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The Science of the Total Environment Oct 2023Urban greening has benefits for both human and environmental health. However, urban greening might also have negative effects as the abundance of wild rats, which can...
Urban greening has benefits for both human and environmental health. However, urban greening might also have negative effects as the abundance of wild rats, which can host and spread a great diversity of zoonotic pathogens, increases with urban greenness. Studies on the effect of urban greening on rat-borne zoonotic pathogens are currently unavailable. Therefore, we investigated how urban greenness is associated with rat-borne zoonotic pathogen prevalence and diversity, and translated this to human disease hazard. We screened 412 wild rats (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus) from three cities in the Netherlands for 18 different zoonotic pathogens: Bartonella spp., Leptospira spp., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Spiroplasma spp., Streptobacillus moniliformis, Coxiella burnetii, Salmonella spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)/AmpC-producing Escherichia coli, rat hepatitis E virus (ratHEV), Seoul orthohantavirus, Cowpox virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Toxoplasma gondii and Babesia spp. We modelled the relationships between pathogen prevalence and diversity and urban greenness. We detected 13 different zoonotic pathogens. Rats from greener urban areas had a significantly higher prevalence of Bartonella spp. and Borrelia spp., and a significantly lower prevalence of ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli and ratHEV. Rat age was positively correlated with pathogen diversity while greenness was not related to pathogen diversity. Additionally, Bartonella spp. occurrence was positively correlated with that of Leptospira spp., Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia spp. occurrence was also positively correlated with that of Rickettsia spp. Our results show an increased rat-borne zoonotic disease hazard in greener urban areas, which for most pathogens was driven by the increase in rat abundance rather than pathogen prevalence. This highlights the importance of keeping rat densities low and investigating the effects of urban greening on the exposure to zoonotic pathogens in order to make informed decisions and to take appropriate countermeasures preventing zoonotic diseases.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Humans; Escherichia coli; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Zoonoses
PubMed: 37392874
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165069 -
Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia... 2023The aim of this study was to investigate the association between chronic Anaplasma marginale and Babesia spp. infection and hematological parameters of pregnant and...
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between chronic Anaplasma marginale and Babesia spp. infection and hematological parameters of pregnant and non-pregnant taurine heifers. Blood samples from 94 females were collected on the first day (D-10) of timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol and on pregnancy diagnosis (D+34). Hematological parameters were determined and compared between pregnant (PG) and non-pregnant (NPG) heifers, and within group at different sampling days. Real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to determine A. marginale and Babesia bovis infection, and for absolute quantification of Babesia spp. between PG and NPG groups. Correlation analysis was performed between the number of gDNA copies (CN) of Babesia spp. and hematological parameters. On D-10, mean hemoglobin concentration was higher for NPG, and hematocrit and total plasma protein were higher on D+34 for both groups. There was no difference in Babesia spp. CN between groups. In the first qPCR, all heifers were positive for A. marginale and B. bovis. Significant correlations were found between hemoglobin and erythrocyte and between hemoglobin and hematocrit (r = 0.8082 and r = 0.3009, respectively). Low levels of A. marginale and Babesia spp. did not affect hematological parameters of chronically infected pregnant and non-pregnant taurine heifers.
Topics: Pregnancy; Animals; Cattle; Female; Anaplasma marginale; Babesiosis; Babesia; Babesia bovis; Taurine; Cattle Diseases
PubMed: 37672469
DOI: 10.1590/S1984-29612023052 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Piroplasmosis is a global tick-borne disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites, which causes high morbidity and substantial economic losses in farm animals. Equine and... (Review)
Review
Piroplasmosis is a global tick-borne disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites, which causes high morbidity and substantial economic losses in farm animals. Equine and camel piroplasmosis causes significant losses worldwide and in Egypt. The multifactorial effects and overall impact of equine and camel piroplasmosis in Egypt remain poorly characterized. However, several and spp. as well as potential tick vectors affecting these two species have been identified in the country. Equine and camel piroplasmosis has been reported by all governates in the country. Thus, in this work, we intend to provide a broad depiction of the current approaches used for diagnosis and control and the impact of piroplasmosis on the equine and camel industries in Egypt. We also identified current gaps in knowledge that might help develop future research efforts towards improved intervention and control of equine and camel piroplasmosis. It is important to develop specific diagnostic tools suitable for the early and chronic diagnosis of this disease. Altogether, the current situation warrants the development of large-scale epidemiological studies in order to obtain an accurate estimate for equine and camel piroplasmosis to secure the highly needed food resources in the country.
PubMed: 38003783
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111318 -
Microbiology Spectrum Aug 2023The intracellular protozoan parasite Babesia gibsoni infects canine erythrocytes and causes babesiosis. The hazards to animal health have increased due to the rise of B....
