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Bruno B Chomel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Bartonella infection in stray dogs from central and Southern Chile (Linares and Puerto Montt)
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2019Co-Authors: Romy M. Weinborn-astudillo, Henri-jean Boulouis, Ananda Müller, Natalia Pau, Bret Z. Tobar, David A. Jaffe, Paulina Sepulveda, Bruno B ChomelAbstract:Bartonellae are emerging zoonotic vector-borne pathogens causing a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms in humans and animals, including life-threatening endocarditis. Dogs are infected with a wide range of Bartonella species and infection has been reported in free-roaming dogs from various South American countries. We report a high Bartonella seroprevalence in 82 Chilean stray dogs. More than half of the dogs from Linares (72.7%, n = 66) and Puerto Montt (56.2%, n = 16) were seropositive for Bartonella henselae, Bartonella vinsonii ssp. berkhoffii, or Bartonella clarridgeiae with antibody titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:512. Three dogs (3.6%) were PCR positive for Bartonella sp. Partial sequencing of the gltA gene indicated that two dogs were infected with B. henselae, and one with a strain close to Bartonella vinsonii ssp. vinsonii. Exposure to Bartonella species was common in stray Chilean dogs, as for other South American countries, likely associated with heavy ectoparasite infestation.
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Prevalence and potential risk factors for Bartonella Infection in Tunisian Stray Dogs
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2017Co-Authors: Jaber Belkhiria, Rickie W Kasten, Matthew J Stuckey, Bruno B Chomel, Henri-jean Boulouis, Drew A. Fleischman, Taoufik Ben Hamida, Mary M. Christopher, Thomas B. FarverAbstract:Bartonellae are blood-borne and vector-transmitted pathogens, some are zoonotic, which have been reported in several Mediterranean countries. Transmission from dogs to humans is suspected, but has not been clearly demonstrated. Our objectives were to determine the seroprevalence of Bartonella henselae, Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, Bartonella clarridgeiae, and Bartonella bovis (as a proxy for Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii) in stray dogs from Tunisia, identify the Bartonella species infecting the dogs and evaluate potential risk factors for canine infection. Blood samples were collected between January and November 2013 from 149 dogs in 10 Tunisian governorates covering several climatic zones. Dog-specific and geographic variables were analyzed as potential risk factors for Bartonella spp. seropositivity and PCR-positivity. DNA was extracted from the blood of all dogs and tested by PCR for Bartonella, targeting the ftsZ and rpoB genes. Partial sequencing was performed on PCR-positive dogs. Twenty-nine dogs (19.5%, 95% confidence interval: 14-27.4) were seropositive for one or more Bartonella species, including 17 (11.4%) for B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, 14 (9.4%) for B. henselae, 13 (8.4%) for B. clarridgeiae, and 7 (4.7%) for B. bovis. Statistical analysis revealed a few potential risk factors, mainly dog's age and breed, latitude and average winter temperature. Twenty-two (14.8%) dogs, including 8 of the 29 seropositive dogs, were PCR-positive for Bartonella based on the ftsZ gene, with 18 (81.8%) of these 22 dogs also positive for the rpoB gene. Partial sequencing showed that all PCR-positive dogs were infected with Candidatus B. merieuxii. Dogs from arid regions and regions with cold average winter temperatures were less likely to be PCR-positive than dogs from other climatic zones. The widespread presence of Bartonella spp. infection in Tunisian dogs suggests a role for stray dogs as potential reservoirs of Bartonella species in Tunisia.
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experimental infection of cats with afipia felis and various Bartonella species or subspecies
Veterinary Microbiology, 2014Co-Authors: Bruno B Chomel, Rickie W Kasten, Matthew J Stuckey, Edward B Breitschwerdt, Jennifer B Henn, Jane E Koehler, Ricardo G Maggi, Chao Chin ChangAbstract:Based upon prior studies, domestic cats have been shown to be the natural reservoir for Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella koehlerae. However, other Bartonella species, such as Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, Bartonella quintana or Bartonella bovis (ex weissii) have been either isolated from or Bartonella DNA sequences PCR amplified and sequenced. In the late 1980s, before B. henselae was confirmed as the etiological agent of cat scratch disease, Afipia felis had been proposed as the causative agent. In order to determine the feline susceptibility to A. felis, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, Bartonella rochalimae, B. quintana or B. bovis, we sought to detect the presence of bacteremia and seroconversion in experimentally-inoculated cats. Most of the cats seroconverted, but only the cats inoculated with B. rochalimae became bacteremic, indicating that cats are not natural hosts of A. felis or the other Bartonella species or subspecies tested in this study.
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Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii exposure in captive wild canids in Brazil.
Epidemiology and infection, 2014Co-Authors: Drew A. Fleischman, Rickie W Kasten, Bruno B Chomel, Marcos Rogério André, L. R. Gonçalves, R. Z. MachadoAbstract:SUMMARY Wild canids are potential hosts for numerous species of Bartonella, yet little research has been done to quantify their infection rates in South America. We sought to investigate Bartonella seroprevalence in captive wild canids from 19 zoos in São Paulo and Mato Grosso states, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 97 wild canids belonging to four different native species and three European wolves (Canis lupus). Indirect immunofluorescent antibody testing was performed to detect the presence of B. henselae, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, B. clarridgeiae, and B. rochalimae. Overall, Bartonella antibodies were detected in 11 of the canids, including five (12·8%) of 39 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous), three (11·1%) of 27 bush dogs (Speothos venaticus), two (8·7%) of 23 maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and one (12·5%) of eight hoary foxes (Lycalopex vetulus), with titres ranging from 1:64 to 1:512. Knowing that many species of canids make excellent reservoir hosts for Bartonella, and that there is zoonotic potential for all Bartonella spp. tested for, it will be important to conduct further research in non-captive wild canids to gain an accurate understanding of Bartonella infection in free-ranging wild canids in South America.
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Bartonellosis, an increasingly recognized zoonosis
Journal of applied microbiology, 2010Co-Authors: Bruno B Chomel, Rickie W KastenAbstract:Cat scratch disease is the most common zoonotic infection caused by Bartonella bacteria. Among the many mammals infected with Bartonella spp., cats represent a large reservoir for human infection, as they are the main reservoir for Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella koehlerae. Bartonella spp. are vector-borne bacteria, and transmission of B. henselae by cat fleas occurs mainly through infected flea faeces, although new potential vectors (ticks and biting flies) have been identified. Dogs are also infected with various Bartonella species and share with humans many of the clinical signs induced by these infections. Although the role of dogs as source of human infection is not yet clearly established, they represent epidemiological sentinels for human exposure. Present knowledge on the aetiology, clinical features and epidemiological characteristics of bartonellosis is presented.
Edward B Breitschwerdt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Bartonella clarridgeiae Bacteremia Detected in an Asymptomatic Blood Donor
2016Co-Authors: Edward B Breitschwerdt, Stanley Sowy, Diana G Scorpio, Bruno Grosselli Lania, Marina Rovani Drummond, William E L. Nicholson, De Paiva Diniz, M. L. Barjas-castro, S. Colombo, E. B. BreithschwerdtAbstract:Human exposure to Bartonella clarridgeiae has been reported only on the basis of antibody detection. We report for the first time an asymptomatic human blood donor infected with B. clarridgeiae, as documented by enrichment blood culture, PCR, and DNA sequencing. CASE REPORT During a study designed to determine the prevalence of Barto-nella bacteremia in samples from 500 blood donors from the Blood Bank of State University of Campinas (UNICAMP
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Bartonella clarridgeiae bacteremia detected in an asymptomatic blood donor
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2015Co-Authors: Gislaine Vieiradamiani, Pedro Diniz, Luiza Helena Urso Pitassi, Stanley Sowy, Diana G Scorpio, Bruno Grosselli Lania, Marina Rovani Drummond, Tânia Cristina Benetti Soares, Maria Lourdes Barjascastro, Edward B BreitschwerdtAbstract:Human exposure to Bartonella clarridgeiae has been reported only on the basis of antibody detection. We report for the first time an asymptomatic human blood donor infected with B. clarridgeiae, as documented by enrichment blood culture, PCR, and DNA sequencing.
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Bartonella spp. Bacteremia in Blood Donors from Campinas, Brazil
2015Co-Authors: Luiza Helena Urso Pitassi, Stanley Sowy, Bruno Grosselli Lania, Marina Rovani Drummond, Pedro Paulo Vissotto De Paiva Diniz, Diana Gerardi Scorpio, Maria Lourdes Barjas-castro, Rovilson Gilioli, Silvia Colombo, Edward B BreitschwerdtAbstract:Bartonella species are blood-borne, re-emerging organisms, capable of causing prolonged infection with diverse disease manifestations, from asymptomatic bacteremia to chronic debilitating disease and death. This pathogen can survive for over a month in stored blood. However, its prevalence among blood donors is unknown, and screening of blood supplies for this pathogen is not routinely performed. We investigated Bartonella spp. prevalence in 500 blood donors from Campinas, Brazil, based on a cross-sectional design. Blood samples were inoculated into an enrichment liquid growth medium and sub-inoculated onto blood agar. Liquid culture samples and Gram-negative isolates were tested using a genus specific ITS PCR with amplicons sequenced for species identification. Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana antibodies were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence. B. henselae was isolated from six donors (1.2%). Sixteen donors (3.2%) were Bartonella-PCR positive after culture in liquid or on solid media, with 15 donors infected with B. henselae and one donor infected with Bartonella clarridgeiae. Antibodies against B. henselae or B. quintana were found in 16% and 32% of 500 blood donors, respectively. Serology was not associated with infection, with only three of 16 Bartonella-infected subjects seropositive for B. henselae or B. quintana. Bartonella DNA was present in the bloodstream of approximately one out of 30 donors from a major blood bank in South America. Negative serology does not rule out Bartonella spp. infection in healthy subjects. Using a combination of liquid and solid cultures, PCR, and DNA sequencing, this study documents for the first time that Bartonella spp. bacteremia occurs in asymptomatic blood donors. Our findings support further evaluation of Bartonella spp. transmission which can occur through blood transfusions.
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experimental infection of cats with afipia felis and various Bartonella species or subspecies
Veterinary Microbiology, 2014Co-Authors: Bruno B Chomel, Rickie W Kasten, Matthew J Stuckey, Edward B Breitschwerdt, Jennifer B Henn, Jane E Koehler, Ricardo G Maggi, Chao Chin ChangAbstract:Based upon prior studies, domestic cats have been shown to be the natural reservoir for Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella koehlerae. However, other Bartonella species, such as Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, Bartonella quintana or Bartonella bovis (ex weissii) have been either isolated from or Bartonella DNA sequences PCR amplified and sequenced. In the late 1980s, before B. henselae was confirmed as the etiological agent of cat scratch disease, Afipia felis had been proposed as the causative agent. In order to determine the feline susceptibility to A. felis, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, Bartonella rochalimae, B. quintana or B. bovis, we sought to detect the presence of bacteremia and seroconversion in experimentally-inoculated cats. Most of the cats seroconverted, but only the cats inoculated with B. rochalimae became bacteremic, indicating that cats are not natural hosts of A. felis or the other Bartonella species or subspecies tested in this study.
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comparative medical features of canine and human bartonellosis
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2009Co-Authors: Edward B Breitschwerdt, Ricardo G MaggiAbstract:E. B. Breitschwerdt and R. G. MaggiIntracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and TranslationalResearch, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USAINTRODUCTIONBartonella species are increasingly recognised asimportant bacterial pathogens in veterinary andhuman medicine. These organisms can be trans-mitted by an arthropod vector or alternatively byanimal scratches or bites. Among the 22 species orsubspecies known today, seven species, includingthree subspecies of Bartonella henselae, and fourgenotypes of Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii,have been detected in or isolated from pet dogs,thereby highlighting the zoonotic potential ofthese bacteria [1–4].Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffiiSince the isolation of B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffiifrom the blood of a dog with intermittent epi-staxis and endocarditis in 1993, this organism hasbecome an important pathogen in dogs and is anemerging pathogen in people [1,2]. Current evi-dence indicates that canids, including coyotes,dogs and grey foxes, potentially serve as reservoirhosts. In dogs, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii has beenidentified as an important cause of endocarditisand has been associated with cardiac arrhyth-mias, myocarditis, granulomatous rhinitis, ante-rior uveitis and chorioretinitis. More recently, thisspecies has been detected in a dog with systemicgranulomatous disease involving the spleen,heart, lymph nodes, liver, kidney, lung, medias-tinum and salivary glands, and also in the bloodand lymph nodes of dogs with lymphoma, and inthe saliva of healthy dogs [3–5]. In addition,co-infection with two of the four previouslydescribed B. vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii geno-types was identified in the same dog.Bartonella henselaeBased upon molecular evidence, B. henselae hasbeen implicated in several pathological conditionsin dogs, including peliosis hepatis, granuloma-tous hepatitis, generalised pyogranulomatouslymphadenitis, and endocarditis. It is unclear asto how dogs become infected and whether dogsserve as accidental hosts or as chronically bacte-raemic reservoirs for B. henselae. More recently,Bartonella spp. were detected in the blood andlymph nodes of healthy golden retrievers and ingolden retrievers with lymphoma [3,4]. Molecularprevalence of Bartonella spp. infection was 18% inboth study populations.Other Bartonella speciesSimilar to people, dogs can develop endocarditisand presumably other serious disease manifesta-tions when infected with both reservoir andnon-reservoir Bartonella species. Non-reservoirBartonella species, including Bartonella clarridgeiae,BartonellawashoensisandBartonellaelizabethae,havebeen associated with endocarditis, hepatic diseaseand sudden death in dogs. More recently, Barto-nella quintana DNA has been detected in two dogswith endocarditis, and in the blood and lymphnodes of dogs with lymphoma, and in the blood,lymph nodes and saliva of healthy dogs [4,5].Bartonella PRE-ENRICHMENTCULTUREWhen testing cat blood samples, B. henselae andB. clarridgeae can be isolated effectively using agar
Didier Raoult - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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molecular evidence of vector borne pathogens in dogs and cats and their ectoparasites in algiers algeria
Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Amina Bessas, Didier Raoult, Hamza Leulmi, Idir Bitam, Sara Zaidi, Khatima Aitoudhia, Philippe ParolaAbstract:In Algeria, only limited information is currently available on the prevalence of emergent canine and feline vector-borne diseases. The aim of the present work was to detect by qPCR vector-associated bacteria in stray dogs and cats and their ectoparasites from Algiers. 18/117 (15.38%) dogs and 2/107 (1.87%) cats were positive for at least one vector-borne agent. Coxiella burnetii and Bartonella henselae were identified in 1/117 (0.85%) dog individually. Ehrlichia canis DNA was detected in 17/117 (14.52%) dogs. 1/107 (0.93%) cat was positive to C. burnetii and another 1/107 (0.93%) to B. henselae. DNA of Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia conorii and E. canis was detected in Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Cat fleas were infected with Rickettsia felis, B. henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae. B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii was identified in Xenopsylla cheopis collected from dogs. The findings of this study indicate that dogs and cats from Algeria are exposed to multiple tick and flea-borne pathogens.
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Bartonella clarridgeiae b henselae and rickettsia felis in fleas from morocco
Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, 2011Co-Authors: Najma Boudebouch, Didier Raoult, Mhammed Sarih, J C Beaucournu, H Amarouch, Mohammed Hassar, Philippe ParolaAbstract:A total of 554 fleas were collected in the Moroccan Casablanca and Tiznit regions from domesticated animals and ruminants between August 2007 and October 2008 and were tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. using molecular methods. For the first time in Morocco, we found Rickettsia felis, the agent of flea-borne spotted fever in Ctenocephalides felis; B. henselae, an agent of cat scratch disease; and Bartonella clarridgeiae, a cat pathogen and potentially a human pathogen.
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Bartonella clarridgeiae in fleas tahiti french polynesia
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2011Co-Authors: Tahar Kernif, Philippe Parola, Didier Raoult, Bernard Davoust, Olivier Cabre, Loic Plaire, Jeanmarc RolainAbstract:To the Editor: Bartonella species are small, gram-negative, fastidious, and hemotropic emerging pathogens that cause various human diseases and circulate between a large variety of mammalian and arthropod vectors. More than 30 Bartonella species have been isolated from humans as well as from wild and domestic animals worldwide (1). B. clarridgeiae was suggested to be a minor causative agent of cat-scratch disease (CSD) in humans, however, this suggestion remains controversial. Usually, the agent of CSD is B. henselae and its principal reservoir is domestic cats (Felis catus) (1,2). The principal vector of these 2 species is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) (3,4). We report Bartonella species in fleas collected from cats and dogs in Tahiti, French Polynesia. In October 2009, fleas were collected from 1 cat and 9 dogs in Papeete, capital of Tahiti Island, French Polynesia. Fleas collected were kept in 70% ethanol and sent to the military veterinary service in Marseille, France; these fleas were later sent to Unite de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes in Marseilles. The fleas were identified phenotypically by using current taxonomic criteria. DNA from fleas and negative control DNA from noninfected laboratory lice were extracted by using a QIAamp Tissue Kit (QIAGEN, Hilden, Germany), as described (3). Flea samples were tested for Bartonella spp. DNA by using the 7900 HT Fast Quantitative Real-Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA) and primers and Taqman probes specific for the 16S–23S rRNA gene intergenic spacer region as described (5). Fleas were considered positive when cycle threshold was <30. All positive fleas at screening were confirmed by using standard Bartonella PCR and sequencing of partial internal transcribed spacer gene fragments by using primers URBarto1 and URBarto2, as described (3). B. elizabethae DNA was used as positive control. DNA sequencing reagents were obtained with BigDye Terminator Cycle Sequencing Ready Reaction Kit (ABI PRISM; Applied Biosystems). The sequences were assembled in Sequencher 4.2 (GeneCodes 2003; www.genecodes.com) and were compared with Bartonella sequences available in GenBank. Overall, 81 fleas were collected from 1 cat (13 fleas) and 9 dogs (68 fleas). All 81 fleas collected were morphologically identified as C. felis. Sample fleas were collected from animals visiting a veterinary clinic for neutering or vaccinations. The overall rate of Bartonella-positive fleas by molecular screening with real-time PCR was 7.4% (6/81): 6 fleas from the cat (6/13) and none from a dog (0/68). These positive samples were confirmed after intergenic spacer PCR amplification and sequencing with sequences at 100% identity with B. clarridgeiae (GenBank accession no. {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"EU589237","term_id":"187251975","term_text":"EU589237"}}EU589237). B. clarridgeiae was first isolated from the pet cat of an HIV-positive patient in the United States (6). However, B. clarridgeiae has never been isolated or detected by molecular methods in humans, and thus its implication as a human pathogen remains controversial. The presence of B. clarridgeiae antibodies has been reported in a suspected case of CSD and in a patient with a chest-wall abscess (4). However, B. clarridgeiae has been detected on fleas from various continents, including Europe, Asia, North America (1), Africa; New Zealand, and recently from New Caledonia (7). In France, several studies have reported the molecular detection of B. clarridgeiae in the blood of a cat or in cat fleas (C. felis), indicating the potential role of fleas as vectors of this organism (8,9). Prevalence of this bacterium in cat fleas may vary and be as high as 67.9% in cat fleas from France (3). Moreover, DNA of B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae has been reported from cat fleas from New Zealand (10). Similarly, co-infection with B. clarridgeiae and B. henselae has been reported in domestic cats from Europe and Asia (1). In our study, all Bartonella spp.–positive fleas harbored B. clarridgeiae only; all were obtained from cats and none from dogs, similar to findings reported from New Zealand (10), although B. clarridgeiae has been reported from a flea on a dog in Taiwan (2). Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, is located in the South Pacific Ocean, and remains one of the most visited areas by tourists from all over the world. There are many stray cats and dogs in Tahiti that may be infected with Bartonella species and thus serve as a reservoir for these pathogens. Our result confirms the presence of B. clarridgeiae in Tahiti and is a warning of the presence of flea-borne bartonellosis and the potential risk of B. clarridgeiae or other flea-borne diseases for humans exposed to cat fleas.
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rickettsia felis and Bartonella clarridgeiae in fleas from new caledonia
Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2011Co-Authors: Oleg Mediannikov, Philippe Parola, Bernard Davoust, Olivier Cabre, Jeanlou Marie, Didier RaoultAbstract:Dog fleas collected in New Caledonia harbored flea-borne pathogens Rickettsia felis and Bartonella clarridgeiae in 81% and 5%, respectively.
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first detection of rickettsia felis and Bartonella clarridgeiae in fleas from laos
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2009Co-Authors: M Varagnol, Philippe Parola, J C Beaucournu, Jeanmarc Rolain, R Jouan, Didier RaoultAbstract:Fleas are worldwide vectors of several important zoonoses transmitted to humans through bites or following contact and inoculation with flea faeces [1]. Fleas and human flea-borne infections have been scarcely studied in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos). Murine typhus, a typhus group rickettsiosis induced by Rickettsia typhi and transmitted by X. cheopis, is known to occur in Laos but cases are poorly documented [2]. In a recent prospective study, acute Rickettsia typhi infection was identified as being the cause of fever in 9.6% of 427 adults with negative blood cultures admitted to Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane, Laos [2]. In this work, in an effort to identify the possible aetiologic agents and vectors for fleaborne agents affecting humans, we analysed fleas collected in Laos for evidence of rickettsial infection.
Rickie W Kasten - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Prevalence and potential risk factors for Bartonella Infection in Tunisian Stray Dogs
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2017Co-Authors: Jaber Belkhiria, Rickie W Kasten, Matthew J Stuckey, Bruno B Chomel, Henri-jean Boulouis, Drew A. Fleischman, Taoufik Ben Hamida, Mary M. Christopher, Thomas B. FarverAbstract:Bartonellae are blood-borne and vector-transmitted pathogens, some are zoonotic, which have been reported in several Mediterranean countries. Transmission from dogs to humans is suspected, but has not been clearly demonstrated. Our objectives were to determine the seroprevalence of Bartonella henselae, Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, Bartonella clarridgeiae, and Bartonella bovis (as a proxy for Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii) in stray dogs from Tunisia, identify the Bartonella species infecting the dogs and evaluate potential risk factors for canine infection. Blood samples were collected between January and November 2013 from 149 dogs in 10 Tunisian governorates covering several climatic zones. Dog-specific and geographic variables were analyzed as potential risk factors for Bartonella spp. seropositivity and PCR-positivity. DNA was extracted from the blood of all dogs and tested by PCR for Bartonella, targeting the ftsZ and rpoB genes. Partial sequencing was performed on PCR-positive dogs. Twenty-nine dogs (19.5%, 95% confidence interval: 14-27.4) were seropositive for one or more Bartonella species, including 17 (11.4%) for B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, 14 (9.4%) for B. henselae, 13 (8.4%) for B. clarridgeiae, and 7 (4.7%) for B. bovis. Statistical analysis revealed a few potential risk factors, mainly dog's age and breed, latitude and average winter temperature. Twenty-two (14.8%) dogs, including 8 of the 29 seropositive dogs, were PCR-positive for Bartonella based on the ftsZ gene, with 18 (81.8%) of these 22 dogs also positive for the rpoB gene. Partial sequencing showed that all PCR-positive dogs were infected with Candidatus B. merieuxii. Dogs from arid regions and regions with cold average winter temperatures were less likely to be PCR-positive than dogs from other climatic zones. The widespread presence of Bartonella spp. infection in Tunisian dogs suggests a role for stray dogs as potential reservoirs of Bartonella species in Tunisia.
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experimental infection of cats with afipia felis and various Bartonella species or subspecies
Veterinary Microbiology, 2014Co-Authors: Bruno B Chomel, Rickie W Kasten, Matthew J Stuckey, Edward B Breitschwerdt, Jennifer B Henn, Jane E Koehler, Ricardo G Maggi, Chao Chin ChangAbstract:Based upon prior studies, domestic cats have been shown to be the natural reservoir for Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella koehlerae. However, other Bartonella species, such as Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, Bartonella quintana or Bartonella bovis (ex weissii) have been either isolated from or Bartonella DNA sequences PCR amplified and sequenced. In the late 1980s, before B. henselae was confirmed as the etiological agent of cat scratch disease, Afipia felis had been proposed as the causative agent. In order to determine the feline susceptibility to A. felis, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, Bartonella rochalimae, B. quintana or B. bovis, we sought to detect the presence of bacteremia and seroconversion in experimentally-inoculated cats. Most of the cats seroconverted, but only the cats inoculated with B. rochalimae became bacteremic, indicating that cats are not natural hosts of A. felis or the other Bartonella species or subspecies tested in this study.
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Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii exposure in captive wild canids in Brazil.
Epidemiology and infection, 2014Co-Authors: Drew A. Fleischman, Rickie W Kasten, Bruno B Chomel, Marcos Rogério André, L. R. Gonçalves, R. Z. MachadoAbstract:SUMMARY Wild canids are potential hosts for numerous species of Bartonella, yet little research has been done to quantify their infection rates in South America. We sought to investigate Bartonella seroprevalence in captive wild canids from 19 zoos in São Paulo and Mato Grosso states, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 97 wild canids belonging to four different native species and three European wolves (Canis lupus). Indirect immunofluorescent antibody testing was performed to detect the presence of B. henselae, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, B. clarridgeiae, and B. rochalimae. Overall, Bartonella antibodies were detected in 11 of the canids, including five (12·8%) of 39 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous), three (11·1%) of 27 bush dogs (Speothos venaticus), two (8·7%) of 23 maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and one (12·5%) of eight hoary foxes (Lycalopex vetulus), with titres ranging from 1:64 to 1:512. Knowing that many species of canids make excellent reservoir hosts for Bartonella, and that there is zoonotic potential for all Bartonella spp. tested for, it will be important to conduct further research in non-captive wild canids to gain an accurate understanding of Bartonella infection in free-ranging wild canids in South America.
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Bartonellosis, an increasingly recognized zoonosis
Journal of applied microbiology, 2010Co-Authors: Bruno B Chomel, Rickie W KastenAbstract:Cat scratch disease is the most common zoonotic infection caused by Bartonella bacteria. Among the many mammals infected with Bartonella spp., cats represent a large reservoir for human infection, as they are the main reservoir for Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella koehlerae. Bartonella spp. are vector-borne bacteria, and transmission of B. henselae by cat fleas occurs mainly through infected flea faeces, although new potential vectors (ticks and biting flies) have been identified. Dogs are also infected with various Bartonella species and share with humans many of the clinical signs induced by these infections. Although the role of dogs as source of human infection is not yet clearly established, they represent epidemiological sentinels for human exposure. Present knowledge on the aetiology, clinical features and epidemiological characteristics of bartonellosis is presented.
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association between Bartonella species infection and disease in pet cats as determined using serology and culture
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2010Co-Authors: Jane E Sykes, Rickie W Kasten, Joellen L Westropp, Bruno B ChomelAbstract:This study’s objective was to determine whether a relationship exists between infection or seropositivity to Bartonella species and clinical illness in cats. Blood samples were obtained for Bartonella species isolation and immunofluorescent antibody serology from 298 cats presenting to a tertiary referral hospital. Medical records were searched and the history, physical examination findings and the results of diagnostic testing relating to the visit at which Bartonella species testing was performed were recorded. Fifty-two (17%) samples were seropositive for Bartonella henselae, four (1%) for Bartonella clarridgeiae, and 57 (19%) for both organisms. Nineteen (6.4%) samples were culture positive, 17 for B henselae and two for B clarridgeiae. Gingivostomatitis was associated with Bartonella species isolation (P ¼ 0.001), but not seropositivity. There was no association with uveitis, neurologic signs, or chronic kidney disease, and a weak association between seropositivity and idiopathic lower urinary tract disease (feline interstitial cystitis) (P ¼0.05).
