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Journal of Vector Ecology : Journal of... Dec 2020Because isolated ecosystems contribute to species variability, especially oceanic island ecosystems, the present work focused on the study of the Bartonella species and...
Because isolated ecosystems contribute to species variability, especially oceanic island ecosystems, the present work focused on the study of the Bartonella species and haplotypes in Lanzarote and El Hierro, two Canary islands with evident bioclimatic differences between them. A total of 123 rodents and 110 fleas from two islands were screened for the presence of Bartonella by PCR analysis of the gltA and nuoG genes. The overall prevalence was 5.7% in rodents and 20.4% in fleas. A total of seven gltA-haplotypes was found in both rodents and fleas, belonging to the species Bartonella mastomydis and Bartonella tribocorum in Lanzarote, and to Bartonella rochalimae and Bartonella elizabethae in El Hierro, as well as recently described species Bartonella kosoyi in both islands. Besides, potential co-infections were detected based on the nuoG analysis. Further, Xenopsylla cheopis was the only flea species identified. Our study shows that isolated ecosystems such as the Canary Islands lead to the appearance of new Bartonella haplotypes along different biotopes, with diverse flea species involved in the spreading of the pathogen being of great relevance due to the zoonotic potential of the species found.
Topics: Animals; Bartonella; Haplotypes; Insect Vectors; Mice; Phylogeny; Rats; Spain; Xenopsylla
PubMed: 33207054
DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12396 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Apr 2023In this study, we investigated infection and its genetic diversity in rodents in Beitun, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Small mammals were captured using snap...
In this study, we investigated infection and its genetic diversity in rodents in Beitun, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Small mammals were captured using snap traps at four sampling sites in 2018. Spleen and liver tissues were collected and cultured to isolate strains. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on the strains identified as by gene PCR, and the average nucleotide identity (ANI) of the genomes was calculated by using FastANI v1.33. Phylogenetic trees were constructed for the samples positive for spp. by the PCR assay based on 1,290-bp genes, 2,903-bp genes, and core-genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Among 66 rodents, 11 were positive for , with an infection rate of 16.67%. The rodent infection rates in different tissues (χ = 2.133; = 0.242), species (χ = 9.631; = 0.141), and habitats (χ = 4.309; = 0.312) did not show statistical differences. spp. isolated from the rodents were phylogenetically divided into six clades (two different species were detected in two rodents). By comparing phylogenetic trees based on genes, genes, and SNPs, we found that the topological structures of several evolutionary trees are different. However, the strains isolated in this study were clustered into six clusters in different phylogenetic trees. Broad distributions and high genetic diversity of strains were observed among rodents in Beitun, Xinjiang. Rodent-borne species have been associated with zoonotic diseases. species such as Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella grahamii, and Bartonella tribocorum can cause disease in humans. Humans can be infected by blood-sucking arthropods through the scratches and bites of an infected reservoir host or via contact with infectious rodents. Xinjiang is one of the provinces with the most abundant species of in China, but there are few reports about the prevalence of in the Beitun area. This research aims to investigate the occurrence and prevalence of infection in rodents at these sampling sites and provide a basis for the prevention and control of rodent species in Beitun and the surrounding areas of Xinjiang.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Rodentia; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Bartonella; Bartonella Infections; China
PubMed: 36951592
DOI: 10.1128/aem.01964-22 -
PloS One 2015Our study highlights the surveillance of Bartonella species among rodents and their associated ectoparasites (ticks, fleas, lice, and mites) in several regions across...
