Anaplasma

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José De La Fuente - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Functional genomics and evolution of tick-Anaplasma interactions and vaccine development.
    Veterinary parasitology, 2009
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Zorica Zivkovic, Eliane Esteves, Frans Jongejan, Sirlei Daffre, Atilio J. Mangold
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several tick-transmitted pathogens that impact veterinary and human health. Tick-borne pathogens cycle between tick vectors and vertebrate hosts and their interaction is mediated by molecular mechanisms at the tick-pathogen interface. These mechanisms have evolved characteristics that involve traits from both the tick vector and the pathogen to insure their mutual survival. Herein, we review the information obtained from functional genomics and genetic studies to characterize the tick-Anaplasma interface and evolution of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. Anaplasma and tick genes and proteins involved in tick-pathogen interactions were characterized. The results of these studies demonstrated that common and Anaplasma species-specific molecular mechanism occur by which pathogen and tick cell gene expression mediates or limits Anaplasma developmental cycle and trafficking through ticks. These results have advanced our understanding of the biology of tick-Anaplasma interactions and have opened new avenues for the development of improved methods for the control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.

  • Functional genomics and evolution of tick–Anaplasma interactions and vaccine development
    Veterinary Parasitology, 2009
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Zorica Zivkovic, Eliane Esteves, Frans Jongejan, Sirlei Daffre, Atilio J. Mangold
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several tick-transmitted pathogens that impact veterinary and human health. Tick-borne pathogens cycle between tick vectors and vertebrate hosts and their interaction is mediated by molecular mechanisms at the tick-pathogen interface. These mechanisms have evolved characteristics that involve traits from both the tick vector and the pathogen to insure their mutual survival. Herein, we review the information obtained from functional genomics and genetic studies to characterize the tick-Anaplasma interface and evolution of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. Anaplasma and tick genes and proteins involved in tick-pathogen interactions were characterized. The results of these studies demonstrated that common and Anaplasma species-specific molecular mechanism occur by which pathogen and tick cell gene expression mediates or limits Anaplasma developmental cycle and trafficking through ticks. These results have advanced our understanding of the biology of tick-Anaplasma interactions and have opened new avenues for the development of improved methods for the control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.

  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma marginale elicit different gene expression responses in cultured tick cells.
    Comparative and functional genomics, 2009
    Co-Authors: Zorica Zivkovic, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Frans Jongejan, Raúl Manzano-román, Robert F. Massung, José De La Fuente
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes obligate tick-transmitted intracellular organisms, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma marginale that multiply in both vertebrate and tick host cells. Recently, we showed that A. marginale affects the expression of tick genes that are involved in tick survival and pathogen infection and multiplication. However, the gene expression profile in A. phagocytophilum-infected tick cells is currently poorly characterized. The objectives of this study were to characterize tick gene expression profile in Ixodes scapularis ticks and cultured ISE6 cells in response to infection with A. phagocypthilum and to compare tick gene expression responses in A. phagocytophilum- and A. marginale-infected tick cells by microarray and real-time RT-PCR analyses. The results of these studies demonstrated modulation of tick gene expression by A. phagocytophilum and provided evidence of different gene expression responses in tick cells infected with A. phagocytophilum and A. marginale. These differences in Anaplasma-tick interactions may reflect differences in pathogen life cycle in the tick cells.

  • Serologic and molecular characterization of Anaplasma species infection in farm animals and ticks from Sicily
    Veterinary parasitology, 2005
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Alessandra Torina, Santo Caracappa, Giovanni Tumino, Roberto Furlá, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan
    Abstract:

    Although Anaplasma marginale was known to be endemic in Italy, the diversity of Anaplasma spp. from this area have not been characterized. In this study, the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. antibodies in randomly selected farm animals collected on the island of Sicily was determined by use of a MSP5 cELISA for Anaplasma spp. and an immunofluorescence test specific for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Genetic variation among strains of Anaplasma spp. from animals and ticks was characterized using the A. marginale msp1α and the Anaplasma spp. msp4 genes. Eight species of ticks were collected and tested by PCR. Seropositivity for Anaplasma spp. and A. phagocytophilum was detected in bovine and ovine samples. All the donkeys were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum but not for Anaplasma spp. Four A. marginale genotypes were identified by msp4 sequences from bovine and tick samples. Two new genotypes of Anaplasma ovis were characterized in sheep. The sequences of A. phagocytophilum from three donkeys proved to be identical to the sequence of the MRK equine isolate from California. Six A. marginale genotypes were found in cattle and one tick using the A. marginale msp1α sequences. All genotypes had four repeated sequences in the N-terminal portion of the MSP1a, except for one that had five repeats. The Italian strains of A. marginale contained three repeat sequences that were not reported previously. Definition of the diversity of Anaplasma spp. in Sicily reported, herein is fundamental to development of control strategies for A. marginale, A. ovis and A. phagocytophilum in Sicily.

  • genetic diversity of Anaplasma species major surface proteins and implications for anaplasmosis serodiagnosis and vaccine development
    Animal Health Research Reviews, 2005
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Varda Shkap, Consuelo Almazán, Atilio J. Mangold, Ala Lew, Hans Lutz, Marina L Meli, Regina Hofmannlehmann, T Molad, Victoria Naranjo
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several pathogens of veterinary and human medical importance. An understanding of the diversity of Anaplasma major surface proteins (MSPs), including those MSPs that modulate infection, development of persistent infections, and transmission of pathogens by ticks, is derived in part, by characterization and phylogenetic analyses of geographic strains. Information concerning the genetic diversity of Anaplasma spp. MSPs will likely influence the development of serodiagnostic assays and vaccine strategies for the control of anaplasmosis.

Katherine M. Kocan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Functional genomics and evolution of tick-Anaplasma interactions and vaccine development.
    Veterinary parasitology, 2009
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Zorica Zivkovic, Eliane Esteves, Frans Jongejan, Sirlei Daffre, Atilio J. Mangold
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several tick-transmitted pathogens that impact veterinary and human health. Tick-borne pathogens cycle between tick vectors and vertebrate hosts and their interaction is mediated by molecular mechanisms at the tick-pathogen interface. These mechanisms have evolved characteristics that involve traits from both the tick vector and the pathogen to insure their mutual survival. Herein, we review the information obtained from functional genomics and genetic studies to characterize the tick-Anaplasma interface and evolution of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. Anaplasma and tick genes and proteins involved in tick-pathogen interactions were characterized. The results of these studies demonstrated that common and Anaplasma species-specific molecular mechanism occur by which pathogen and tick cell gene expression mediates or limits Anaplasma developmental cycle and trafficking through ticks. These results have advanced our understanding of the biology of tick-Anaplasma interactions and have opened new avenues for the development of improved methods for the control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.

  • Functional genomics and evolution of tick–Anaplasma interactions and vaccine development
    Veterinary Parasitology, 2009
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Zorica Zivkovic, Eliane Esteves, Frans Jongejan, Sirlei Daffre, Atilio J. Mangold
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several tick-transmitted pathogens that impact veterinary and human health. Tick-borne pathogens cycle between tick vectors and vertebrate hosts and their interaction is mediated by molecular mechanisms at the tick-pathogen interface. These mechanisms have evolved characteristics that involve traits from both the tick vector and the pathogen to insure their mutual survival. Herein, we review the information obtained from functional genomics and genetic studies to characterize the tick-Anaplasma interface and evolution of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. Anaplasma and tick genes and proteins involved in tick-pathogen interactions were characterized. The results of these studies demonstrated that common and Anaplasma species-specific molecular mechanism occur by which pathogen and tick cell gene expression mediates or limits Anaplasma developmental cycle and trafficking through ticks. These results have advanced our understanding of the biology of tick-Anaplasma interactions and have opened new avenues for the development of improved methods for the control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.

  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma marginale elicit different gene expression responses in cultured tick cells.
    Comparative and functional genomics, 2009
    Co-Authors: Zorica Zivkovic, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Frans Jongejan, Raúl Manzano-román, Robert F. Massung, José De La Fuente
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes obligate tick-transmitted intracellular organisms, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma marginale that multiply in both vertebrate and tick host cells. Recently, we showed that A. marginale affects the expression of tick genes that are involved in tick survival and pathogen infection and multiplication. However, the gene expression profile in A. phagocytophilum-infected tick cells is currently poorly characterized. The objectives of this study were to characterize tick gene expression profile in Ixodes scapularis ticks and cultured ISE6 cells in response to infection with A. phagocypthilum and to compare tick gene expression responses in A. phagocytophilum- and A. marginale-infected tick cells by microarray and real-time RT-PCR analyses. The results of these studies demonstrated modulation of tick gene expression by A. phagocytophilum and provided evidence of different gene expression responses in tick cells infected with A. phagocytophilum and A. marginale. These differences in Anaplasma-tick interactions may reflect differences in pathogen life cycle in the tick cells.

  • Advances toward understanding the molecular biology of the Anaplasma-tick interface.
    Frontiers in bioscience : a journal and virtual library, 2008
    Co-Authors: Katherine M. Kocan, De La Fuente J, Edmour F. Blouin
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma includes a diverse group of tick-borne pathogens found exclusively within membrane-bound vacuoles in host cells. While A. marginale, A. centrale and A. ovis, vectored by Dermacentor and Rhipicephalus ticks, are host-specific for ruminants, A. phagocytophilum, vectored by Ixodes spp., infects a wide range of hosts. In ticks Anaplasma undergoes a developmental cycle that is coordinated with the tick feeding cycle. Although research at the tick/Anaplasma interface is in its infancy, recent studies have provided evidence that Anaplasma infection and transmission is mediated by a molecular mechanism involving both tick cell and pathogen genes. Application of a growing array of molecular approaches, such as RNA interference, genomics and proteomics, are rapidly expanding our knowledge of the tick/pathogen interface. Targeting key tick cell molecules required for pathogen development in vaccine strategies may compromise the vector capacity of ticks for Anaplasma, thus reducing transmission and infection of vertebrates. Collectively, this information will likely lead to the development of dual target vaccines designed to protect vertebrates against tick infestations and prevent the transmission of pathogens.

  • Serologic and molecular characterization of Anaplasma species infection in farm animals and ticks from Sicily
    Veterinary parasitology, 2005
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Alessandra Torina, Santo Caracappa, Giovanni Tumino, Roberto Furlá, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan
    Abstract:

    Although Anaplasma marginale was known to be endemic in Italy, the diversity of Anaplasma spp. from this area have not been characterized. In this study, the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. antibodies in randomly selected farm animals collected on the island of Sicily was determined by use of a MSP5 cELISA for Anaplasma spp. and an immunofluorescence test specific for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Genetic variation among strains of Anaplasma spp. from animals and ticks was characterized using the A. marginale msp1α and the Anaplasma spp. msp4 genes. Eight species of ticks were collected and tested by PCR. Seropositivity for Anaplasma spp. and A. phagocytophilum was detected in bovine and ovine samples. All the donkeys were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum but not for Anaplasma spp. Four A. marginale genotypes were identified by msp4 sequences from bovine and tick samples. Two new genotypes of Anaplasma ovis were characterized in sheep. The sequences of A. phagocytophilum from three donkeys proved to be identical to the sequence of the MRK equine isolate from California. Six A. marginale genotypes were found in cattle and one tick using the A. marginale msp1α sequences. All genotypes had four repeated sequences in the N-terminal portion of the MSP1a, except for one that had five repeats. The Italian strains of A. marginale contained three repeat sequences that were not reported previously. Definition of the diversity of Anaplasma spp. in Sicily reported, herein is fundamental to development of control strategies for A. marginale, A. ovis and A. phagocytophilum in Sicily.

Victoria Naranjo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Functional genomics and evolution of tick-Anaplasma interactions and vaccine development.
    Veterinary parasitology, 2009
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Zorica Zivkovic, Eliane Esteves, Frans Jongejan, Sirlei Daffre, Atilio J. Mangold
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several tick-transmitted pathogens that impact veterinary and human health. Tick-borne pathogens cycle between tick vectors and vertebrate hosts and their interaction is mediated by molecular mechanisms at the tick-pathogen interface. These mechanisms have evolved characteristics that involve traits from both the tick vector and the pathogen to insure their mutual survival. Herein, we review the information obtained from functional genomics and genetic studies to characterize the tick-Anaplasma interface and evolution of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. Anaplasma and tick genes and proteins involved in tick-pathogen interactions were characterized. The results of these studies demonstrated that common and Anaplasma species-specific molecular mechanism occur by which pathogen and tick cell gene expression mediates or limits Anaplasma developmental cycle and trafficking through ticks. These results have advanced our understanding of the biology of tick-Anaplasma interactions and have opened new avenues for the development of improved methods for the control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.

  • Functional genomics and evolution of tick–Anaplasma interactions and vaccine development
    Veterinary Parasitology, 2009
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Zorica Zivkovic, Eliane Esteves, Frans Jongejan, Sirlei Daffre, Atilio J. Mangold
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several tick-transmitted pathogens that impact veterinary and human health. Tick-borne pathogens cycle between tick vectors and vertebrate hosts and their interaction is mediated by molecular mechanisms at the tick-pathogen interface. These mechanisms have evolved characteristics that involve traits from both the tick vector and the pathogen to insure their mutual survival. Herein, we review the information obtained from functional genomics and genetic studies to characterize the tick-Anaplasma interface and evolution of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. Anaplasma and tick genes and proteins involved in tick-pathogen interactions were characterized. The results of these studies demonstrated that common and Anaplasma species-specific molecular mechanism occur by which pathogen and tick cell gene expression mediates or limits Anaplasma developmental cycle and trafficking through ticks. These results have advanced our understanding of the biology of tick-Anaplasma interactions and have opened new avenues for the development of improved methods for the control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.

  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma marginale elicit different gene expression responses in cultured tick cells.
    Comparative and functional genomics, 2009
    Co-Authors: Zorica Zivkovic, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Frans Jongejan, Raúl Manzano-román, Robert F. Massung, José De La Fuente
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes obligate tick-transmitted intracellular organisms, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma marginale that multiply in both vertebrate and tick host cells. Recently, we showed that A. marginale affects the expression of tick genes that are involved in tick survival and pathogen infection and multiplication. However, the gene expression profile in A. phagocytophilum-infected tick cells is currently poorly characterized. The objectives of this study were to characterize tick gene expression profile in Ixodes scapularis ticks and cultured ISE6 cells in response to infection with A. phagocypthilum and to compare tick gene expression responses in A. phagocytophilum- and A. marginale-infected tick cells by microarray and real-time RT-PCR analyses. The results of these studies demonstrated modulation of tick gene expression by A. phagocytophilum and provided evidence of different gene expression responses in tick cells infected with A. phagocytophilum and A. marginale. These differences in Anaplasma-tick interactions may reflect differences in pathogen life cycle in the tick cells.

  • Prevalence of Anaplasma species and habitat suitability for ticks in Sicily
    Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2009
    Co-Authors: Alessandra Torina, Santo Caracappa, A. Alongi, Victoria Naranjo, Agustín Estrada-peña, Joana G. Vicente, Salvatore Scimeca, A M F Marino, Felice Salina, J. De La Fuente
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes the tick-transmitted pathogensAnaplasma marginale, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma ovis that have an impact on veterinary and human health [1]. Anaplasma spp. are endemic in Sicily, where they constitute a veterinary and human health problem [2,3]. Sicily represents a typicalMediterranean ecosystem and offers a good scenario to study the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in relation to the habitat suitability for ticks. The aimof this studywas to characterise the prevalence ofAnaplasma spp. in most abundant host species in Sicily and to correlate these data with the habitat suitability (HS) for ticks at the province level.

  • genetic diversity of Anaplasma species major surface proteins and implications for anaplasmosis serodiagnosis and vaccine development
    Animal Health Research Reviews, 2005
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Varda Shkap, Consuelo Almazán, Atilio J. Mangold, Ala Lew, Hans Lutz, Marina L Meli, Regina Hofmannlehmann, T Molad, Victoria Naranjo
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several pathogens of veterinary and human medical importance. An understanding of the diversity of Anaplasma major surface proteins (MSPs), including those MSPs that modulate infection, development of persistent infections, and transmission of pathogens by ticks, is derived in part, by characterization and phylogenetic analyses of geographic strains. Information concerning the genetic diversity of Anaplasma spp. MSPs will likely influence the development of serodiagnostic assays and vaccine strategies for the control of anaplasmosis.

Atilio J. Mangold - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Functional genomics and evolution of tick–Anaplasma interactions and vaccine development
    Veterinary Parasitology, 2009
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Zorica Zivkovic, Eliane Esteves, Frans Jongejan, Sirlei Daffre, Atilio J. Mangold
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several tick-transmitted pathogens that impact veterinary and human health. Tick-borne pathogens cycle between tick vectors and vertebrate hosts and their interaction is mediated by molecular mechanisms at the tick-pathogen interface. These mechanisms have evolved characteristics that involve traits from both the tick vector and the pathogen to insure their mutual survival. Herein, we review the information obtained from functional genomics and genetic studies to characterize the tick-Anaplasma interface and evolution of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. Anaplasma and tick genes and proteins involved in tick-pathogen interactions were characterized. The results of these studies demonstrated that common and Anaplasma species-specific molecular mechanism occur by which pathogen and tick cell gene expression mediates or limits Anaplasma developmental cycle and trafficking through ticks. These results have advanced our understanding of the biology of tick-Anaplasma interactions and have opened new avenues for the development of improved methods for the control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.

  • Functional genomics and evolution of tick-Anaplasma interactions and vaccine development.
    Veterinary parasitology, 2009
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Zorica Zivkovic, Eliane Esteves, Frans Jongejan, Sirlei Daffre, Atilio J. Mangold
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several tick-transmitted pathogens that impact veterinary and human health. Tick-borne pathogens cycle between tick vectors and vertebrate hosts and their interaction is mediated by molecular mechanisms at the tick-pathogen interface. These mechanisms have evolved characteristics that involve traits from both the tick vector and the pathogen to insure their mutual survival. Herein, we review the information obtained from functional genomics and genetic studies to characterize the tick-Anaplasma interface and evolution of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. Anaplasma and tick genes and proteins involved in tick-pathogen interactions were characterized. The results of these studies demonstrated that common and Anaplasma species-specific molecular mechanism occur by which pathogen and tick cell gene expression mediates or limits Anaplasma developmental cycle and trafficking through ticks. These results have advanced our understanding of the biology of tick-Anaplasma interactions and have opened new avenues for the development of improved methods for the control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.

  • genetic diversity of Anaplasma species major surface proteins and implications for anaplasmosis serodiagnosis and vaccine development
    Animal Health Research Reviews, 2005
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Varda Shkap, Consuelo Almazán, Atilio J. Mangold, Ala Lew, Hans Lutz, Marina L Meli, Regina Hofmannlehmann, T Molad, Victoria Naranjo
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several pathogens of veterinary and human medical importance. An understanding of the diversity of Anaplasma major surface proteins (MSPs), including those MSPs that modulate infection, development of persistent infections, and transmission of pathogens by ticks, is derived in part, by characterization and phylogenetic analyses of geographic strains. Information concerning the genetic diversity of Anaplasma spp. MSPs will likely influence the development of serodiagnostic assays and vaccine strategies for the control of anaplasmosis.

Consuelo Almazán - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Functional genomics and evolution of tick-Anaplasma interactions and vaccine development.
    Veterinary parasitology, 2009
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Zorica Zivkovic, Eliane Esteves, Frans Jongejan, Sirlei Daffre, Atilio J. Mangold
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several tick-transmitted pathogens that impact veterinary and human health. Tick-borne pathogens cycle between tick vectors and vertebrate hosts and their interaction is mediated by molecular mechanisms at the tick-pathogen interface. These mechanisms have evolved characteristics that involve traits from both the tick vector and the pathogen to insure their mutual survival. Herein, we review the information obtained from functional genomics and genetic studies to characterize the tick-Anaplasma interface and evolution of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. Anaplasma and tick genes and proteins involved in tick-pathogen interactions were characterized. The results of these studies demonstrated that common and Anaplasma species-specific molecular mechanism occur by which pathogen and tick cell gene expression mediates or limits Anaplasma developmental cycle and trafficking through ticks. These results have advanced our understanding of the biology of tick-Anaplasma interactions and have opened new avenues for the development of improved methods for the control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.