The intracellular protozoan parasite Babesia gibsoni infects canine erythrocytes and causes babesiosis. The hazards to animal health have increased due to the rise of B. gibsoni infections and medication resistance. However, the lack of high-quality full-genome sequencing sets has expanded the obstacles to the development of pathogeneses, drugs, and vaccines. In this study, the whole genome of was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. The genomic size of was 7.94 Mbp in total. Four chromosomes with the size of 0.69 Mb, 2.10 Mb, 2.77 Mb, and 2.38 Mb, respectively, 1 apicoplast (28.4 Kb), and 1 mitochondrion (5.9 Kb) were confirmed. KEGG analysis revealed 2,641 putative proteins enriched on 316 pathways, and GO analysis showed 7,571 annotations of the nuclear genome in total. Synteny analysis showed a high correlation between and B. bovis. A new divergent point of occurred around 297.7 million years ago, which was earlier than that of , B. ovata, and B. bigemina. Orthology analysis revealed 22 and 32 unique genes compared to several spp. and apicomplexan species. The metabolic pathways of were characterized, pointing to a minimal size of the genome. A species-specific secretory protein SA1 and 19 homologous genes were identified. Selected specific proteins, including apetala 2 (AP2) factor, invasion-related proteins BgAMA-1 and BgRON2, and rhoptry function proteins BgWH_04g00700 were predicted, visualized, and modeled. Overall, whole-genome sequencing provided molecular-level support for the diagnosis, prevention, clinical treatment, and further research of . The whole genome of was first sequenced, annotated, and disclosed. The key part of genome composition, four chromosomes, was comparatively analyzed for the first time. A full-scale phylogeny evolution analysis based on the whole-genome-wide data of was performed, and a new divergent point on the evolutionary path was revealed. In previous reports, molecular studies were often limited by incomplete genomic data, especially in key areas like life cycle regulation, metabolism, and host-pathogen interaction. With the whole-genome sequencing of , we provide useful genetic data to encourage the exploration of new terrain and make it feasible to resolve the theoretical and practical problems of babesiosis.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Babesia; Babesiosis; Whole Genome Sequencing; Genomics; Genome; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37432130
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00721-23 -
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Jan 2024Published data on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in camels worldwide have been collected to provide an overview of the global prevalence and species diversity of camelid... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Published data on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in camels worldwide have been collected to provide an overview of the global prevalence and species diversity of camelid TBPs. Several TBPs have been detected in dromedary camels, raising concerns regarding their role as natural or maintenance hosts for tick-borne pathogens. Insubstantial evidence exists regarding the natural infection of camels with Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp., particularly because most of the camels were considered healthy at the time of sampling. Based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, a pooled prevalence of 35.3% (95% CI: 22.6-48.1%) was estimated for Anaplasma, which was the most frequently tested TBP in dromedaries, and DNA of Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma platys, and A. platys-like were isolated, of which ruminants and dogs are reservoirs. Similarly, the estimated pooled prevalence for the two piroplasmid genera; Babesia and Theileria was approximately equal (10-12%) regardless of the detection method (microscopy or PCR testing). Nevertheless, Babesia caballi, Theileria equi, and Theileria annulata DNA have frequently been detected in camels but they have not yet been proven to be natural hosts. Scarce data detected Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) DNA in blood of dromedaries, although ticks of the genus Ixodes are distributed in limited areas where dromedaries are raised. Interestingly, a pooled seroprevalence of 47.7% (26.3-69.2%) was estimated for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, and viral RNA was detected in dromedary blood; however, their contribution to maintain the viral transmission cycles requires further experimental investigation. The substantially low incidence and scarcity of data on Rickettsia and Ehrlichia species could imply that camels were accidentally infected. In contrast, camels may play a role in the spread of Coxiella burnetii, which is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of aerosols emitted by diseased animals and contaminated environments. Bactrian camels showed no symptoms due to the examined TBPs, meanwhile, clinical disease was seen in alpacas infected with A. phagocytophilum. Similar to dromedaries, accidental tick bites may be the cause of TBP DNA found in the blood of Bactrian camels.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Camelus; Prevalence; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Ehrlichia; Rickettsia; Anaplasma; Babesia; Ixodes; Theileria annulata; DNA; Tick-Borne Diseases; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37769585
DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102268 -
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Nov 2023Babesia spp. are tick-borne protozoans that involve birds and mammals in their transmission cycles and cause babesiosis, a severe hemolytic malaria-like disease....
Babesia spp. are tick-borne protozoans that involve birds and mammals in their transmission cycles and cause babesiosis, a severe hemolytic malaria-like disease. Opossums of the genus Didelphis are recognized hosts of tick-borne pathogens. Therefore, exploring tick-borne agents in Didelphis species is important to understand the circulation of pathogens in areas where opossums occur. In this study, we targeted Anaplasmataceae, Babesia, Borrelia and Hepatozoon DNA in ticks, blood and organ samples collected from three hunted Didelphis marsupialis specimens in eastern Guatemala. While the samples were negative for Hepatozoon and bacterial DNA, sequences of Babesia 18S rDNA, cox1 and cytb genes were retrieved from two opossums. Ticks collected on the animals included Amblyomma parvum and an undetermined Ornithodoros sp. The Babesia sp. detected in this study (Babesia sp. THB1-2) clusters phylogenetically within the "Western Babesia group", which includes pathogenic species such as Babesia conradae, Babesia duncani, and Babesia negevi. Our results represent the first record of a Babesia sp. in Guatemala and highlight the importance of D. marsupialis as potential spreaders of ticks and pathogens in Central America.