Our study highlights the surveillance of Bartonella species among rodents and their associated ectoparasites (ticks, fleas, lice, and mites) in several regions across Thailand. A total of 619 rodents and 554 pooled ectoparasites (287 mite pools, 62 flea pools, 35 louse pools, and 170 tick pools) were collected from 8 provinces within 4 regions of Thailand. Bandicota indica (279), Rattus rattus (163), and R. exulans (96) were the most prevalent species of rats collected in this study. Real-time PCR assay targeting Bartonella-specific ssrA gene was used for screening and each positive sample was confirmed by PCR using nuoG gene. The prevalence of Bartonella DNA in rodent (around 17%) was recorded in all regions. The highest prevalence of Bartonella species was found in B. savilei and R. rattus with the rate of 35.7% (5/14) and 32.5% (53/163), respectively. High prevalence of Bartonella-positive rodent was also found in B. indica (15.1%, 42/279), and R. norvegicus (12.5%, 5/40). In contrast, the prevalence of Bartonella species in ectoparasites collected from the rats varied significantly according to types of ectoparasites. A high prevalence of Bartonella DNA was found in louse pools (Polyplax spp. and Hoplopleura spp., 57.1%) and flea pools (Xenopsylla cheopis, 25.8%), while a low prevalence was found in pools of mites (Leptotrombidium spp. and Ascoschoengastia spp., 1.7%) and ticks (Haemaphysalis spp., 3.5%). Prevalence of Bartonella DNA in ectoparasites collected from Bartonella-positive rodents (19.4%) was significantly higher comparing to ectoparasites from Bartonella-negative rodents (8.7%). The phylogenetic analysis of 41 gltA sequences of 16 Bartonella isolates from rodent blood and 25 Bartonella-positive ectoparasites revealed a wide range of diversity among Bartonella species with a majority of sequences (61.0%) belonging to Bartonella elizabethae complex (11 rodents, 1 mite pool, and 5 louse pools), while the remaining sequences were identical to B. phoceensis (17.1%, 1 mite pool, 5 louse pools, and 1 tick pool), B. coopersplainensis (19.5%, 5 rodents, 1 louse pool, and 2 tick pools), and one previously unidentified Bartonella species (2.4%, 1 louse pool).
Topics: Animals; Bartonella; Bartonella Infections; Insect Vectors; Mites; Phthiraptera; Phylogeny; Rats; Rodent Diseases; Rodentia; Siphonaptera; Thailand; Ticks
PubMed: 26484537
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140856 -
Journal of Infection and Public Health Apr 2024Bartonellosis is a vector-borne and zoonotic diseases in humans, especially in immunocompromised individuals. However, there is no complete data about the geographical... (Review)
Review
Bartonellosis is a vector-borne and zoonotic diseases in humans, especially in immunocompromised individuals. However, there is no complete data about the geographical distribution of different species of Bartonella, as well as the status of its reservoirs, vectors, and human cases in most parts of the world. In this study, published reports related to Bartonella species from WHO-EMRO region countries were searched in different databases until October 2023. The eighteens different species of Bartonella were reported in WHO-EMRO countries including Bartonella henselae, Bartonella quintana, Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella bovis, Bartonella clarridgeiae, Bartonella vinsonii, Bartonella doshiae, Bartonella taylorii, Bartonella rochalimae, Bartonella tribocorum, Bartonella rattimassiliensis, candidatus Bartonella merieuxii, candidatus Bartonella dromedarii, Bartonella acomydis, Bartonella jaculi, Bartonella coopersplainsensis and Bartonella koehlerae. Also, only human cases of B. henselae and B. quintana infections were reported from WHO-EMRO countries. The infections of Bartonella are important in the WHO-EMRO region, but they have been neglected by clinicians and healthcare systems.
Topics: Humans; Bartonella; World Health Organization; Mediterranean Region
PubMed: 38417187
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.02.009 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Aug 2016Bartonella infections are widespread and highly prevalent in rodents. Several rodent-associated Bartonella species have been related to human diseases. Recently,...
Bartonella infections are widespread and highly prevalent in rodents. Several rodent-associated Bartonella species have been related to human diseases. Recently, Bartonella species was reported as the etiology of a human case in the country of Georgia (Caucasus). However, information on Bartonella in rodents in Georgia is absent. Rodent hearts were collected from Georgia to investigate the presence and diversity of Bartonella species. Bartonella bacteria were cultured from 37.2% (16/43) of rodents examined, while Bartonella DNA was detected in 41.2% (28/68) of rodents by polymerase chain reaction targeting citrate synthase (gltA) gene. Sequences of gltA showed that rodents in this region harbored multiple Bartonella strains, including Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella tribocorum, Bartonella grahamii, and an unknown genogroup. The first three Bartonella species, known to be rat-associated and human cases linked, were commonly observed in wood mice (Apodemus [Sylvaemus] uralensis) (5/8 positive with B. elizabethae and B. tribocorum) and social voles (Microtus socialis) (4/6 positive with B. grahamii and B. elizabethae) in this study. The frequent distribution of these Bartonella species suggests that they may contribute to unidentified clinical infections. The unknown genogroup was observed in 24 Bartonella isolates and/or DNA extracts from heart tissues, all of which were obtained from Libyan jirds (Meriones libycus). Further characterization of the bacterial cultures based on sequence analysis of four additional genes (ftsZ, nuoG, rpoB, and ssrA) supported that the jird-associated Bartonella strains comprise a distinct monophyletic clade. The impact of this bacterium on wildlife and human health needs to be determined.
