Molecular detection of Rickettsia spp. in ticks collected from dogs from the Department of Piura, Peru

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of ticks positive for genus Rickettsia bacteria among ticks collected from domestic dogs in the Department of Piura, Peru, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Ticks were collected from dogs in urban areas of the metropolitan region of Piura, Peru. Only three species of ticks were identified; 977 Rhipicephalus sanguineus (180 nymphs, 417 females, and 380 males), Six Amblyomma triste females, and one Amblyomma tigrinum male. After classifying the specimens morphologically by stage, species, and sex, their total DNA was tested by PCR using primers that amplify fragments of the gltA, ompA, ompB, and htrA genes. The resulting positive sample was sequenced, compared to the GenBank database, and analyzed phylogenetically. The Rickettsia spp. infection rate in the tick pools was 0.2% (1/484); the positive specimen was an R. sanguineus tick. GenBank analysis of the positive sequence revealed 100% identify with Rickettsia felis; however, no products of the htrA, ompA and ompB genes were amplified from this sample. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of R. felis in R. sanguineus in Peru.

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Presence of Rickettsia Species in Ticks Collected from Companion Animals in Northeastern Georgia, United States

Veterinary Sciences ◽

10.3390/vetsci8030037 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 37

Author(s):

Hannah Stanley ◽

DeLacy V. L. Rhodes

Keyword(s):

Companion Animals ◽

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽

Amblyomma Americanum ◽

Ixodid Ticks ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Rickettsia Felis ◽

Rickettsia Species ◽

Tick Vector ◽

Major Threat ◽

Polymerase Chain

Tick-borne diseases are a major threat to both humans and their pets; therefore, it is important to evaluate the prevalence of pathogens carried by ticks on companion animals. In this study, attached and unattached Ixodid ticks were removed from companion animals by a veterinary practice in Hall County, Georgia. DNA was extracted from unengorged adult ticks and each was screened for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced to determine the species present. Two hundred and four adult hard-bodied ticks were identified to species and Rickettsia spp. were found in 19.6% (n = 38) of the 194 analyzed DNA extracts. Rickettsia montanensis was found in Dermacentor variablis (14.7%; n = 25), Amblyomma maculatum (33.3%; n = 2), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. ticks (25%; n = 4). One Amblyomma americanum tick contained Rickettsia amblyommatis, while Rickettsia felis was found in one Dermacentor variablis tick, serving as the first report of Rickettsia felis in a tick in this region and within this tick vector. This study suggests that there is a risk of companion animals contracting a species of Rickettsia from a tick bite in northeastern Georgia, indicating a need for more investigation and highlighting the importance of tick prevention on pets.

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Molecular Evidence of Rickettsia felis in Phereoeca sp.

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612021017 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 30 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Fernanda Sales de Araújo ◽

Rafael Mazioli Barcelos ◽

Tiago Antônio de Oliveira Mendes ◽

Cláudio Mafra

Keyword(s):

Blood Feeding ◽

Coi Gene ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Molecular Evidence ◽

Rickettsia Felis ◽

Obligate Intracellular ◽

Transitional Group ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Mutualistic Association ◽

Level Identification

Abstract Rickettsia felis is an obligate intracellular bacterium capable of infecting ticks, fleas, lice, and other arthropods. This bacterium is classified as a member of the Transitional Group (TRG) Rickettsia. It is known the evidence of R. felis mutualistic and obligatory relationship with some eukaryote organisms. However, there aren’t scientific accounts of R. felis and moths of the order Lepidoptera association. The current work reports the first identification of the bacteria R. felis in Phereoeca sp. For that, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using gltA, ompA, and ompB genes was used. The nucleotide sequences showed 100% of identity with other Rickettsia felis sequences. The genus-level identification of the moth larvae was performed by morphological taxonomic keys and PCR analysis of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. The nucleotide sequenced showed 94.94% similarity with the species Phereoeca praecox. However, with the low number of sequences deposited in the databases, the species was classified as Phereoeca sp. The results suggest that R. felis may develop in an organism without blood-feeding behavior (Lepidoptera), as it has been demonstrated for booklice (Psocoptera). Further investigation is necessary in order to confirm pathogenic or mutualistic association with moths.

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The efficacy of a generic doxycycline tablet in the treatment of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis

Journal of the South African Veterinary Association ◽

10.4102/jsava.v86i1.1193 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 86 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Josephus J. Fourie ◽

Ivan Horak ◽

Dionne Crafford ◽

Heidi L. Erasmus ◽

Ockert J. Botha

Keyword(s):

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽

Tick Control ◽

Control Programme ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Once Daily ◽

