Bartonella Infections in Deer Keds (Lipoptena cervi) and Moose (Alces alces) in Norway
ABSTRACTInfections withBartonellaspp. have been recognized as emerging zoonotic diseases in humans. Large knowledge gaps exist, however, relating to reservoirs, vectors, and transmission of these bacteria. We describe identification by culture, PCR, and housekeeping gene sequencing ofBartonellaspp. in fed, wingless deer keds (Lipoptena cervi), deer ked pupae, and blood samples collected from moose,Alces alces, sampled within the deer ked distribution range in Norway. Direct sequencing from moose blood sampled in a deer ked-free area also indicatedBartonellainfection but at a much lower prevalence. The sequencing data suggested the presence of mixed infections involving two species ofBartonellawithin the deer ked range, while moose outside the range appeared to be infected with a single species.Bartonellawere not detected or cultured from unfed winged deer keds. The results may indicate that long-term bacteremia in the moose represents a reservoir of infection and thatL. cerviacts as a vector for the spread of infection ofBartonellaspp. Further research is needed to evaluate the role ofL. cerviin the transmission ofBartonellato animals and humans and the possible pathogenicity of these bacteria for humans and animals.