Topics: Animals; Arvicolinae; Bacterial Proteins; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Bartonella; Bartonella Infections; Biodiversity; Citrate (si)-Synthase; DNA, Bacterial; Female; Gene Expression; Georgia (Republic); Gerbillinae; Humans; Male; Murinae; Myocardium; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Rats; Rodent Diseases
PubMed: 27162268
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0041 -
Veterinary World Jul 2022spp. are Gram-negative zoonotic bacteria that are transmitted to humans by several types of animal hosts, including rodents. Several studies have been conducted on the...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
spp. are Gram-negative zoonotic bacteria that are transmitted to humans by several types of animal hosts, including rodents. Several studies have been conducted on the prevalence of infections in rodents. However, the risk of rodent-associated spp. infection in humans remains unclear. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and genetic heterogeneity of spp. in rodents and shrews from nine provinces of Thailand using culture and molecular techniques.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 860 blood samples from rodents and shrews across nine provinces of Thailand were collected from January 2013 to June 2016. spp. were isolated from all samples using conventional culture techniques and polymerase chain reaction. Phylogenetic tree analysis was used to align the sequences obtained from this study.
RESULTS
The prevalence of spp. in rodents and shrews was 11.5% (99/860, 95% confidence interval: 9.38-13.64%). The following nine species of were detected: , , , , spp. nov., spp. nov., , spp. nov., and . The prevalence of positive animals differed significantly among provinces.
CONCLUSION
To the best of our knowledge, the three novel spp. isolated from rodents and shrews across Thailand were detected for the first time in this study. Further studies on the epidemiology of infection in rodents and its interaction with human health should be conducted in accordance with the Thai government's "One Health" approach to humans, animals, and the environment.
PubMed: 36185510
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1624-1631 -
Journal of Vector Ecology : Journal of... Dec 2014Bartonellosis is an infectious bacterial disease. The prevalence and genetic characteristics of Bartonella spp. in fleas of wild and domestic animals from Palestinian...
Bartonellosis is an infectious bacterial disease. The prevalence and genetic characteristics of Bartonella spp. in fleas of wild and domestic animals from Palestinian territories are described. Flea samples (n=289) were collected from 121 cats, 135 dogs, 26 hyraxes and seven rats from northern (n=165), central (n=113), and southern Palestinian territories (n=11). The prevalent flea species were: Ctenocephalides felis (n=119/289; 41.2%), Ctenocephalides canis (n=159/289; 55%), and Xenopsylla sp. (n=7/289; 2.4%). Targeting the Intergenic Transcribed Spacer (ITS) locus, DNA of Bartonella was detected in 22% (64/289) of all fleas. Fifty percent of the C. felis and 57% of the Xenopsylla sp. contained Bartonella DNA. DNA sequencing showed the presence of Bartonella clarridgeiae (50%), Bartonella henselae (27%), and Bartonella koehlerae (3%) in C. felis. Xenopsylla sp. collected from Rattus rattus rats were infected with Bartonella tribocorum, Bartonella elizabethae, and Bartonella rochalimae. Phylogenetic sequence analysis using the 16S ribosomal RNA gene obtained four genetic clusters, B. henselae and B. koehlerae as subcluster 1, B. clarridgeiae as cluster 2, while the rat Bartonella species (B. tribocorum and B. elizabethae) were an outgroup cluster. These findings showed the important role of cat and rat fleas as vectors of zoonotic Bartonella species in Palestinian territories. It is hoped that this publication will raise awareness among physicians, veterinarians, and other health workers of the high prevalence of Bartonella spp. in fleas in Palestinian territories and the potential risk of these pathogens to humans and animals in this region.
Topics: Animals; Bartonella; Cats; Dogs; Genetic Variation; Humans; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Rats; Siphonaptera
PubMed: 25424254
DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12100 -
Molecular Detection of Microorganisms Associated with Small Mammals and Their Ectoparasites in Mali.The American Journal of Tropical... Dec 2020Small mammals are the natural reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens. Using molecular tools, we assessed the prevalence of bacteria and protozoans in small mammals and...
Small mammals are the natural reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens. Using molecular tools, we assessed the prevalence of bacteria and protozoans in small mammals and their ectoparasites in Faladjè, Bougouni, and Bamoko, Mali. A total of 130 small mammals belonging to 10 different species were captured, of which 74 (56.9%) were infested by ectoparasites, including , , , sensu lato, and spp. nymphs. DNA of was found in 14/75 (18.7%), 6/48 (12.5%), and 3/7 (42.8%) small mammals from Faladjè, Bougouni, and Bamako, respectively. In Faladjè, DNA was detected in 31/68 (45.6%) of and 14/22 (63.6%) of . In Bougouni, it was found in 2/26 (7.7%) of and 10/42 (23.8%) of . The sequences of obtained from small mammals were close to those of , , and uncultured spp. In Faladjè, DNA was detected in 64.4% (29/45) of spp. ticks, 4.5% (2/44) of , 12.5% (1/8) of , and 1.5% (1/68) of . We found DNA of in from Faladjè and DNA of and in from Bougouni. The results of our study show that several small mammal species harbor and may serve as potential reservoirs of spp., likely to play a major role in the maintenance, circulation, and potential transmission of bacteria in Mali. The pathogenicity of these bacteria for humans or animals remains to be demonstrated.
Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Disease Reservoirs; Ectoparasitic Infestations; Mali; Mites; Phylogeny; Rodent Diseases; Rodentia; Siphonaptera; Ticks; Zoonoses
PubMed: 33146105
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0727 -
Epidemics Sep 2017Bartonella spp. are erythrocytic bacteria transmitted via arthropod vectors, which infect a broad range of vertebrate hosts, including humans. We investigated...
Bartonella spp. are erythrocytic bacteria transmitted via arthropod vectors, which infect a broad range of vertebrate hosts, including humans. We investigated transmission dynamics and host-parasite-vector relationships for potentially zoonotic Bartonella spp. in invasive Rattus rattus hosts and associated arthropod ectoparasites in Madagascar. We identified five distinct species of Bartonella (B. elizabethae 1, B. elizabethae 2, B. phoceensis 1, B. rattimassiliensis 1, and B. tribocorum 1) infecting R. rattus rodents and their ectoparasites. We fit standard epidemiological models to species-specific age-prevalence data for the four Bartonella spp. with sufficient data, thus quantifying age-structured force of infection. Known zoonotic agents, B. elizabethae 1 and 2, were best described by models exhibiting high forces of infection in early age class individuals and allowing for recovery from infection, while B. phoceensis 1 and B. rattimassiliensis 1 were best fit by models of lifelong infection without recovery and substantially lower forces of infection. Nested sequences of B. elizabethae 1 and 2 were recovered from rodent hosts and their Synopsyllus fonquerniei and Xenopsylla cheopsis fleas, with a particularly high prevalence in the outdoor-dwelling, highland-endemic S. fonquerniei. These findings expand on force of infection analyses to elucidate the ecological niche of the zoonotic Bartonella elizabethae complex in Madagascar, hinting at a potential vector role for S. fonquerniei. Our analyses underscore the uniqueness of such ecologies for Bartonella species, which pose a variable range of potential zoonotic threats.
Topics: Animals; Bartonella; Bartonella Infections; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Vectors; Female; Madagascar; Male; Rats; Rodent Diseases; Rodentia
PubMed: 28351673
DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2017.03.004 -
Genome Biology and Evolution Nov 2018Bartonella is a genetically diverse group of vector-borne bacteria. Over 40 species have been characterized to date, mainly from mammalian reservoirs and arthropod...
Bartonella is a genetically diverse group of vector-borne bacteria. Over 40 species have been characterized to date, mainly from mammalian reservoirs and arthropod vectors. Rodent reservoirs harbor one of the largest Bartonella diversity described to date, and novel species and genetic variants are continuously identified from these hosts. Yet, it is still unknown if this significant genetic diversity stems from adaptation to different niches or from intrinsic high mutation rates. Here, we explored the vertical occurrence of spontaneous genomic alterations in 18 lines derived from two rodent-associated Bartonella elizabethae-like strains, evolved in nonselective agar plates under conditions mimicking their vector- and mammalian-associated temperatures, and the transmission cycles between them (i.e., 26 °C, 37 °C, and alterations between the two), using mutation accumulation experiments. After ∼1,000 generations, evolved genomes revealed few point mutations (average of one-point mutation per line), evidencing conserved single-nucleotide mutation rates. Interestingly, three large structural genomic changes (two large deletions and an inversion) were identified over all lines, associated with prophages and surface adhesin genes. Particularly, a prophage, deleted during constant propagation at 37 °C, was associated with an increased autonomous replication at 26 °C (the flea-associated temperature). Complementary molecular analyses of wild strains, isolated from desert rodents and their fleas, further supported the occurrence of structural genomic variations and prophage-associated deletions in nature. Our findings suggest that structural genomic changes represent an effective intrinsic mechanism to generate diversity in slow-growing bacteria and emphasize the role of prophages as promoters of diversity in nature.
Topics: Bartonella; Biological Evolution; Genome, Bacterial; Genomic Structural Variation; Multigene Family; Prophages
PubMed: 30346520
DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy236