scholarly journals Serological Evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia spp. Exposure in Horses from Central Italy

Pathogens ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Virginia Ebani
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia ◽  
The One ◽  
Sfg Rickettsia

Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. are tick-borne bacteria of veterinary and human concern. In view of the One-Health concept, the present study wanted to evaluate the spreading of these pathogens in horses living in central Italy. In particular, the aim of the investigation was to verify the exposure to A. phagocytophilum in order to update the prevalence of this pathogen in the equine population from this area, and to spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. to evaluate a possible role of horses in the epidemiology of rickettsiosis. Indirect immunofluorescent assay was carried out to detect antibodies against A. phagocytophilum and SFG (spotted fever group) Rickettsia spp. in blood serum samples collected from 479 grazing horses living in central Italy during the period from 2013 to 2018. One hundred and nine (22.75%) horses were positive for A. phagocytophilum, 72 (15.03%) for SFG Rickettsia spp., and 19 (3.96%) for both antigens. The obtained results confirm the occurrence of A. phagocytophilum in equine populations, and also suggest the involvement of horses in the epidemiology of SFG rickettsiosis. In both cases, in view of the zoonotic aspect of these pathogens and the frequent contact between horses and humans, the monitoring of equine populations could be useful for indication about the spreading of the tick-borne pathogens in a certain geographic area.

scholarly journals One Health Approach to Rickettsiosis: A Five-Year Study on Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks Collected from Humans, Animals and Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Ilaria Pascucci ◽  
Elisa Antognini ◽  
Cristina Canonico ◽  
Marco Giuseppe Montalbano ◽  
Alessandro Necci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Rickettsia Species ◽  
Glta Gene ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Pcr Products ◽  
Sfg Rickettsia

The spotted fever group of Rickettsiae is a heterogeneous group of Rickettsiae transmitted by ticks, causing similar diseases in humans (spotted fever). Until recently, it was supposed that a single pathogenic tick-borne SFG Rickettsia circulated in each different geographic area and that R. conorii subsp. conorii was the SFG Rickettsiae circulating in Italy, but in the last decade, thanks to molecular diagnostic, several different Rickettsia species, previously not considered pathogenic for decades, have been isolated from ticks and definitively associated to human disease, also in Italy. The present survey was carried out with the aim of investigating the presence of different SFG Rickettsia species in a geographic area where no information was available. Ticks collected from animals submitted to necropsy, removed from humans in local hospitals and collected from the environment were identified and tested by PCR for Rickettsia spp. based on the gltA gene, and positive PCR products were sequenced. A total of 3286 ticks were collected. Fifteen tick species were recognized, the most represented (79.52%) species in the collection was Ixodes ricinus, followed by Rhipicephalus sanguineus (9.13%). The overall prevalence of Rickettsia infection was 7.58%. Eight species of Rickettsia were identified, the most frequent was R. monacensis (56%), followed by R. helvetica (25.50%). Noteworthy, is the detection in the present study of Rrhipicephali, detected only twice in Italy. These are the first data available on SFG Rickettsiae circulation in the study area and they can be considered as starting point to assess the possible risk for humans.

scholarly journals Serosurvey for tick-borne diseases in dogs from the Eastern Amazon, Brazil

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Granziera Spolidorio ◽  
Antonio Humberto Hamad Minervino ◽  
Samantha Yuri Oshiro Branco Valadas ◽  
Herbert Sousa Soares ◽  
Kedson Alessandri Lobo Neves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Immunofluorescence Assay ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Rickettsia Species ◽  
Canine Ehrlichiosis ◽  
Brazilian Amazon Region ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia

Canine ehrlichiosis and babesiosis are the most prevalent tick-borne diseases in Brazilian dogs. Few studies have focused attention in surveying tick-borne diseases in the Brazilian Amazon region. A total of 129 blood samples were collected from dogs living in the Brazilian eastern Amazon. Seventy-two samples from dogs from rural areas of 19 municipalities and 57 samples from urban stray dogs from Santarém municipality were collected. Serum samples were submitted to Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) with antigens ofBabesia canis vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, and six Rickettsia species. The frequency of dogs containing anti-B. canis vogeli, anti-E. canis, and anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies was 42.6%, 16.2%, and 31.7%, respectively. Anti-B. canis vogeli antibodies were detected in 59.6% of the urban dogs, and in 29.1% of the rural dogs (P < 0.05). For E. canis, seroprevalence was similar among urban (15.7%) and rural (16.6%) dogs. ForRickettsia spp., rural dogs presented significantly higher (P < 0.05) prevalence (40.3%) than urban animals (21.1%). This first study on tick-borne pathogens in dogs from the Brazilian eastern Amazon indicates that dogs are exposed to several agents, such asBabesia organisms, mostly in the urban area; Spotted Fever group Rickettsia organisms, mostly in the rural area; andEhrlichia organisms, in dogs from both areas studied.

scholarly journals Evaluation of PCR-Based Assay for Diagnosis of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis in Human Serum Samples

2005 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 759-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeon-Joo Choi ◽  
Seung-Hyun Lee ◽  
Kyung-Hee Park ◽  
Young-Sang Koh ◽  
Keun-Hwa Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Rickettsia Conorii ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Dna Fragment ◽  
Sfg Rickettsia

ABSTRACT A nested PCR assay was developed for the detection of spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae in serum samples. The assay was based on specific primers derived from the rickettsial outer membrane protein B gene (rompB) of Rickettsia conorii. An SFG rickettsia-specific signal is obtained from R. akari, R. japonica, R. sibirica, and R. conorii. Other bacterial species tested did not generate any signal, attesting to the specificity of the assay. As few as seven copies of the rompB gene of R. conorii could be detected in 200 μl of serum sample. The assay was evaluated with a panel of sera obtained from patients with acute-phase febrile disease tested by immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA). The SFG rickettsia-specific DNA fragment was detected in 71 out of 100 sera, which were proven to have immunoglobulin M antibodies against SFG rickettsial antigen by IFA. The results were further confirmed by restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing analysis of the DNA fragments. The results indicated that this PCR assay is suitable for the diagnosis of spotted fever group rickettsiosis in Korea.

scholarly journals Evaluation of PCR-based assay in human serum samples for diagnosis of fatal cases of spotted fever group rickettsiosis

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 232-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.M Mendes do Nascimento ◽  
S. Colombo ◽  
T.K. Nagasse-Sugahara ◽  
R.N. Angerami ◽  
M.R. Resende ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Serum ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Human Serum Samples

scholarly journals Adherence to and Invasion of Host Cells by Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia Species

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Gar-Yun Chan ◽  
Sean Phillip Riley ◽  
Juan Jose Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Rickettsia Species ◽  
Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia

scholarly journals The First Reported Outbreak of an Undetermined Species of Human Infection with Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia in Lu'an, China

Acta Tropica ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 106072
Author(s):  
Yong Lyu ◽  
Yong Shen ◽  
Cheng-Yang Hu ◽  
Peng-Peng Xu ◽  
Wei Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia

Multicentre Study of Endo-Ectoparasite Infection in Italian Cats

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Genchi ◽  
ALICE VISMARRA ◽  
STEFANIA ZANET ◽  
SIMONE MORELLI ◽  
ROBERTA GALUPPI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Private Households ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
Study Population ◽  
The One

Abstract BackgroundParasites infecting cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods. Many are also transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on knowledge of parasite distribution and risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and risk factors associated with their occurrence.MethodsOver a 12-month study period, thirteen study centers across Italy analyzed feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats coming from feral colonies, shelters and private households. Samples from cats (n=987) were analyzed by all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for identification of predictors of risk. ResultsThe overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal (GI) and bronco-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). T. cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by hookworms (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, A. abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites. The most common were fleas 29.4% (290/987), followed by ear mites O. cynotis 9.8% (97/987).Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of anti-parasitic treatment.ConclusionBoth ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human-animal bond using proper endo- and ecto-parasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept.

Collaborating With Community Scientists Across Arkansas to Update Tick Distributions and Pathogen Prevalence of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia and Ehrlichia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley P G Dowling ◽  
Sean G Young ◽  
Kelly Loftin
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Dermacentor Variabilis ◽  
Amblyomma Americanum ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia ◽  
Community Science ◽  
Tick Distributions

Abstract Tick-borne diseases (TBD) in humans have dramatically increased over recent years and although the bulk of cases are attributable to Lyme Disease in the Northeastern US, TBDs like spotted fever rickettsiosis and ehrlichiosis heavily impact other parts of the country, namely the mid-south. Understanding tick and pathogen distributions and prevalence traditionally requires active surveillance, which quickly becomes logistically and financially unrealistic as the geographic area of focus increases. We report on a community science effort to survey ticks across Arkansas to obtain updated data on tick distributions and prevalence of human tick-borne disease-causing pathogens in the most commonly encountered ticks. During a 20-mo period, Arkansans submitted 9,002 ticks from 71 of the 75 counties in the state. Amblyomma americanum was the most common tick species received, accounting for 76% of total tick submissions. Nearly 6,000 samples were screened for spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) and Ehrlichia, resulting in general prevalence rates of 37.4 and 5.1%, respectively. In addition, 145 ticks (2.5%) were infected with both SFGR and Ehrlichia. Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,281 spotted fever and 380 ehrlichiosis cases during the same period as our tick collections. Since known SFGR vectors Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma maculatum were not the most common ticks submitted, nor did they have the highest prevalence rates of SFGR, it appears that other tick species play the primary role in infecting humans with SFGR. Our investigation demonstrated the utility of community science to efficiently and economically survey ticks and identify vector-borne disease risk in Arkansas.

scholarly journals Rickettsia aeschlimannii: A New Pathogenic Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia, South Africa

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 874a-874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Marie Pretorius ◽  
Richard J. Birtles
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Rickettsia Aeschlimannii ◽  
Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia

scholarly journals Epidemiological aspects of the Brazilian spotted fever: serological survey of dogs and horses in an endemic area in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

1996 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 427-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elba R.S. de Lemos ◽  
Raimundo D. Machado ◽  
José R. Coura ◽  
Maria A.A.M. Guimarães ◽  
Nelson Chagas
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Area ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Serological Survey ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Brazilian Spotted Fever

In order to obtain information on Brazilian spotted fever, a study in domestic animals was performed in the County of Pedreira, State of São Paulo, Brazil, where 17 human cases had been notified. Serum samples obtained from animals were tested by indirect immunofluorescence for detectable antibodies to spotted fever-group rickettsiae. Seropositivity was revealed in 12 (36.4%) of 33 dogs and seven (77.8%) of nine horses from the endemic area. For comparison, blood samples from dogs and horses from non endemic area were tested and four (12.9%) of 31 dogs and three (27.3%) of 11 horses were positive. The highest titers of antibodies by IFA (IgG > 1:1024) were found only in three dogs and six horses from endemic area. The results suggest that dogs as horses may serve as environmental sentinels for estabilishing the prevalence of foci of spotted fever in Brazil.

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