papules, vesicles, erosions and ulcers. The patient did not produce antibodies against Rickettsia. We suggest that this disease may be a primary infection caused by R. felis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
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- 2013
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19. Bartonella and Rickettsia in arthropods from the Lao PDR and from Borneo, Malaysia
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Kernif, Tahar, Socolovschi, Cristina, Wells, Konstans, Lakim, Maklarin B., Inthalad, Saythong, Slesak, Günther, Boudebouch, Najma, Beaucournu, Jean-Claude, Newton, Paul N., Raoult, Didier, and Parola, Philippe
- Subjects
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BARTONELLA , *RICKETTSIA , *ARTHROPODA , *RICE varieties , *ARBOVIRUS diseases in animals , *MEDICAL geography - Abstract
Abstract: Rickettsioses and bartonelloses are arthropod-borne diseases of mammals with widespread geographical distributions. Yet their occurrence in specific regions, their association with different vectors and hosts and the infection rate of arthropod-vectors with these agents remain poorly studied in South-east Asia. We conducted entomological field surveys in the Lao PDR (Laos) and Borneo, Malaysia by surveying fleas, ticks, and lice from domestic dogs and collected additional samples from domestic cows and pigs in Laos. Rickettsia felis was detected by real-time PCR with similar overall flea infection rate in Laos (76.6%, 69/90) and Borneo (74.4%, 268/360). Both of the encountered flea vectors Ctenocephalides orientis and Ctenocephalides felis felis were infected with R. felis. The degrees of similarity of partial gltA and ompA genes with recognized species indicate the rickettsia detected in two Boophilus spp. ticks collected from a cow in Laos may be a new species. Isolation and further characterization will be necessary to specify it as a new species. Bartonella clarridgeiae was detected in 3/90 (3.3%) and 2/360 (0.6%) of examined fleas from Laos and Borneo, respectively. Two fleas collected in Laos and one flea collected in Borneo were co-infected with both R. felis and B. clarridgeiae. Further investigations are needed in order to isolate these agents and to determine their epidemiology and aetiological role in unknown fever in patients from these areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
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20. Identification of Rickettsia felis in fleas but not ticks on stray cats and dogs and the evidence of Rickettsia rhipicephali only in adult stage of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides
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Hsu, Yuan-Man, Lin, Chao-Chen, Chomel, Bruno B., Tsai, Kun-Hsien, Wu, Wen-Jer, Huang, Chin-Gi, and Chang, Chao-Chin
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RICKETTSIAL diseases , *FELIS , *RHIPICEPHALUS , *BROWN dog tick , *PATHOGENIC microorganisms , *GENE expression , *NUCLEOTIDE sequence , *DISEASE prevalence - Abstract
Abstract: Rickettsia spp. are zoonotic pathogens and mainly transmitted by various arthropod vectors, such as fleas, ticks, and lice. Previous epidemiological studies indicated that ectoparasites infested on dogs or cats may be infected by Rickettsia spp., and transmit them to human beings accidentally. In this study, the prevalence of Rickettsia infection was evaluated using fleas and ticks from stray dogs and cats in Taiwan. A total of 158 pools made by 451 cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) from 37 dogs and 4 cats were used for analysis. Besides, 386 Rhipicephalus ticks collected from the other 62 stray dogs were included in this study. Nymphal and adult ticks were individually analyzed but larvae were separated into 21 pools for molecular detection. Partial sequencing analysis of the gltA gene was applied for Rickettsia identification. The results showed that 44.3% (70/158) of the cat flea pools were harboring Rickettsia DNA. Although 6.9% (13/187) of adult ticks were infected with Rickettsia, neither larval pools nor nymphal ticks were found to contain Rickettsia DNA. According to the results of sequencing analyses, all Rickettsia PCR-positive cat flea pools were infected with R. felis, and all Rickettsia PCR-positive adult ticks were infected with R. rhipicephali. The results of this study demonstrated that C. felis but not Rhipicephlus sanguineus (the brown dog tick) and Rh. haemaphysaloides collected from stray animals in Taiwan could be infected the zoonotic pathogen R. felis. Moreover, R. rhipicephali was only identified in adult stage of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rh. haemaphysaloides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2011
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21. Rickettsia felis: from a rare disease in the USA to a common cause of fever in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Parola, P.
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RICKETTSIA , *FEVER , *RARE diseases - Abstract
Rickettsia felis is a spotted fever group rickettsia that has been definitely described in 2002. Within the last 20 years, there have been a growing number of reports implicating R. felis as a human pathogen, parallel to the fast-growing reports of the worldwide detection of R. felis in arthropod hosts, mainly the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis felis. R. felis is now known as the agent of the so-called flea-borne spotted fever, with more than 70 cases documented in the literature. Recently, two studies respectively conducted in Senegal and Kenya, have challenged the importance of R. felis infection in patients with unexplained fever in sub-Saharan Africa. We focus here on the epidemiological and clinical aspects of R. felis infection. More studies are needed, including the study of other arthropod vectors, but it can be speculated that R. felis infection might be an important neglected agent of fever in sub-Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2011
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22. Severe human infection with Rickettsia felis associated with hepatitis in Yucatan, Mexico.
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Zavala-Castro, Jorge, Zavala-Velázquez, Jorge, Walker, David, Pérez-Osorio, Jorge, and Peniche-Lara, Gaspar
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RICKETTSIA ,RICKETTSIAL diseases ,HEPATITIS ,SYMPTOMS ,ENDEMIC flea-borne typhus ,HOSPITAL care ,PUBLIC health - Abstract
Abstract: Rickettsia felis infection usually is a mild-to-moderate illness characterized by general signs and symptoms. Generally, patients do not require hospitalization. However, we detected 2 severe infections with R. felis. Our findings support the importance of R. felis infection as a potentially severe illness in humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
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- 2009
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23. Tick- and flea-borne rickettsioses in Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria: Implications for travel medicine.
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Bouchaib, Hayet, Eldin, Carole, Laroche, Maureen, Raoult, Didier, and Parola, Philippe
- Abstract
Abstract Background In Algeria, Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), caused by Rickettsia conorii conorii and transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus , is endemic. However, the documentation of cases is rare due to a lack of laboratory facilities. Our aim was to screen for rickettsioses in patients with fever, rash and a possible inoculation eschar. Materials and methods Between 2013 and 2015, patients with a fever and a rash presenting at hospitals in the Tizi-Ouzou region were prospectively included in our study. Sera were screened using Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) and qPCR was performed on swab samples from eschars. Results One hundred and sixty-six patients were included. For 57 patients, MSF due to R. conorii conorii was diagnosed by serology and qPCR on a swab eschar sample. Three patients were diagnosed with murine typhus, a flea borne rickettsiosis. In addition, two patients had a positive serology in IgM for R. felis. For nine patients, serology for rickettsiosis was positive, but the specific rickettsia involved could not be determined. Nine patients had a severe disease with neurological involvement or multi-organ failure. Conclusion Clinicians should routinely screen for rickettsioses in patients and travellers presenting with a rash upon return from Algeria. Doxycycline treatment must be given promptly because the prognosis can be severe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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24. Update on flea and tick associated diseases of cats.
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Lappin, Michael R.
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TICK control , *ANAPLASMA phagocytophilum , *FLUOROQUINOLONES , *THERAPEUTICS - Abstract
There are multiple vector-borne diseases in cats, the most prominent being those transmitted by mosquitos, sand flies, fleas, and ticks. Many of the agents vectored by fleas or ticks have been grown or amplified from blood or have induced antibodies in the serum of normal cats or those with clinical signs like fever and will be the focus of this manuscript. As high as 80% of fleas collected from cats contain at least one organism that could induce illness in cats or people. Anaplasma phagocytophilum , Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., Ehrlichia spp., hemoplasmas, and Rickettsia spp. infect cats and can be associated with clinical illness. Anaplasma phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi are transmitted by Ixodes spp., Ehrlichia spp. and A. platys are transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus . Fleas vector Bartonella spp., hemoplasmas, and R. felis . Recently, R. typhus was detected in cats in Spain. Lethargy and fever are common findings in cats with flea and tick borne diseases. Hemoplasmas are associated with hemolytic anemia. Moderate thrombocytopenia is associated with the tick-vectored agents. Polymerase chain reaction assays performed on blood collected in the acute phase of infection can be used to prove presence of the organisms. Doxycycline at 5 mg/kg, PO, twice daily or 10 mg/kg, PO, daily can be effective for resolving the clinical signs. If doxycycline is ineffective or not tolerated, fluoroquinolones can be effective for treatment of clinical illness associated with Bartonella spp., hemoplasmas, and Rickettsia spp. Use of flea and tick control products is effective for blocking transmission of many of the agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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25. Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) carrying Rickettsia felis and Bartonella species in Hong Kong.
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Šlapeta, Jan, Lawrence, Andrea, and Reichel, Michael P.
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FLEAS as carriers of disease , *INSECTS as carriers of disease , *BARTONELLA , *RICKETTSIA , *CAT diseases , *DOG diseases , *ZOONOSES - Abstract
Fleas are commonly recorded on stray as well as domestic dogs and cats in Hong Kong. Fleas can be a major cause of pruritus in dogs and cats and also vectors of potentially zoonotic bacteria in the genera Rickettsia and Bartonella . Morphological examination of 174 fleas from dogs and cats living in Hong Kong revealed only cat fleas ( Ctenocephalides felis ). Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene ( cox1 ) genotyping of 20 randomly selected specimens, revealed three cox1 haplotypes (HK-h1 to HK-h3). The most common haplotype was HK-h1 with 17 specimens (17/20, 85%). HK-h1 was identical to cox1 sequences of fleas in Thailand and Fiji. HK-h1 and HK-h2 form a distinct cat flea cox1 clade previously recognized as the Clade 3. HK-h3 forms a new Clade 6. A multiplex Bartonella and Rickettsia real-time PCR of DNA from 20 C. felis found Bartonella and Rickettsia DNA in three (15%) and ten (50%) C. felis , respectively. DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of R. felis , B. clarridgeiae and Bartonella henselae . This is the first reported study of that kind in Hong Kong, and further work is required to expand the survey of companion animals in the geographical region. The sampling of fleas on domestic cats and dogs in Hong Kong revealed them to be exclusively infested by the cat flea and to be harbouring pathogens of zoonotic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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26. High prevalence of Rickettsia helvetica in wild small mammal populations in Germany.
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Fischer, Stefan, Spierling, Nastasja G., Heuser, Elisa, Kling, Christopher, Schmidt, Sabrina, Rosenfeld, Ulrike M., Reil, Daniela, Imholt, Christian, Jacob, Jens, Ulrich, Rainer G., and Essbauer, Sandra
- Abstract
Since the beginning of the 21st century, spotted fever rickettsioses are known as emerging diseases worldwide. Rickettsiae are obligately intracellular bacteria transmitted by arthropod vectors. The ecology of Rickettsia species has not been investigated in detail, but small mammals are considered to play a role as reservoirs. Aim of this study was to monitor rickettsiae in wild small mammals over a period of five years in four federal states of Germany. Initial screening of ear pinna tissues of 3939 animals by Pan-Rick real-time PCR targeting the citrate synthase ( gltA) gene revealed 296 rodents of seven species and 19 shrews of two species positive for rickettsial DNA. Outer membrane protein gene ( ompB, ompA I V ) PCRs based typing resulted in the identification of three species: Rickettsia helvetica (90.9%) was found as the dominantly occurring species in the four investigated federal states, but Rickettsia felis (7.8%) and Rickettsia raoultii (1.3%) were also detected. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in rodents of the genus Apodemus was found to be higher (approximately 14%) than in all other rodent and shrew species at all investigated sites. General linear mixed model analyses indicated that heavier (older) individuals of yellow-necked mice and male common voles seem to contain more often rickettsial DNA than younger ones. Furthermore, rodents generally collected in forests in summer and autumn more often carried rickettsial DNA. In conclusion, this study indicated a high prevalence of R. helvetica in small mammal populations and suggests an age-dependent increase of the DNA prevalence in some of the species and in animals originating from forest habitats. The finding of R. helvetica and R. felis DNA in multiple small mammal species may indicate frequent trans -species transmission by feeding of vectors on different species. Further investigations should target the reason for the discrepancy between the high rickettsial DNA prevalence in rodents and the so far almost absence of clinical apparent human infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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27. Rickettsia diversity in southern Africa: A small mammal perspective.
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Essbauer, Sandra, Hofmann, Mirja, Kleinemeier, Christoph, Wölfel, Silke, and Matthee, Sonja
- Abstract
Worldwide, including Africa, rickettsioses are recognized as emerging or re-emerging infections. To date, little is known about the diversity of Rickettsia species that are naturally associated with small mammals in southern Africa. The aim of the study was to screen a diversity of small mammals for the presence of rickettsial DNA. Animals were trapped at 38 localities in South Africa and Namibia. In total, 1616 ear-tissue samples from 23 species representing 17 genera were tested using real-time (rt)PCR and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Of the 1616 samples 251 (15.5%) were positive in an initial rtPCR. In 16 of the 23 investigated animal species rickettsial DNA was detected with an average prevalence of 15.7%. We herein describe for the first time four Rickettsia (R.) species known to be pathogenic for humans in rodents from South Africa, R. conorii, R. massiliae, R. felis and R. helvetica . In addition, by MLST and subsequent phylogenetic analyses so far undescribed Rickettsia species, Candidatus Rickettsia africaustralis, Candidatus Rickettsia rhabdomydis, and Candidatus Rickettsia muridii were confirmed. Further four new genotypes, genotype Rickettsia hofmannii, genotype Rickettsia stutterheimensis, genotype Rickettsia hogsbackensis and genotype Rickettsia kaalplaasensis, respectively, are described. The data indicate a surprisingly high diversity of Rickettsia in small mammals in South Africa and might indicate their possible role as reservoirs for Rickettsia . Ecological questions concerning their natural hosts such as small mammals, but also the role of livestock or pet animals, require further investigation. Particularly, data on the relevance of these rickettsiae for diseases in humans are of further interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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28. Humans infested with Ixodes ricinus are exposed to a diverse array of tick-borne pathogens in Serbia.
- Author
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Banović, Pavle, Díaz-Sánchez, Adrian Alberto, Galon, Clemence, Simin, Verica, Mijatović, Dragana, Obregón, Dasiel, Moutailler, Sara, and Cabezas-Cruz, Alejandro
- Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) pose a major threat to human health in Europe and the whole northern hemisphere. Despite a high prevalence of TBPs in Ixodes ricinus ticks, knowledge on the incidence of tick-borne diseases in humans infested by this tick species is limited. This study was conducted in the year 2019 on patients who presented themselves to the Pasteur Institute Novi Sad with tick infestations. Ticks (n = 31) feeding on human (n = 30) and blood samples from the same individuals were collected by physicians and a microfluidic real-time high-throughput PCR system was used to test the genomic DNA of the samples for the presence of 27 bacterial and eight parasitic microorganisms in Serbia. Except for one Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. adult male tick, all ticks infesting humans were morphologically identified as I. ricinus. A high proportion of ticks (74 %, 23/31) were infected with at least one of the tested TB microorganisms, being Rickettsia helvetica (54 %, 17/31) the most common pathogen, but Borrelia afzelii (9 %, 3/31), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (6 %, 2/31), Borrelia miyamotoi (6 %, 2/31), and Francisella like-endosymbiont (6 %, 2/31), Borrelia valaisiana (3 %, 1/31), Borrelia lusitaniae (3 %, 1/31), Rickettsia felis (3 %, 1/31) and Rickettsia aeschlimannii (3 %, 1/31) were also identified. Despite the high infection rate of TBPs in ticks, only two human blood samples (6 %, 2/30) tested positive for the presence of TBPs, one patient (code H12, 67 years old female) was diagnosed with Borrelia spp. and the other patient was diagnosed (code H17, 71 years old female) with R. felis infection. The tick infesting patient H12 tested positive for B. afzelii , and R. helvetica and the tick infesting patient H17 tested positive for R. felis. Upon clinical examination, both patients were diagnosed with erythema migrans. No additional discomfort was reported by the patient and no additional pathology was observed by the physician. We concluded that humans bitten by I. ricinus in Serbia are exposed to a diverse array of TBPs with clinical impact in the Serbian cohort studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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29. Molecular detection of Rickettsia felis in common fleas in Greece and comparative evaluation of genotypic methods.
- Author
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Dougas, Georgios, Tsakris, Athanassios, Billinis, Charalambos, Beleri, Stavroula, Patsoula, Eleni, and Papaparaskevas, Joseph
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FELIS , *RICKETTSIAL diseases , *CATS , *RICKETTSIA , *FLEAS , *EVALUATION methodology , *RHIPICEPHALUS - Abstract
Rickettsia felis is the causative agent of flea-borne spotted fever (FBSF), an emerging zoonosis. Although there is evidence of FBSF in Greece, fleas, the classic vectors of R. felis , have not been adequately studied. Thus, the aim of this study was to detect and characterize bacteria of genus Rickettsia and especially R. felis from common fleas parasitizing domestic cats and dogs in Greece and evaluate the efficiency of established molecular techniques. DNA of flea-pools (samples) by animal-host was investigated by quantitative real-time PCRs (qPCR), and 16S metagenomics (16S). Determination of Rickettsia spp., Rickettsia felis -like organisms (RFLOs), and R. felis was based on a combination of qPCRs targeting gltA and ompB genes, 16S automated metagenomics and manual comparison of 16S sequences for >99% similarity with the publicly available 16S R. felis GenBank sequences using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST >99). Information for the animal-hosts was available and statistically analyzed. Among 100 flea-pools, R. felis was detected in 14 samples with a combination of six, five and three assays in 10, two and two samples, respectively. The sensitivity of the assays for Rickettsia genus (16S, and genus specific qPCRs) ranged from 62.5% to 93.8% and the specificity from 65.0% to 100%. R. felis -targeting qPCRs for gltA and ompB demonstrated sensitivity and specificity of 92.9% and 100%, and 100.0% and 87.5%, respectively. 16S metagenomics using the assay software was not able to identify R. felis positive specimens, although manual BLAST >99 did identify the species, but demonstrated sensitivity of 92.9% and specificity of 65.0%. No association of the detection rate of Rickettsia genus or R. felis , with the epidemiological data collected, was identified. These observations suggest the occurrence of R. felis in fleas from pets in Attica, Greece, but PCR and sequencing assays varied considerably in sensitivity and specificity and a consensus methodology for assigning the positivity status is required to be established. • Rickettsia felis DNA was detected in fleas of companion animals in Athens, Greece. • PCR presented with varying sensitivities and specificities (from 62.5 to 100%). • The bioB or ompB PCRs presented with higher specificity than 16S sequencing. • 16S using the commercial assay software and database did not identify R. felis. • A combination of assays is suggested for identification of R. felis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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30. Wild and domestic animals likely involved in rickettsial endemic zones of Northwestern Colombia.
- Author
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Londoño, Andrés F., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, Leidy Y., Marín, Diana, Contreras, Verónica, Díaz, Francisco J., Valbuena, Gustavo, Labruna, Marcelo B., Hidalgo, Marylin, Arboleda, Margarita, Mattar, Salim, Solari, Sergio, and Rodas, Juan D.
- Abstract
Between 2006 and 2008, three outbreaks of human rickettsiosis occurred in Northwestern Colombia (municipalities of Necoclí, Los Córdobas and Turbo), with case fatality rates between 27% and 54%. The aim of this study was to determine previous exposure of wild and domestic animals to spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae through serological tests, to detect rickettsial evidence in their ectoparasites, and to analyze their possible role in the epidemiology of rickettsial diseases in this zone of the country. A cross-sectional association study was performed from 2010 to 2011. Blood and ectoparasite samples were collected from domestic animals and small mammals. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between seropositive animals and the study zones was observed. A total of 2937 ticks, 672 fleas and 74 lice were collected and tested in pools by PCR. The minimum infection rate (MIR) of the positive pools was 5% in ticks, 4% in fleas, and 0% in lice. Phylogenetic analyses showed circulation of three 4. Rickettsia species: R. felis in fleas, and R. bellii and Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest, both in Amblyomma ovale ticks. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the occurrence of SFG rickettsiae in domestic, synanthropic and wild animals, and suggests the use of equines and canines as good sentinels of infection, in the study zone. We speculate that a transmission cycle exist involving rodents in the areas where these outbreaks have occurred. Tomes' spiny rats ( Proechimys semispinosus ) and common opossums ( Didelphis marsupialis ) could be good candidates as amplifier hosts for SFG rickettsiae in enzootic/endemic zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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31. Diversity of rickettsiae in a rural community in northern California.
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Stephenson, Nicole, Blaney, Alexandra, Clifford, Deana, Gabriel, Mourad, Wengert, Greta, Foley, Patrick, Brown, Richard N., Higley, Mark, Buckenberger-Mantovani, Sarah, and Foley, Janet
- Abstract
Far northern California forests are highly biodiverse in wildlife reservoirs and arthropod vectors that may propagate rickettsial pathogens in nature. The proximity of small rural communities to these forests puts people and domestic animals at risk of vector-borne infection due to spillover from wildlife. The current study was conducted to document exposure to rickettsial pathogens in people and domestic animals in a rural community, and identify which rickettsiae are present in sylvatic and peri-domestic environments near this community. Blood samples from people, domestic animals (dogs, cats, and horses) and wild carnivores were tested for Rickettsia spp. antibodies and DNA (people and domestic animals only) by serology and real time (RT)-PCR, respectively. Ectoparasites were collected from dogs, wild carnivores and from vegetation by flagging, and tested for Rickettsia spp. DNA by RT-PCR. DNA sequencing of the rickettsial 17 kDa protein gene or the ompA gene was used for species identification. Despite a seroprevalence of 3% in people, 42% in dogs, 79% in cats, 33% in gray foxes, and 83% in bobcats, RT-PCR on blood was consistently negative, likely because the sensitivity of this test is low, as Rickettsia spp. do not often circulate in high numbers in the blood. Rickettsia spp. DNA was found in four flea species collected from bobcats and Ctenocephalides felis collected from domestic dogs. All amplicons sequenced from fleas were R. felis . Ixodes pacificus collected by flagging were commonly infected with a Rickettsia sp. endosymbiont. Rickettsia rhipicephali DNA was found in Dermacentor variabilis from dogs, black bears, a gray fox, and a D. occidentalis collected by flagging. Dermacentor variabilis from dogs and black bears also contained R. montanensis DNA. Multiple Rickettsia spp. (including species with zoonotic and pathogenic potential) were found among human biting arthropod vectors of both wild and domestic carnivores and on flags. Knowledge of the diversity of Rickettsia spp. that are present within arthropod vectors to which people and domestic animals are exposed is an essential first step is making an accurate diagnosis and in better understanding the epidemiology of these potential pathogens. Within-host and vector interaction among these species may play a role in spillover into human and domestic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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32. First report of multiple Rickettsia sp., Anaplasma sp., and Ehrlichia sp. in the San Miguel Department of El Salvador from zoonotic tick vectors.
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Dye-Braumuller, Kyndall C., Lynn, Mary K., Cornejo Rivas, P. Michelle, Lee, Christopher, Rodríguez Aquino, Marvin S., Chandler, Jennifer G., Trout Fryxell, Rebecca R., Self, Stella C.W., Kanyangarara, Mufaro, and Nolan, Melissa S.
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RICKETTSIA , *EHRLICHIA , *ANAPLASMA , *TICKS , *TICK-borne diseases , *NEGLECTED diseases - Abstract
• Evidence of multiple pathogens circulating in tick populations in El Salvador. • Tick-borne disease surveillance is severely lacking in this region. • This is the first report of pathogenic Rickettsia bacteria in El Salvador. • Much is still unknown about the ecology of tick-borne disease in Central America. Neglected bacterial zoonoses are a group of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that are commonly underdiagnosed and underreported due to their undifferentiated febrile illness symptomology. Spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR), a subset of tick-borne bacterial zoonoses, belong in this group. There is a dichotomy in the reporting and recognition of these pathogens in Central America: countries with reduced human development scores—like El Salvador—have little to no research or surveillance dedicated to these pathogens and the diseases they cause. This was the third-ever tick survey in El Salvador, highlighting the knowledge gap in this country. A total of 253 ticks were collected from 11 animals at two farm sites and one veterinary office. Standard and quantitative PCR were used to detect presence of SFGR, Ehrlichia , and Anaplasma sp. pathogens in ticks. Ehrlichia sp. were detected in 2.4% of all collected ticks and Anaplasma sp. were detected in 5.5% of all ticks. Rickettsia rickettsii was amplified in 18.2% of ticks, and amplicons similar to R. parkeri , and R. felis were found in 0.8% and 0.4%, of collected ticks, respectively. This is the first report of these pathogenic bacterial species in El Salvador. This study emphasizes the need for further surveillance and research including incorporating additional human seroprevalence and testing to understand the public health burden in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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33. Human rickettsioses in the Batna area, eastern Algeria.
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Mokrani, Khamsa, Tebbal, Soraya, Raoult, Didier, and Fournier, Pierre-Edouard
- Abstract
Abstract: In order to investigate the prevalence of rickettsioses in febrile exanthemas in eastern Algeria, we conducted a prospective serological analysis of all patients presenting with this clinical picture at the Infectious Diseases Department in the Batna Hospital from January 2000 to September 2006. One hundred and eight adult patients were included in the study, 46% of whom younger than 25 years, and 72.5% were admitted from May to September. Patients were tested for antibodies to Rickettsia conorii conorii, R. conorii israelensis, R. aeschlimannii, R. felis, R. sibirica mongolitimonae, R. africae, R. massiliae, R. typhi, and R. prowazekii using microimmunofluorescence and Western blot as confirmation procedure. Both methods confirmed the diagnosis of Mediterranean spotted fever in 5 patients (4.6%), flea spotted fever in 2 patients (1.9%), and R. aeschlimannii infection in 2 patients (1.9%). In addition, 4 patients were diagnosed as having murine typhus (3.7%) and one with epidemic typhus (0.9%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of R. felis infection and R. aeschlimannii infection in Algeria. In conclusion, at least 5 different kinds of rickettsiosis coexist in eastern Algeria and, being responsible for 13% of cases of febrile exanthemas, should be considered among major causes of this clinical picture in this area. In addition, we emphasize the high incidence of typhus group rickettioses, including epidemic typhus, in this area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
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- 2012
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34. The prevalence of Rickettsia felis DNA in fleas collected from cats and dogs in the UK.
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Abdullah, Swaid, Lait, Phillipa, Helps, Chris, Newbury, Hannah, and Wall, Richard
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CAT flea , *FLEAS , *RICKETTSIA , *DOGS , *DNA , *FELIDAE - Abstract
• A large-scale UK-wide survey recruited 326 veterinary practices. • A random sample of 812 cats and 662 dogs were examined for fleas over 3-months. • Flea samples were screened by PCR and DNA sequence analysis for Rickettsia. • Of the flea samples, 27 (5.7%) were positive for R. felis DNA. In a large-scale survey in the UK, recruited veterinary practices were asked to inspect client-ownedcats and dogs, selected at random between April and June 2018, following a standardised flea inspection protocol. A total of 326 veterinary practices participated and 812 cats and 662 dogs were examined during the 3-month period. Fleas were collected, identified to species level and fleas of the same species collected from a single animal were pooled together and treated as a single sample. A total of 470 pooled flea samples were screened by PCR and DNA sequence analysis for a subset of Rickettsia species including R. felis and R. typhi. On analysis, 27 (5.7%) of the pooled flea samples were positive for R. felis DNA; these were predominantly in the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis , but one dog flea, Ctenocephalides canis was also positive for this pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
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35. Molecular detection of tick-borne rickettsial pathogens in ticks collected from domestic animals from Cauca, Colombia.
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Martínez Díaz, Heidy-Carolina, Gil-Mora, Juliana, Betancourt-Ruiz, Paola, Silva-Ramos, Carlos Ramiro, Matiz-González, J. Manuel, Villalba-Perez, María-Alejandra, Ospina-Pinto, María Catalina, Ramirez-Hernández, Alejandro, Olaya-M, Luz-Adriana, Bolaños, Eliana, Cuervo, Claudia, Benavides, Efraín, and Hidalgo, Marylin
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RICKETTSIA , *TICKS , *DOMESTIC animals , *IXODIDAE , *ANAPLASMA marginale , *BROWN dog tick , *DERMACENTOR - Abstract
• Molecularly confirmed Amblyomma patinoi was detected in the department of Cauca, Colombia. • DNA of Ehrlichia minasensis was found in Rhipicephalus microplus ticks collected from El Tambo municipality. • Highly similar sequences with Rickettsia asembonensis, R. felis and Candidatus R. senegalensis were detected. • Anaplasma marginale and Ehrlichia canis were confirmed to be circulating in the Cauca department, Colombia. Some hard ticks' species can act as vectors of a wide variety of pathogens of human and animal importance such as Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia spp. In Colombia, a total of forty-six tick species have been described, and some of them have been implicated as vectors of some infectious agents. The department of Cauca is one of the thirty-two departments of Colombia. Most of its population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture as the main economic activity, favoring exposure to ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the tick species and tick-borne pathogens circulating in this region. From August to November 2017, ticks were collected from dogs, horses and cattle from eight rural areas of four municipalities in the department of Cauca. All collected ticks were classified according to taxonomic keys and organized in pools. DNA was extracted from all tick pools for molecular confirmation of tick species and detection of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia spp. A total of 2809 ticks were collected which were grouped in 602 pools. Ticks were morphologically identified as Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato, Dermacentor nitens, Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. The molecular identity of A. cajennense s.l. was confirmed as Amblyomma patinoi. A total of 95% of the pools scored positive for members of the Anaplasmataceae family, of which, 7.8% and 7.3% were positive to Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp., respectively, being identified as Anaplasma marginale, Ehrlichia minasensis and Ehrlichia canis ; and 16.1% were positive for Rickettsia spp. with high identity for Rickettsia asembonensis, Rickettsia felis and Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis. This is the first report describing the natural infection of ticks with rickettsial pathogens and the occurrence of A. patinoi ticks in Cauca department, Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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36. Rickettsia lusitaniae associated with Ornithodoros yumatensis (Acari: Argasidae) from two caves in Yucatan, Mexico.
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Sánchez-Montes, Sokani, Guzmán-Cornejo, Carmen, Martínez-Nájera, Yecenia, Becker, Ingeborg, Venzal, José M., and Labruna, Marcelo B.
- Abstract
The genus Rickettsia includes obligate intracellular bacteria transmitted by several hematophagous arthropods such as ticks, fleas and sucking lice. In particular hard ticks (Ixodidae) have been cited as the main vectors of pathogenic rickettsiae in Mexico. However, there have been only two records of a single Rickettsia species associated with Mexican soft ticks (Argasidae). In this study, we searched for rickettsial DNA in argasid ticks (13 adults and eight nymphs of Ornithodoros yumatensis ) from two bat caves in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. Additionally one larva collected in a cave from Chiapas, Mexico, and associated with Desmodus rotundus was used to corroborate the tick taxonomic determination. Of these, nine ticks (43%) yielded expected PCR products for the rickettsial gltA gene. These PCR-positive ticks were tested with additional PCR protocols targeting the rickettsial genes gltA , ompA and ompB . DNA partial sequences from these genes showed 99–100% identities with Rickettsia lusitaniae, an agent isolated from O. erraticus in Portugal, and closely related to R. felis and R. hoogstraalii. Based on the results from this study, the inventory of rickettsiae distributed in Mexico increases from six to seven species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2016
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37. Exposure of dogs to spotted fever group rickettsiae in urban sites associated with human rickettsioses in Costa Rica.
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Moreira-Soto, Andrés, Carranza, Marco V., Taylor, Lizeth, Calderón-Arguedas, Olger, Hun, Laya, and Troyo, Adriana
- Abstract
The zoonotic transmission cycles of Rickettsia rickettsii and other spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae in Latin America have usually been associated with rural or sylvatic environments, although domestic dogs can be implicated in more populated settings. In this study, exposure of dogs to SFG rickettsiae in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica was investigated. Dogs from sites associated with human cases and from dog shelters were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using antigen of SFG rickettsiae. Rickettsia spp. were detected in ectoparasites by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total 18.5% (31/168) of dogs associated with human cases and 6.8% (11/161) of dogs in shelters had IgG end titers ≥ 64 to Rickettsia spp. The odds of being seropositive were greater in dogs from areas associated with human cases when compared to shelters (OR: 3.2; 95% C.I: 1.5–5.6). Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s. l.) was present in all sites associated with human cases. Rickettsia felis URRWXCal2 and R. felis -like RF2125 were detected in Ctenocephalides felis , and Rickettsia sp. IbR/CRC in Ixodes boliviensis . Results demonstrate that dogs from the main urban center of Costa Rica have been exposed to SFG rickettsiae, especially in areas with known human infection. Both human and animal health sectors must be aware of possible rickettsial diseases in urban areas, where dogs may also serve as sentinels for human infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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38. Molecular identification of vector-borne organisms in Ehrlichia seropositive Nicaraguan horses and first report of Rickettsia felis infection in the horse.
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Tyrrell, Jeffrey D., Qurollo, Barbara A., Tornquist, Susan J., Schlaich, Kathryn G., Kelsey, Jennifer, Chandrashekar, Ramaswamy, and Breitschwerdt, Edward B.
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RICKETTSIA , *EHRLICHIA , *HORSES , *BARTONELLA , *FELIS , *DERMACENTOR - Abstract
• We report the first molecular detection of R. felis in horses. • A recently identified novel tick-borne organism, Ehrlichia sp. H7, is prevalent in horses in Mérida, Nicaragua. • Ehrlichia sp. H7 has only been detected in horses in Central and South America to date. • Theileri equi and Babesia caballi, were the most common pathogens detected in horses in Mérida, Nicaragua. Certain vector-borne organisms serve as etiological agents of equine disease. After previously identifying a new Ehrlichia species in horses from Mérida, we aimed to determine the infection frequency and screen for a wide range of vector-borne organisms from 93 tick-exposed, Ehrlichia seropositive horses in this region. PCR assays were performed to identify infection by organisms within the following genera: Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Leishmania, Mycoplasma, Neorickettsia, Rickettsia and Theileria. Overall, 90/93 horses (96.8%) were infected with one or more vector-borne organisms. Ninety (96.8%) horses were infected with Theileria equi and 21 (26.8%) with Babesia caballi. Nine (9.7%) horses were infected with the novel Ehrlichia species previously designated H7, reported in horses from Nicaragua and Brazil. Two horses (2.2%) were infected with Rickettsia felis. Anaplasma, Bartonella, Leishmania, Mycoplasma, or Neorickettsia species DNA was not amplified from any horse. Ticks collected from horses infected with vector-borne organisms were identified as Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato and Dermacentor nitens. Horses in Mérida are infected by a range of vector-borne organisms, including B. caballi, T. equi, Ehrlichia species H7, and R. felis. To the authors' knowledge, this constitutes the first report of molecular detection of R. felis in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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39. Integrated morphological and molecular identification of cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) vectoring Rickettsia felis in central Europe.
- Author
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Lawrence, Andrea L., Hii, Sze-Fui, Jirsová, Dagmar, Panáková, Lucia, Ionică, Angela M., Gilchrist, Katrina, Modrý, David, Mihalca, Andrei D., Webb, Cameron E., Traub, Rebecca J., and Šlapeta, Jan
- Subjects
- *
CAT flea , *MOLECULAR biology , *RICKETTSIA , *ANIMAL morphology , *BIODIVERSITY , *NUCLEOTIDE sequencing - Abstract
Fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides are the most common ectoparasites infesting dogs and cats world-wide. The species Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis are competent vectors for zoonotic pathogens such as Rickettsia felis and Bartonella spp. Improved knowledge on the diversity and phylogenetics of fleas is important for understanding flea-borne pathogen transmission cycles. Fleas infesting privately owned dogs and cats from the Czech Republic ( n = 97) and Romania ( n = 66) were subjected to morphological and molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis. There were a total of 59 (60.82%) cat fleas ( Ctenocephalides felis felis ), 30 (30.93%) dog fleas ( Ctenocephalides canis ), 7 (7.22%) European chicken fleas ( Ceratophyllus gallinae ) and 1 (1.03%) northern rat flea ( Nosopsyllus fasciatus ) collected in the Czech Republic. Both C. canis and C. felis felis were identified in Romania. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing at the cox1 gene on a cohort of 40 fleas revealed the cosmopolitan C. felis felis clade represented by cox1 haplotype 1 is present in the Czech Republic. A new C. felis felis clade from both the Czech Republic and Romania is also reported. A high proportion of C. canis was observed from dogs and cats in the current study and phylogeny revealed that C. canis forms a sister clade to the oriental cat flea Ctenocephalides orientis (syn. C. felis orientis ). Out of 33 fleas tested, representing C. felis felis , C. canis and Ce. gallinae , 7 (21.2%) were positive for R. felis using diagnostic real-time PCR targeting the glt A gene and a conventional PCR targeting the omp B gene. No samples tested positive for Bartonella spp. using a diagnostic real-time PCR assay targeting ssrA gene. This study confirms high genetic diversity of C. felis felis globally and serves as a foundation to understand the implication for zoonotic disease carriage and transmission by the flea genus Ctenocephalides . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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40. Seroepidemiological survey of Rickettsia spp. in dogs from the endemic area of Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis in Uruguay.
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Lado, Paula, Costa, Francisco B., Verdes, José M., Labruna, Marcelo B., and Venzal, José M.
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RICKETTSIA , *RICKETTSIAL diseases in animals , *DOGS as carriers of disease , *IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE , *POLYMERASE chain reaction - Abstract
Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis is a vector-borne zoonosis that occurs in some countries of the American continent. Following the first description and determination of the pathogenicity to humans in 2004 in USA, this bacterium has been reported in several South American countries. Human cases have been diagnosed in both Uruguay and Argentina in the past years. This study consisted in a serosurvey of 1000 domestic dogs living in the endemic area of rickettsiosis in Uruguay, where Amblyomma triste is the tick vector. Sera were analyzed by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA), against antigens of three different rickettsial species: R. rhipicephali , R. felis and R. parkeri . It was determined that 20.3% of the dogs had antibodies that reacted to at least one of the three species tested, taking as cut off ≥64 titers. Furthermore, 140 of the seropositive dogs (14%) had a titer at least 4 times higher to R. parkeri than those of any of the other species, thus, it was considered that the immune response was stimulated by that species in particular. This is the first serological survey in primary hosts for adults of A. triste in Uruguay, and therefore the first prevalence values are reported. Adult A. triste ticks collected from the environment as well as from dogs were analyzed by PCR in order to confirm the current circulation of the agent in the area. In this matter, two out of 28 ticks from dogs, and 3 out of 53 ticks from the environment were positive, and the corresponding sequence analysis revealed 100% similarity with R. parkeri strain maculatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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41. Nationwide prevalence of Rickettsia felis infections in patients with febrile illness in Bangladesh.
- Author
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Chowdhury, N.F., Paul, S.K., Hossain, M.A., Ahamed, F., Ahmed, S., Haque, N., Ahmed, M.U., Aung, M.S., Urushibara, N., Kobayashi, N., Nasreen, S.A., Khan, S.I., Rahman, S.M.M., Rahman, A.S.M.M., Ferdouse, F., Ahmed, R., and Sultan, S.M.
- Subjects
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RICKETTSIAL diseases , *FEVER , *BLOOD testing , *DISEASE prevalence , *DNA analysis , *PATIENTS - Abstract
From July 2015 to December 2016, the presence of rickettsial pathogens was investigated for 414 patients with unknown fever in eight places in all the divisions of Bangladesh. Rickettsia felis was identified in blood samples from all the regions (overall detection rate, 19.6%), suggesting nationwide prevalence of R. felis infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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42. “Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis” in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, Brazil.
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Dall’Agnol, Bruno, Souza, Ugo, Webster, Anelise, Weck, Bárbara, Stenzel, Bárbara, Labruna, Marcelo, Klafke, Guilherme, Martins, João Ricardo, Ferreira, Carlos Alexandre Sanchez, and Reck, José
- Subjects
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CANDIDATUS , *BROWN dog tick , *INTRACELLULAR pathogens , *ENDEMIC flea-borne typhus , *SPECIES distribution - Abstract
“Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis” is an obligate intracellular bacterium of the Rickettsiales order, genetically related to species belonging to the Rickettsia felis group, agents of flea-borne spotted fever. Here we report for the first time the detection of “Ca. R. asemboensis”, a flea-associated organism, in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. It is the first occurrence of this emerging bacterium in Brazil, which increases the geographical distribution of this R. felis -like agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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43. Survey of infectious agents in the endangered Darwin's fox (Lycalopex fulvipes): High prevalence and diversity of hemotrophic mycoplasmas.
- Author
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Cabello, Javier, Altet, Laura, Napolitano, Constanza, Sastre, Natalia, Hidalgo, Ezequiel, Dávila, José Antonio, and Millán, Javier
- Subjects
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DUSICYON , *ENDANGERED species , *ANIMAL diseases , *MYCOPLASMA diseases , *DISEASE prevalence , *NUCLEOTIDE sequence , *POLYMERASE chain reaction - Abstract
Abstract: Very little is known about the diseases affecting the Darwin's fox (Lycalopex fulvipes), which is considered to be one of the most endangered carnivores worldwide. Blood samples of 30 foxes captured on Chiloé Island (Chile) were tested with a battery of PCR assays targeting the following pathogens: Ehrlichia/Anaplasma sp., Rickettsia sp., Bartonella sp., Coxiella burnetti, Borrelia sp., Mycoplasma sp., Babesia sp., Hepatozoon canis, Hepatozoon felis, Leishmania donovani complex, and Filariae. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed the presence of Mycoplasma spp. in 17 samples (56.7%, 95% Confidence Intervals= 38.2–73.7). Of these, 15 infections were caused by a Mycoplasma belonging to the M. haemofelis/haemocanis (Mhf/Mhc) group, whereas two were caused by a Mycoplasma showing between 89% and 94% identity with different Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis from felids and rodents hemoplasmas. The analysis of the sequence of the RNA subunit of the RNase P gene of 10 of the foxes positive for Mhf/Mhc showed that eight were infected with M. haemocanis (Mhc), one with a Mycoplasma showing 94% identity with Mhc, and one by M. haemofelis (Mhf). One of the foxes positive for Mhc was infected with a Ricketssia closely related to R. felis. All foxes were negative for the other studied pathogens. Our results are of interest because of the unexpectedly high prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. detected, the variability of species identified, the presence of a potentially new species of hemoplasma, and the first time a hemoplasma considered to be a feline pathogen (Mhf) has been identified in a canid. Though external symptoms were not observed in any of the infected foxes, further clinical and epidemiological studies are necessary to determine the importance of hemoplasma infection in this unique species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2013
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44. R-05 Étude de 50 cas de rickettsioses confirmées par la sérologie au sud de la Tunisie
- Author
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Znazen, A., Benarab, N., Marrekchi, C., Benjemaa, M., and Hammami, A.
- Abstract
La fièvre boutonneuse méditerranéenne due àR. conorii constitue la rickettsiose la plus connue en Tunisie. Plus récemment, d’autres rickettsioses ont été rapportées telles que R. typhi et R. felis. Objectif: Décrire les caractéristiques épidémio-cliniques et sérologiques des Rickettsioses dans le sud tunisien. Patients et méthode: 50 patients hospitalisés ou ayant consulté au service des maladies infectieuses durant l’année 2007 et ayant eu une sérologie par immuno-fluorescence indirecte positive àR. conorii et ou R. typhi. Nous avons inclus les patients pour lesquels nous avons noté soit un titre des IgM au premier sérum ≥ 32 soit une séroconversion sur le deuxième sérum. Les données épidémio-cliniques colligées rétrospectivement à partir des dossiers d’observation des patients étaient traitées par le logiciel SPSS. Résultats: Les rickettsioses étaient observées à tout âge (de 15 à 76 ans). Les patients étaient d’origine rurale dans 52 % des cas. Un contact avec les animaux a été rapporté dans 52 % des cas surtout avec des chiens (36 %). La piqûre d’insecte n’a été rapportée que par 6 patients (12 %). La fièvre était notée dans 92 % des cas. L’escarre d’inoculation a été retrouvée dans 8 cas (16 %) uniquement. 35 patients (70 %) ont présenté un rash cutané essentiellement de type maculo-papuleux (66 %). 26 patients (52 %) avaient des céphalées. Un syndrome méningé et une conjonctivite étaient notés dans 7 cas (14 %) et 10 cas (20 %) respectivement. Sur le plan sérologique, 39 patients avaient des IgM au premier sérum et 11 patients ont montré une séroconversion. En comparant les titres obtenus pour les antigènes de R. conorii et R. typhi, nous avons conclu à une infection àRickettsia du groupe boutonneux dans 8 cas (16 %), une infection àRickettsia du groupe des typhus dans 13 cas (26 %). Des réactions croisées entre les deux groupes ont été notées dans 29 cas (48 %). Les rickettsioses peuvent se présenter avec des formes cliniques variables mais aussi graves pouvant dérouter le diagnostic. La sérologie serait d’un grand apport surtout en l’absence de la tache noire et la notion de piqûre d’arthropode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2008
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45. Candidatus Rickettsia hoogstraalii in Ethiopian Argas persicus ticks.
- Author
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Pader, Vera, Buniak, Joanna Nikitorowicz, Abdissa, Alemseged, Adamu, Haileeysus, Tolosa, Tadele, Gashaw, Abebaw, Cutler, Ronald R., and Cutler, Sally J.
- Abstract
Abstract: Ethiopian soft ticks Argas persicus, hard ticks including both Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp., and fleas were collected from livestock, traditional human dwellings, and cracks and crevices of trees. They were assessed in pools for the presence of Rickettsia using PCR-based methods. The extracted tick DNA was subjected to molecular screening for Rickettsia, which revealed 50.5% of the pooled samples to be positive for Rickettsia spp. These were then subjected to multi-gene analysis using both outer surface proteins and housekeeping genes with proven discriminatory potential. Sequencing of the citrate synthase and outer membrane genes clearly led to the identification of three distinct rickettsial species, Candidatus Rickettsia hoogstraalii in Argas persicus ticks; R. africae in hard tick pools, and R. felis in fleas. Furthermore, we demonstrated the presence of the plasmid-borne small heat-shock protein gene hsp2 in DNA from A. persicus ticks suggesting that Candidatus R. hoogstraalii carried by these ticks possess a plasmid. Unlike chromosomal gene sequences, the hsp2 gene failed to cluster with Candidatus R. hoogstraalii, instead falling into an isolated separate clade, suggesting a different origin for the plasmid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
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46. Seroprevalence and risk factors to Ehrlichia spp. and Rickettsia spp. in dogs from the Pantanal Region of Mato Grosso State, Brazil.
- Author
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Melo, Andréia L.T., Martins, Thiago F., Horta, Maurício C., Moraes-Filho, Jonas, Pacheco, Richard C., Labruna, Marcelo B., and Aguiar, Daniel M.