Topics: Animals; Didelphis; Guatemala; Babesia; Central America; Babesiosis; Eucoccidiida
PubMed: 37660526
DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102248 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Ticks are a significant group of arthropod vectors that transmit a large variety of pathogens responsible for human and animal diseases worldwide. Ticks are the second... (Review)
Review
Ticks are a significant group of arthropod vectors that transmit a large variety of pathogens responsible for human and animal diseases worldwide. Ticks are the second biggest transmitters of vector-borne diseases, behind mosquitoes. However, in West Africa, there is often only limited knowledge of tick-borne diseases. With the scarcity of appropriate diagnostic services, the prevalence of tick-borne diseases is generally underestimated in humans. In this review, we provide an update on tick-borne pathogens reported in people, animals and ticks in West Africa by microscopic, immunological and molecular methods. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. The selection criteria included all studies conducted in West Africa reporting the presence of , , , , , , , , and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever viruses in humans, animals or ticks. Our intention is to raise awareness of tick-borne diseases amongst human and animal health workers in West Africa, and also physicians working with tourists who have travelled to the region.
PubMed: 38003741
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111276 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023The genus encompasses several species of apicomplexan hemoprotozoan parasites [...].
The genus encompasses several species of apicomplexan hemoprotozoan parasites [...].
PubMed: 37764974
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091166 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023species infect a very wide range of mammal hosts across the globe, and zoonotic infections are of growing concern. Several species of the genus infect dogs, and some... (Review)
Review
species infect a very wide range of mammal hosts across the globe, and zoonotic infections are of growing concern. Several species of the genus infect dogs, and some of these cause significant morbidity and mortality. The Apicomplexan parasite resides within the red cell and infections result in direct damage to the host through intra- and extravascular hemolysis. An exuberant inflammatory response by the host to some species of parasites also results in significant collateral damage to the host. Canine infections have been the subject of many studies as the well-being of these companion animals is increasingly threatened by the spread of tick vectors and an increasingly mobile dog population. There are currently no widely available and effective vaccines, and effective treatment can be challenging. Understanding disease pathogenesis underlies the development of new treatments. The varying pathogenicity of the various parasite species that infect dogs offers an opportunity to explore the molecular basis for the wide range of diseases caused by infection with this parasite genus. In this review, we focus on what has been reported about the clinical presentation of -infected dogs in an attempt to compare the severity of disease caused by different species.
PubMed: 38133320
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121437 -
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Nov 2023Piroplasmosis and trypanosomiasis are debilitating diseases of great economic impact on the equine industry of Latin America. Considering the lack of studies in the...
Piroplasmosis and trypanosomiasis are debilitating diseases of great economic impact on the equine industry of Latin America. Considering the lack of studies in the northeastern part of Colombia, this study aimed to determine the epidemiological, clinical and genetic features associated with infection of the Babesia, Theileria, and Trypanosoma species in horses from this geographical area. Two hundred and eighty horses from the Arauca, Meta, and Santander departments were molecularly analyzed for infection with Babesia caballi, Theileria equi, Trypanosoma evansi, and Trypanosoma vivax. Furthermore, clinical, epidemiological and entomological analyses were performed on the data sets. Molecular analysis showed 25.7% and 3.9% prevalence for T. equi and T. evansi, respectively, without positive animals for B. caballi and T. vivax. There were no differences in the prevalence of T. equi between departments, whereas T. evansi was detected exclusively in Santander. A total of 633 ticks were collected from 72 horses across the three departments, with 84.7% corresponding to Dermacentor nitens, 10.9% to Amblyomma cajennense (sensu lato) (s.l). and 4.4% to Rhipicephalus microplus. For T. equi, genetic analyses showed that Colombian isolates belong to genotype C of species, along with sequences of Brazil and Mexico. Epidemiological analysis revealed a significant association between tick infestation and lack of vector control with molecular infection of T. equi, whereas clinical analysis revealed a significant reduction in packed cell volume, red blood cells, and mean corpuscular volume in positive animals to this pathogen. Furthermore, molecular infection by T. evansi was associated with epidemiological characteristics in the Santander department. In conclusion, our analysis revealed a moderate infection rate by T. equi of genotype C in horses from northeastern Colombia, which affects their clinical conditions. Control of ticks and treatment of symptomatic animals should be considered to reduce the economic impact associated with these infections in the equine industry.
Topics: Cattle; Animals; Horses; Theileria; Babesia; Colombia; Theileriasis; Horse Diseases; Babesiosis; Rhipicephalus; Trypanosoma; Cattle Diseases
PubMed: 37348426
DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102208