scholarly journals Molecular Detection of Rickettsia in Fleas from Micromammals in Chile with Potential Public Health Implications

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucila Moreno Salas ◽  
Mario Espinoza Carniglia ◽  
Nicol Lizama Schmeisser ◽  
Luis Gonzalo Torres Fuentes ◽  
María Carolina Silva de la Fuente ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Flea Species ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Well Differentiated

Abstract BackgroundFleas are important vectors of pathogenic bacteria that pose public health concerns worldwide, including Rickettsia. Micromammals, and especially rodents, are the main flea hosts, therefore they play a fundamental role in the spread of flea-borne diseases and various species of rodent fleas can also parasitize humans. In addition to this, many rodent species are capable of inhabiting wild environments and adapting to rural and urban environments, which could favor a continuous gradient of transmission between domestic and wild species. The aim of this study was to detect, characterize, and compare Rickettsia spp. from the fleas of micromammals in areas with different human population densities in Chile.MethodsTo determine Rickettsia in fleas of micromammals, we analyzed 1,315 fleas obtained from 1,512 micromammals, which were captured in 29 locations with different human population densities in Chile. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the gltA, rpoB, and ompB genes to detect Rickettsia in fleas.ResultsThe prevalence of Rickettsia among flea species ranged from 0%–35.1%. Fifteen flea species were found to be Rickettsia-positive. Areas of lower human density have the highest prevalence of Rickettsia. The phylogenetic tree shows two well-differentiated clades. Rickettsia belli is positioned as basal in a clade. Another clade is subdivided into two subclades, and are related to Rickettsia of typhus group.ConclusionsConsidering that fleas are generalist parasites, and that they are frequently found and abundant in rodents, which are closely related to humans, the detection of potential emerging zoonotic pathogens in rodent fleas highlights the risk of infection to humans.

scholarly journals Molecular detection of Rickettsia in fleas from micromammals in Chile

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucila Moreno Salas ◽  
Mario Espinoza Carniglia ◽  
Nicol Lizama Schmeisser ◽  
Luis Gonzalo Torres Fuentes ◽  
María Carolina Silva de la Fuente ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Population ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Flea Species ◽  
Natural Areas ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Dispersal Capacity ◽  
Standard Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Well Differentiated ◽  
Semi Arid Region

Abstract BackgroundRickettsial diseases are considered important in public health due to their dispersal capacity determined by the particular characteristics of their reservoirs and / or vectors. Among the latter, fleas play an important role, since the vast majority of species parasitize wild and invasive rodents, so their detection is relevant to be able to monitor potential emerging diseases. The aim of this study was to detect, characterize, and compare Rickettsia spp. from the fleas of micromammals in areas with different human population densities in Chile.MethodsThe presence of Rickettsia spp. was evaluated by standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing in 1,315 fleas collected from 1,512 micromammals in 29 locations, with different human population densities in Chile. A generalized linear models (GLM) was used to identify the variables that may explain Rickettsia prevalence in fleas.ResultsDNA of Rickettsia spp. was identified in 13.2% (174 of 1,315) of fleas tested. Fifteen flea species were found to be Rickettsia-positive. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. was higher in winter, semi-arid region and natural areas, and the infections in fleas varied between species of fleas. The prevalence of Rickettsia among flea species ranged from 0%–35.1%. Areas of lower human density have the highest prevalence of Rickettsia. The phylogenetic tree shows two well-differentiated clades. Rickettsia belli is positioned as basal in a clade. Another clade is subdivided into two subclades, and are related to Rickettsia of typhus group.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence and molecular characterization of Rickettsia spp. in 15 species of fleas of micromammals in Chile. In this study, fleas were detected carrying Rickettsia DNA with zoonotic potential, mainly in villages and natural areas of Chile. Considering that there are differences in the prevalence of Rickettsia in fleas associated with different factors, more investigations are needed to further understand the ecology of Rickettsia in fleas and their implications for human health.

Evaluation of methods for isolation of DNA for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based identification of pathogenic bacteria from pure cultures and water samples

2008 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 995-999 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Horáková ◽  
H. Mlejnková ◽  
P. Mlejnek
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Bacterial Suspension ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Alkaline Lysis ◽  
Bacterial Dna ◽  
Pure Cultures ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provides a reliable detection of pathogenic bacteria in water samples. However, this method can be adversely influenced by the purity of the DNA template. This is a particularly important obstacle when the bacterial DNA is directly extracted from water samples. In this study we compared the suitability of 8 different methods for isolation of bacterial DNA from pure cultures and 10 different methods for isolation of DNA from water samples. The quality of extracted DNA was assessed by PCR amplification of target sequences derived from uid (E. coli and Shigella sp.), tuf (Enterococcus sp.) and hns (Salmonella sp.). Results indicated that there are differences among the methods tested and only a few of them gave satisfactory results. The method based on alkaline lysis of bacterial suspension, which was developed in our laboratory, seemed to be efficient enough for the detection of bacteria from pure cultures. Detection of bacteria directly from water samples was more difficult. The modified method developed by Slusarenko was found as the best of the tested methods.

scholarly journals Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) Vigilance Behaviour Varies between Human-Modified and Natural Environments

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 494
Author(s):  
Georgina Hume ◽  
Elizabeth Brunton ◽  
Scott Burnett
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Urban Land Use ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Large Mammals ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Vigilance Behaviour ◽  
Landscape Level ◽  
Behavioural Adaptations

Rapid increases in urban land use extent across the globe are creating challenges for many wildlife species. Urban landscapes present a novel environment for many species, yet our understanding of wildlife behavioural adaptations to urban environments is still poor. This study compared the vigilance behaviour of a large mammal in response to urbanisation at a landscape level. Here, we investigate urban (n = 12) and non-urban (n = 12) populations of kangaroos in two regions of Australia, and the relationship between kangaroo vigilance and urbanisation. We used a linear modelling approach to determine whether anti-predator vigilance and the number of vigilant acts performed were influenced by land use type (i.e., urban or non-urban), human population densities, kangaroo demographics, and environmental factors. Kangaroo behaviour differed between the two study regions; kangaroo vigilance was higher in urban than non-urban sites in the southern region, which also had the highest human population densities, however no effect of land use was found in the northern region. Season and sex influenced the vigilance levels across both regions, with higher levels seen in winter and female kangaroos. This study is the first to compare urban and non-urban vigilance of large mammals at a landscape level and provide novel insights into behavioural adaptations of large mammals to urban environments.

scholarly journals Vampire bat reservoir and main transmitter of rabies, a public health problem in Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (15) ◽  
pp. 29-36
Author(s):  
E. Abigail Amador Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Desmodus Rotundus ◽  
Natural Reservoir ◽  
Livestock Species ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Vampire Bat

Rabies is considered a re-emerging disease due to increased contact with the reservoir. The vampire bat Desmodus rotundus is the reservoir and main transmitter of this disease. Alterations in the natural environment have caused imbalances of impact on the ecology, influencing the movement of the reservoir from natural areas to rural and urban environments, where there are human settlements and the presence of domestic animals. The objective of this work has been to present the most relevant aspects about the role of the vampire bat as a natural reservoir and main transmitter of rabies in the region in order to raise awareness in the population about the risk this is to public health. Attacks by vampire bat Desmodus rotundus on livestock species are becoming more frequent, even in regions that for decades had been considered free from rabies. This represents a public health problem, because these cases can generate contacts between infected animals and people.

scholarly journals Molecular detection of Rickettsia in fleas from micromammals in Chile

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucila Moreno Salas ◽  
Mario Espinoza Carniglia ◽  
Nicol Lizama Schmeisser ◽  
Luis Gonzalo Torres Fuentes ◽  
María Carolina Silva de la Fuente ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Population ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Flea Species ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Natural Areas ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Dispersal Capacity ◽  
Standard Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Semi Arid Region

Abstract Background: Rickettsial diseases are considered important in public health due to their dispersal capacity determined by the particular characteristics of their reservoirs and/or vectors. Among the latter, fleas play an important role, since the vast majority of species parasitize wild and invasive rodents, so their detection is relevant to be able to monitor potential emerging diseases. The aim of this study was to detect, characterize, and compare Rickettsia spp. from the fleas of micromammals in areas with different human population densities in Chile. Methods: The presence of Rickettsia spp. was evaluated by standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing in 1315 fleas collected from 1512 micromammals in 29 locations, with different human population densities in Chile. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to identify the variables that may explain Rickettsia prevalence in fleas. Results: DNA of Rickettsia spp. was identified in 13.2% (174 of 1315) of fleas tested. Fifteen flea species were found to be Rickettsia-positive. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. was higher in winter, semi-arid region and natural areas, and the infection levels in fleas varied between species of flea. The prevalence of Rickettsia among flea species ranged between 0–35.1%. Areas of lower human density showed the highest prevalence of Rickettsia. The phylogenetic tree showed two well-differentiated clades with Rickettsia bellii positioned as basal in one clade. The second clade was subdivided into two subclades of species related to Rickettsia of the spotted fever group. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence and molecular characterization of Rickettsia spp. in 15 flea species of micromammals in Chile. In this study, fleas were detected carrying Rickettsia DNA with zoonotic potential, mainly in villages and natural areas of Chile. Considering that there are differences in the prevalence of Rickettsia in fleas associated with different factors, more investigations are needed to further understand the ecology of Rickettsia in fleas and their implications for human health.

scholarly journals Molecular detection of Rickettsia in fleas from micromammals in Chile

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucila Moreno Salas ◽  
Mario Espinoza Carniglia ◽  
Nicol Lizama Schmeisser ◽  
Luis Gonzalo Torres Fuentes ◽  
María Carolina Silva de la Fuente ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Population ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Flea Species ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Natural Areas ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Dispersal Capacity ◽  
Standard Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract Background: Rickettsial diseases are considered important in public health due to their dispersal capacity determined by the particular characteristics of their reservoirs and / or vectors. Among the latter, fleas play an important role, since the vast majority of species parasitize wild and invasive rodents, so their detection is relevant to be able to monitor potential emerging diseases. The aim of this study was to detect, characterize, and compare Rickettsia spp. from the fleas of micromammals in areas with different human population densities in Chile.Methods: The presence of Rickettsia spp. was evaluated by standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing in 1,315 fleas collected from 1,512 micromammals in 29 locations, with different human population densities in Chile. A generalized linear models (GLM) was used to identify the variables that may explain Rickettsia prevalence in fleas. Results: DNA of Rickettsia spp. was identified in 13.2% (174 of 1,315) of fleas tested. Fifteen flea species were found to be Rickettsia-positive. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. was higher in winter, semi-arid region and natural areas, and the infections in fleas varied between species of fleas. The prevalence of Rickettsia among flea species ranged from 0%–35.1%. Areas of lower human density have the highest prevalence of Rickettsia. The phylogenetic tree shows two well-differentiated clades. Rickettsia bellii is positioned as basal in a clade. Another clade is subdivided into two subclades, and are related to Rickettsia of spotted fever group.Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence and molecular characterization of Rickettsia spp. in 15 species of fleas of micromammals in Chile. In this study, fleas were detected carrying Rickettsia DNA with zoonotic potential, mainly in villages and natural areas of Chile. Considering that there are differences in the prevalence of Rickettsia in fleas associated with different factors, more investigations are needed to further understand the ecology of Rickettsia in fleas and their implications for human health.

scholarly journals Molecular detection of Rickettsia in fleas from micromammals in Chile

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucila Moreno-Salas ◽  
Mario Espinoza-Carniglia ◽  
Nicol Lizama-Schmeisser ◽  
Luis Gonzalo Torres-Fuentes ◽  
María Carolina Silva-de La Fuente ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Population ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Flea Species ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Natural Areas ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Dispersal Capacity ◽  
Standard Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Semi Arid Region

Abstract Background Rickettsial diseases are considered important in public health due to their dispersal capacity determined by the particular characteristics of their reservoirs and/or vectors. Among the latter, fleas play an important role, since the vast majority of species parasitize wild and invasive rodents, so their detection is relevant to be able to monitor potential emerging diseases. The aim of this study was to detect, characterize, and compare Rickettsia spp. from the fleas of micromammals in areas with different human population densities in Chile. Methods The presence of Rickettsia spp. was evaluated by standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing in 1315 fleas collected from 1512 micromammals in 29 locations, with different human population densities in Chile. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to identify the variables that may explain Rickettsia prevalence in fleas. Results DNA of Rickettsia spp. was identified in 13.2% (174 of 1315) of fleas tested. Fifteen flea species were found to be Rickettsia-positive. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. was higher in winter, semi-arid region and natural areas, and the infection levels in fleas varied between species of flea. The prevalence of Rickettsia among flea species ranged between 0–35.1%. Areas of lower human density showed the highest prevalence of Rickettsia. The phylogenetic tree showed two well-differentiated clades with Rickettsia bellii positioned as basal in one clade. The second clade was subdivided into two subclades of species related to Rickettsia of the spotted fever group. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence and molecular characterization of Rickettsia spp. in 15 flea species of micromammals in Chile. In this study, fleas were detected carrying Rickettsia DNA with zoonotic potential, mainly in villages and natural areas of Chile. Considering that there are differences in the prevalence of Rickettsia in fleas associated with different factors, more investigations are needed to further understand the ecology of Rickettsia in fleas and their implications for human health.

Characterization of a cDNA for Rhesus Monkey Protein C Inhibitor – Evidence for N-Terminal Involvement in Heparin Stimulation

1995 ◽  
Vol 74 (04) ◽  
pp. 1079-1087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus-P Radtke ◽  
José A Fernández ◽  
Bruno O Villoutreix ◽  
Judith S Greengard ◽  
John H Griffin
Keyword(s):  
Rhesus Monkey ◽  
Protein C ◽  
Activated Protein C ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Heparin Binding ◽  
Reactive Center ◽  
Protein C Inhibitor ◽  
Polymerase Chain

SummarycDNAs for protein C inhibitor (PCI) were cloned from human and rhesus monkey 1 liver RNAs by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Sequencing showed that rhesus monkey and human PCI cDNAs were 93% identical. Predicted amino acid sequences differed at 26 of 387 residues. Pour of these differences (T352M, N359S, R362K, L3631) were in the reactive center loop that is important for inhibitory specificity, and two were in the N-terminal helix (M8T, E13K) that is implicated in glycosaminoglycan binding. PCI in human or rhesus monkey plasma showed comparable inhibitory activity towards human activated protein C in the presence of 10 U/ml heparin. However, maximal acceleration of the inhibition of activated protein C required 5-fold lower heparin concentration for rhesus monkey than for human plasma, consistent with the interpretation that the additional positive charge (E13K) in a putative-heparin binding region increased the affinity for heparin.

scholarly journals The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) Endorses the Milan Charter on Urban Obesity

Obesity Facts ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Michele O. Carruba ◽  
Luca Busetto ◽  
Sheree Bryant ◽  
Antonio Caretto ◽  
Nathalie J. Farpour-Lambert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
National Level ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Communicable Diseases ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Shared Responsibility ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Non Communicable Diseases ◽  
Health Goals

The Milan Charter on Urban Obesity highlights the challenges of urban environments as a battleground for human health, as cities are often organized to subvert public health goals, and promote rather than prevent the development of obesity and consequent non-communicable diseases. The Charter articulates ten principles which detail actions and strategies through which general practitioners, diverse medical specialists, related healthcare professionals, administrators and healthcare practice managers, policy actors – within health systems and at a national level – along with experts across disciplines, and citizens, can work in cooperation to meet this challenge and improve public health. The Charter urges the adoption of decisions that deliver the following: (i) policies which enable our cities to become healthier and less obesogenic, more supportive of well-being and less health-disruptive in general, and (ii) policies that fully support primary prevention strategies, that address social stigma, and that ensure fair access to treatment for people living with obesity. The Milan Charter on Urban Obesity aims to raise awareness of our shared responsibility for the health of all citizens, and focuses on addressing the health of people living with obesity – not only as a challenge in its own right, but a gateway to other major non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

scholarly journals DMSO Improves the Ski-Slope Effect in Direct PCR

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1943
Author(s):  
Joo-Young Kim ◽  
Ju Yeon Jung ◽  
Da-Hye Kim ◽  
Seohyun Moon ◽  
Won-Hae Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Direct Pcr ◽  
Dna Profile ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Specific Amplification ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Dna Profiles

Analytical techniques such as DNA profiling are widely used in various fields, including forensic science, and novel technologies such as direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification are continuously being developed in order to acquire DNA profiles efficiently. However, non-specific amplification may occur depending on the quality of the crime scene evidence and amplification methods employed. In particular, the ski-slope effect observed in direct PCR amplification has led to inaccurate interpretations of the DNA profile results. In this study, we aimed to reduce the ski-slope effect by using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in direct PCR. We confirmed that DMSO (3.75%, v/v) increased the amplification yield of large-sized DNA sequences more than that of small-sized ones. Using 50 Korean buccal samples, we further demonstrated that DMSO reduced the ski-slope effect in direct PCR. These results suggest that the experimental method developed in this study is suitable for direct PCR and may help to successfully obtain DNA profiles from various types of evidence at crime scenes.

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