- Abstract
Abstract: Sera of 320 dogs from urban and rural areas of a Pantanal region of Brazil were evaluated for rickettsial (Rickettsia rickettsii, R. parkeri, R. amblyommii, R. rhipicephali, R. felis, and R. bellii) and ehrlichial (Ehrlichia canis) infection by the immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Risk factors for ehrlichiosis or rickettsiosis were also evaluated. Positive reaction against Ehrlichia spp. was detected in 227 (70.9%) dogs, 119 (74.3%) from an urban area and 108 (67.5%) from rural areas (P >0.05). For Rickettsia spp., 152 (47.5%) dogs were positive, 31 (19.3%) from urban and 121 (75.6%) from rural areas (P <0.05). Highest anti-Rickettsia spp. endpoint titers were observed for R. amblyommii, suggesting homologous reactions to this agent or a very closely related organism. While most of the urban dogs were found parasitized by the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus, infestations on rural dogs were predominated by Amblyomma cajenennse. Rickettsial infection was significantly higher (P <0.05) in rural dogs, in dogs with hunting practice, or in A. cajennense-infested dogs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2011
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47. Introduction to the Alpha-proteobacteria: Wolbachia and Bartonella, Rickettsia, Brucella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma.
- Author
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Bowman, Dwight D.
- Subjects
MEDICAL bacteriology ,WOLBACHIA ,RICKETTSIACEAE ,BRUCELLA ,ANAPLASMA ,DIROFILARIA immitis ,DEVELOPMENTAL biology ,MOSQUITOES - Abstract
Wolbachia is an obligate intracellular endosymbiont and likely mutualist living within the heartworm Dirofilaria immitis and a number of other filarial nematodes in the family Onchocercidae. The bacterial infection is passed from worm to worm transovarially; the organisms are in ovarian cells, the developing microfilariae, and multiply and persist in all later developmental stages through the mosquito and into the next host. Besides being present in the ovaries of the adult worms, they also are present in large numbers within the hypodermal tissues of the nematode. It is now know that these bacteria that were first observed in heartworms more than 30 years ago are actually related to similar Wolbachia bacteria that are found in arthropods. Wolbachia is an alpha-proteobacteria, and this group includes a number of important arthropod-transmitted bacterial agents of dogs and cats: Rickettsia rickettsii, R. felis, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis, E. chaffeensis, and E. ewingii. Alpha-proteobacteria are also important as obligate intracellular mutualists in plants in which they are responsible for nitrogen fixation. Recent work on the treatment of heartworms in dogs with doxycycline stems from related work with the human filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus that causes river blindness in people. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
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48. Rickettsial infection in domestic mammals and their ectoparasites in El Valle de Antón, Coclé, Panamá
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Bermúdez, C. Sergio E., Zaldívar, A. Yamitzel, Spolidorio, Mariana G., Moraes-Filho, Jonas, Miranda, Roberto J., Caballero, Carlos M., Mendoza, Yaxelis, and Labruna, Marcelo B.
- Subjects
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RICKETTSIAL diseases in animals , *PARASITES , *POLYMERASE chain reaction , *IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE , *ANTIGENS , *SEROLOGY , *MOLECULAR biology - Abstract
Abstract: The present research evaluated the presence of Rickettsia spp. on ectoparasites of horses and dogs (using PCR techniques), and their sera (using immunofluorescence assay) in El Valle de Antón town in Panama. A total of 20 horses and 20 dogs were sampled, finding four species of ectoparasites on dogs (the ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma oblongoguttatum, and the flea Ctenocephalides felis), and two tick species on horses (Amblyomma cajennense and Dermacentor nitens). DNA of Rickettsia amblyommii was found in pools of A. cajennense, D. nitens, and R. sanguineus, while Rickettsia felis was detected in C. felis pools. Overall, 70% (14/20) and 65% (13/20) of the horses and dogs, respectively, were seroreactive (titer ≥64) to spotted fever group rickettsiae. Sera from six dogs and five horses reacted to R. amblyommii antigens with titers at least four-fold higher than those for the other antigens tested (Rickettsia bellii, Rickettsia parkeri, Rickettsia rhipicephali, R. felis, and R. rickettsii). These serological results, coupled with our molecular findings, suggest that these dogs and horses were infected by Rickettsia amblyommii. More studies need to be realized afford to identify the Rickettsia species responsible for other serological and molecular positive results, and their ecological importance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Molecular investigation of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) as potential vectors of rickettsial and mycoplasmal agents
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Hornok, Sándor, Meli, Marina L., Perreten, Andrea, Farkas, Róbert, Willi, Barbara, Beugnet, Frederic, Lutz, Hans, and Hofmann-Lehmann, Regina
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IXODIDAE , *TICKS as carriers of disease , *FLEAS as carriers of disease , *RICKETTSIAL diseases , *MOLECULAR biology , *MYCOPLASMA , *GENETIC polymorphisms , *VETERINARY medicine - Abstract
Abstract: The aim of the present study was twofold. First, in general, to reveal new aspects of the potential vector role of ixodid ticks and fleas by screening large numbers of specimens with recently developed molecular biological methods. Second, to evaluate the occurrence of vector-borne infectious agents in a geographical context. Altogether 3442 unfed hard ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, Haemaphysalis inermis, H. concinna, H. punctata) and 939 fleas of cats and dogs (Ctenocephalides felis, C. canis, Pulex irritans) were collected in Hungary. DNA was extracted and analyzed in pools for representatives of the orders Rickettsiales and Mycoplasmatales. H. inermis was newly identified as the most important potential vector for Rickettsia helvetica in the study region. A novel Rickettsia genotype (designated ‘Candidatus R. hungarica’) was also detected in the same tick species, with a maximum of 95.8% gltA gene sequence identity to known rickettsiae. In addition, P. irritans tested positive for Rickettsia sp. RF2125, which has not been previously described in Europe. The human pathogen R. felis and the feline pathogen ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ were shown for the first time to occur in Central-Eastern Europe. Further novel findings include the presence of Spiroplasma spp. in D. marginatus and fleas. In conclusion, this molecular study extends the geographic range and vector spectrum of several arthropod-borne agents, some of which have zoonotic potential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
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50. Rickettsia felis, the Agent of an Emerging Infectious Disease: Report of a New Case in Mexico
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Zavala-Velazquez, Jorge, Laviada-Molina, Hugo, Zavala-Castro, Jorge, Perez-Osorio, Carlos, Becerra-Carmona, Gerardo, Ruiz-Sosa, Jose A., Bouyer, Donald H., and Walker, David H.
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RICKETTSIAL diseases , *POLYMERASE chain reaction , *COMMUNICABLE diseases - Abstract
The fourth case of human infection with Rickettsia felis in Yucatán, Mexico was documented by serologic testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The role of R. felis in human disease has been demonstrated by molecular methods in a few patients from the U.S., Yucatán, Brazil and Germany. Apparently, there is a wide spectrum in the clinical presentation of the worldwide reported cases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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