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Seroprevalence and detection of Rickettsia spp. in wild birds of Arauca, Orinoquia region, Colombia.

Authors :
Cardona-Romero M
Martínez-Sánchez ET
Alvarez-Londoño J
Pérez-Cárdenas JE
Ossa-López PA
Castaño-Villa GJ
Binder LC
Faccini-Martínez ÁA
Rivera-Páez FA
Source :
Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports [Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports] 2022 May; Vol. 30, pp. 100720. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Mar 24.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Wild birds have an important role as hosts of ticks infected by rickettsiae. However, the role of birds as reservoirs of tick-borne rickettsiae is unknown and poorly understood. This is particularly relevant in several tropical and subtropical areas, where migration influences the global spread of ectoparasites and pathogens of public health importance. This research aimed to detect and evaluate the exposure to spotted fever group rickettsiae in wild birds that could represent reservoirs in the Department of Arauca in the Colombian Orinoquia region. Sampling was conducted in three municipalities of the Department of Arauca (Colombia). Blood samples were collected from 255 birds and processed to obtain serum (n = 155) and DNA (n = 255) samples. The serum samples were processed for indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA) for the detection of antibodies to Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri, Rickettsia amblyommatis, Rickettsia rhipicephali, and Rickettsia bellii. Additionally, we investigated rickettsiae DNA in blood samples by amplification of the citrate synthase gene (gltA). The IFA results revealed seropositivity in 97 samples from 54 species of resident and migratory birds. No sample was positive for rickettsial DNA. The presence of antibodies in 62.5% of the sera indicates previous exposure of these birds to rickettsiae. The null detection of rickettsiae in the blood of seropositive birds is possibly due to a short period of bacteremia. Experimental studies are required to improve our understanding of the role of wild birds as sources of rickettsial infections in ticks.<br /> (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2405-9390
Volume :
30
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
35431076
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100720