  • Functional genomics and evolution of tick–Anaplasma interactions and vaccine development
    Veterinary Parasitology, 2009
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Zorica Zivkovic, Eliane Esteves, Frans Jongejan, Sirlei Daffre, Atilio J. Mangold
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several tick-transmitted pathogens that impact veterinary and human health. Tick-borne pathogens cycle between tick vectors and vertebrate hosts and their interaction is mediated by molecular mechanisms at the tick-pathogen interface. These mechanisms have evolved characteristics that involve traits from both the tick vector and the pathogen to insure their mutual survival. Herein, we review the information obtained from functional genomics and genetic studies to characterize the tick-Anaplasma interface and evolution of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. Anaplasma and tick genes and proteins involved in tick-pathogen interactions were characterized. The results of these studies demonstrated that common and Anaplasma species-specific molecular mechanism occur by which pathogen and tick cell gene expression mediates or limits Anaplasma developmental cycle and trafficking through ticks. These results have advanced our understanding of the biology of tick-Anaplasma interactions and have opened new avenues for the development of improved methods for the control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.

  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma marginale elicit different gene expression responses in cultured tick cells.
    Comparative and functional genomics, 2009
    Co-Authors: Zorica Zivkovic, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan, Victoria Naranjo, Edmour F. Blouin, Frans Jongejan, Raúl Manzano-román, Robert F. Massung, José De La Fuente
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes obligate tick-transmitted intracellular organisms, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma marginale that multiply in both vertebrate and tick host cells. Recently, we showed that A. marginale affects the expression of tick genes that are involved in tick survival and pathogen infection and multiplication. However, the gene expression profile in A. phagocytophilum-infected tick cells is currently poorly characterized. The objectives of this study were to characterize tick gene expression profile in Ixodes scapularis ticks and cultured ISE6 cells in response to infection with A. phagocypthilum and to compare tick gene expression responses in A. phagocytophilum- and A. marginale-infected tick cells by microarray and real-time RT-PCR analyses. The results of these studies demonstrated modulation of tick gene expression by A. phagocytophilum and provided evidence of different gene expression responses in tick cells infected with A. phagocytophilum and A. marginale. These differences in Anaplasma-tick interactions may reflect differences in pathogen life cycle in the tick cells.

  • Serologic and molecular characterization of Anaplasma species infection in farm animals and ticks from Sicily
    Veterinary parasitology, 2005
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Alessandra Torina, Santo Caracappa, Giovanni Tumino, Roberto Furlá, Consuelo Almazán, Katherine M. Kocan
    Abstract:

    Although Anaplasma marginale was known to be endemic in Italy, the diversity of Anaplasma spp. from this area have not been characterized. In this study, the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. antibodies in randomly selected farm animals collected on the island of Sicily was determined by use of a MSP5 cELISA for Anaplasma spp. and an immunofluorescence test specific for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Genetic variation among strains of Anaplasma spp. from animals and ticks was characterized using the A. marginale msp1α and the Anaplasma spp. msp4 genes. Eight species of ticks were collected and tested by PCR. Seropositivity for Anaplasma spp. and A. phagocytophilum was detected in bovine and ovine samples. All the donkeys were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum but not for Anaplasma spp. Four A. marginale genotypes were identified by msp4 sequences from bovine and tick samples. Two new genotypes of Anaplasma ovis were characterized in sheep. The sequences of A. phagocytophilum from three donkeys proved to be identical to the sequence of the MRK equine isolate from California. Six A. marginale genotypes were found in cattle and one tick using the A. marginale msp1α sequences. All genotypes had four repeated sequences in the N-terminal portion of the MSP1a, except for one that had five repeats. The Italian strains of A. marginale contained three repeat sequences that were not reported previously. Definition of the diversity of Anaplasma spp. in Sicily reported, herein is fundamental to development of control strategies for A. marginale, A. ovis and A. phagocytophilum in Sicily.

  • genetic diversity of Anaplasma species major surface proteins and implications for anaplasmosis serodiagnosis and vaccine development
    Animal Health Research Reviews, 2005
    Co-Authors: José De La Fuente, Varda Shkap, Consuelo Almazán, Atilio J. Mangold, Ala Lew, Hans Lutz, Marina L Meli, Regina Hofmannlehmann, T Molad, Victoria Naranjo
    Abstract:

    The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several pathogens of veterinary and human medical importance. An understanding of the diversity of Anaplasma major surface proteins (MSPs), including those MSPs that modulate infection, development of persistent infections, and transmission of pathogens by ticks, is derived in part, by characterization and phylogenetic analyses of geographic strains. Information concerning the genetic diversity of Anaplasma spp. MSPs will likely influence the development of serodiagnostic assays and vaccine strategies for the control of anaplasmosis.