Tablet Form ◽

Platelet Counts ◽

Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Disease Free

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a generic doxycycline tablet (DoxyVet®) against Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacterium E. canis and transmitted by the brown kennel tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Six disease-free and tick-free dogs were infested with E. canis infected ticks. Once diagnosed (with polymerase chain reaction [PCR] analysis and platelet counts) as positive for infection, doxycycline tablets were administered orally once a day for 20 consecutive days, at a target dose level of 10 mg/kg. The actual dose administered was calculated as ranging between 10 mg/kg and 11.7 mg/kg. The PCR analysis, 28 days after the first administration of the tablets, failed to detect E. canis in any of the dogs. On Day 56 of the study, four of the dogs were diagnosed with E. canis for the second time and a fifth dog was diagnosed on Day 70. The platelet counts of the sixth dog remained within normal levels and it was discharged from the study on Day 84. Doxycycline tablets were then administered to the remaining five infected dogs for 28 consecutive days. Four of these dogs had no positive PCR results during the following 3 months. The fifth dog was diagnosed with E. canis for the third time 58 days after the last tablets of the second treatment had been administered, after which it was rescue treated (doxycycline for a further 28 days). The results indicate that doxycycline administered in tablet form (DoxyVet®) at 10 mg/kg – 11.7 mg/kg body mass once daily for 28 consecutive days clears most dogs of infection. The importance of a concomitant tick-control programme is therefore stressed.

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Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in infected dogs associated with Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick infestation in Thailand

Veterinary World ◽

10.14202/vetworld.2021.1631-1637 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1631-1637

Author(s):

Amornrat Juasook ◽

Bunnada Siriporn ◽

Natthaphat Nopphakhun ◽

Pacharamol Phetpoang ◽

Subongkoch Khamyang

Keyword(s):

Dna Sequencing ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽

Effective Control ◽

Single Infection ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Hepatozoon Canis ◽

Pet Owners ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Common Infection

Background and Aim: Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are of great concern having the potential to threaten canine health. Dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Babesia canis, and Hepatozoon canis are commonly found in Thailand; Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick is the most common vector of diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of common TBPs in dogs and their ticks in Thailand using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing methods. Materials and Methods: Forty-four blood samples were positively diagnosed with TBPs infection by microscopy. Samples were from animal hospitals in Maha Sarakham, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Bangkok, Thailand, during January-June 2020. Five to six ticks were also taken from infected dogs, and then, both blood and tick were analyzed using PCR and DNA sequencing. Results: PCR results showed that R. sanguineus was the only tick species detected in this study. The appearance of single infection with E. canis was the most common infection found in dogs and ticks (64% and 82%, respectively). Correlation of pathogen infection in hosts and their vector was performed by similarity detection of pathogens between blood and tick samples based on PCR analysis in 29 samples (66%) but there was no significant differentiation. Conclusion: E. canis appears as the most common canine tick-borne pathogen in Thailand, which was detected in both healthy and sick dogs as well as in R. sanguineus. The findings show the relationships among host dogs, pathogens, and ticks. Veterinarians should be proactive in educating pet owners about the risks associated with ticks and their important pathogens and plan effective control strategies.

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The implications of climate change on residential water use: a micro-scale analysis of Portland (OR), USA

Journal of Water and Climate Change ◽

10.2166/wcc.2011.024 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 225-238 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Vivek Shandas ◽

Meenakshi Rao ◽

Moriah McSharry McGrath

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Water Use ◽

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Water Conservation ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Future Climate ◽

Metropolitan Region ◽

Study Region ◽

Residential Water Use ◽

Residential Water

Social and behavioral research is crucial for securing environmental sustainability and improving human living environments. Although the majority of people now live in urban areas, we have limited empirical evidence of the anticipated behavioral response to climate change. Using empirical data on daily household residential water use and temperature, our research examines the implications of future climate conditions on water conservation behavior in 501 households within the Portland (OR) metropolitan region. We ask whether and how much change in ambient temperatures impact residential household water use, while controlling for taxlot characteristics. Based on our results, we develop a spatially explicit description about the changes in future water use for the study region using a downscaled future climate scenario. The results suggest that behavioral responses are mediated by an interaction of household structural attributes, and magnitude and temporal variability of weather parameters. These findings have implications for the way natural resource managers and planning bureaus prepare for and adapt to future consequences of climate change.

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Spatiotemporal clustering, social inequities and the risk of leptospirosis in an endemic area of Brazil: a retrospective spatial modelling

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene ◽

10.1093/trstmh/traa128 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Katyucia O C de Souza ◽

José Augusto P Góes ◽

Matheus S Melo ◽

Paula M G Leite ◽

Lucas A Andrade ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Spatial Regression ◽

Temporal Trends ◽

Spatial Dynamics ◽

Secondary Data ◽

The State ◽

Scan Statistics ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Metropolitan Region ◽

Social Inequities

Abstract Background Leptospirosis is an endemic disease in Brazil of social and economic relevance related to behavioural and socioenvironmental factors. This study aimed to analyse the spatiotemporal distribution of the incidence of leptospirosis and its association with social determinants in health in a state of northeastern Brazil. Methods An ecological study of temporal series with techniques of spatial analysis using secondary data of the cases of leptospirosis notified in the Information System of Notifiable Diseases of the state of Sergipe (2008–2017) was conducted. The analysis of temporal trends was performed using Poisson regression. Spatial analyses were performed using the Moran index, the local empirical Bayesian model, scan statistics and spatial regression. Results The incidence rate decreased from 3.66 to 1.44 cases per 100 000 inhabitants in 2008 and 2017, respectively. Leptospirosis was associated with social inequities, mostly affecting males aged 20–49 y living in urban areas. The space-time scan indicated the formation of a risk cluster in municipalities in the metropolitan region of the state. Conclusions The data indicated the persistence of leptospirosis transmission, maintaining a pattern of high endemicity in some municipalities associated with social inequities. The study showed the temporal and spatial dynamics of the disease to better target specific actions for prevention and control.

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Characterization of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli isolates

Summa Phytopathologica ◽

10.1590/s0100-54052008000300004 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 228-231 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Willian Mário de Carvalho Nunes ◽

Maria Júlia Corazza ◽

Silvana Aparecida Crestes Dias de Souza ◽

Siu Mui Tsai ◽

Eiko Eurya Kuramae

Keyword(s):

Xanthomonas Campestris ◽

Random Amplified Polymorphic Dna ◽

Hypersensitive Reaction ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Xanthomonas Axonopodis ◽

Paulo State ◽

Total Dna ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Bacterial Plant Pathogen

A simple, quick and easy protocol was standardized for extraction of total DNA of the bacteria Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli. The DNA obtained by this method had high quality and the quantity was enough for the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) reactions with random primers, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with primers of the hypersensitivity and pathogenicity gene (hrp). The DNA obtained was free of contamination by proteins or carbohydrates. The ratio 260nm/380nm of the DNA extracted ranged from 1.7 to 1.8. The hrp gene cluster is required by bacterial plant pathogen to produce symptoms on susceptible hosts and hypersensitive reaction on resistant hosts. This gene has been found in different bacteria as well as in Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (9). The primers RST21 and RST22 (9) were used to amplify the hrp gene of nine different isolates of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli from Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil, and one isolate, "Davis". PCR amplified products were obtained in all isolates pathogenic to beans.

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Easy and Efficient DNA Extraction from Woody Plants for the Detection of Phytoplasmas by Polymerase Chain Reaction

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pdis.1999.83.5.482 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 83 (5) ◽

pp. 482-485 ◽

Cited By ~ 62

Author(s):

Margaret J. Green ◽

Dan A. Thompson ◽

Donald J. MacKenzie

Keyword(s):

Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Plant Material ◽

Woody Plant ◽

Leaf Roll ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Efficient Procedure ◽

Identical Manner ◽

Total Dna ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Selection Of

A simple and efficient procedure for the extraction of high-quality DNA from phytoplasma-infected woody and herbaceous plants for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection is described. This procedure does not require phenol, chloroform, or alcohol for the precipitation of nucleic acids. Herbaceous and woody plant material are extracted in an identical manner with no additional purification or enrichment steps required. The method utilizes commercially available microspin-column matrices, and the extraction of total DNA can be achieved in less than 1 h. The method has been used to successfully purify phytoplasma DNA from whole leaves, leaf petioles and midribs, roots, and dormant wood from a diverse selection of plant material. The phytoplasmas detected by PCR include pear decline, western X-disease, peach yellow leaf roll, peach rosette, apple proliferation, Australian grapevine yellows, and Vaccinium witches'-broom.

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Amplification Refractory Mutation System – Polymerase Chain Reaction for Rapid Detection of rpoB Gene Mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology ◽

10.3126/ijasbt.v5i1.17020 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 81-85 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hemanta Kumari Chaudhary ◽

Mitesh Shrestha ◽

Prakash Chaudhary ◽

Bal Hari Poudel

Keyword(s):

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽

Rpob Gene ◽

Amplification Refractory Mutation System ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Arms Pcr ◽

Mutation System ◽

Mdr Tb ◽

Total Dna ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Rifampin Resistance

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become a serious worldwide threat including in Nepal. MDR-TB refers to the pathological condition whereby Mycobacterium tuberculosis becomes resistant to the first line of drug treatment i.e. rifampin and isoniazid. Resistance to rifampin (RIF) is mainly caused by the mutations in the rpoB gene which codes for the β-subunit of RNA polymerase. In this study, Amplification Refractory Mutation System – Polymerase Chain Reaction (ARMS – PCR) technique has been used to detect mutations in the rpoB gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Total DNA samples of 34 phenotypic MDR-TB were subjected to ARMS – PCR using three different codon specific primers (516, 526 and 531). These three codons occupy large portion of total mutation responsible for rifampin resistance. Out of the total DNA samples, all were bearing mutation in at least one of the three codons mentioned. Of those bearing mutation, the highest number had mutation in codon 531 (97.05 %) followed by codon 516 (17.64 %) and finally in codon 526 (11.76%) respectively. Hence, ARMS – PCR may be used as an alternative diagnostic technique for detection of rifampin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, especially for a developing country like Nepal.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(1): 81-85

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