Philippe Parola - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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molecular evidence of vector borne pathogens in dogs and cats and their ectoparasites in algiers algeria
Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Amina Bessas, Didier Raoult, Hamza Leulmi, Idir Bitam, Sara Zaidi, Khatima Aitoudhia, Philippe ParolaAbstract:In Algeria, only limited information is currently available on the prevalence of emergent canine and feline vector-borne diseases. The aim of the present work was to detect by qPCR vector-associated bacteria in stray dogs and cats and their ectoparasites from Algiers. 18/117 (15.38%) dogs and 2/107 (1.87%) cats were positive for at least one vector-borne agent. Coxiella burnetii and Bartonella henselae were identified in 1/117 (0.85%) dog individually. Ehrlichia canis DNA was detected in 17/117 (14.52%) dogs. 1/107 (0.93%) cat was positive to C. burnetii and another 1/107 (0.93%) to B. henselae. DNA of Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia conorii and E. canis was detected in Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Cat fleas were infected with Rickettsia felis, B. henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae. B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii was identified in Xenopsylla cheopis collected from dogs. The findings of this study indicate that dogs and cats from Algeria are exposed to multiple tick and flea-borne pathogens.
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Bartonella clarridgeiae b henselae and rickettsia felis in fleas from morocco
Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, 2011Co-Authors: Najma Boudebouch, Didier Raoult, Mhammed Sarih, J C Beaucournu, H Amarouch, Mohammed Hassar, Philippe ParolaAbstract:A total of 554 fleas were collected in the Moroccan Casablanca and Tiznit regions from domesticated animals and ruminants between August 2007 and October 2008 and were tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. using molecular methods. For the first time in Morocco, we found Rickettsia felis, the agent of flea-borne spotted fever in Ctenocephalides felis; B. henselae, an agent of cat scratch disease; and Bartonella clarridgeiae, a cat pathogen and potentially a human pathogen.
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Bartonella clarridgeiae in fleas tahiti french polynesia
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2011Co-Authors: Tahar Kernif, Philippe Parola, Didier Raoult, Bernard Davoust, Olivier Cabre, Loic Plaire, Jeanmarc RolainAbstract:To the Editor: Bartonella species are small, gram-negative, fastidious, and hemotropic emerging pathogens that cause various human diseases and circulate between a large variety of mammalian and arthropod vectors. More than 30 Bartonella species have been isolated from humans as well as from wild and domestic animals worldwide (1). B. clarridgeiae was suggested to be a minor causative agent of cat-scratch disease (CSD) in humans, however, this suggestion remains controversial. Usually, the agent of CSD is B. henselae and its principal reservoir is domestic cats (Felis catus) (1,2). The principal vector of these 2 species is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) (3,4). We report Bartonella species in fleas collected from cats and dogs in Tahiti, French Polynesia. In October 2009, fleas were collected from 1 cat and 9 dogs in Papeete, capital of Tahiti Island, French Polynesia. Fleas collected were kept in 70% ethanol and sent to the military veterinary service in Marseille, France; these fleas were later sent to Unite de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes in Marseilles. The fleas were identified phenotypically by using current taxonomic criteria. DNA from fleas and negative control DNA from noninfected laboratory lice were extracted by using a QIAamp Tissue Kit (QIAGEN, Hilden, Germany), as described (3). Flea samples were tested for Bartonella spp. DNA by using the 7900 HT Fast Quantitative Real-Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA) and primers and Taqman probes specific for the 16S–23S rRNA gene intergenic spacer region as described (5). Fleas were considered positive when cycle threshold was <30. All positive fleas at screening were confirmed by using standard Bartonella PCR and sequencing of partial internal transcribed spacer gene fragments by using primers URBarto1 and URBarto2, as described (3). B. elizabethae DNA was used as positive control. DNA sequencing reagents were obtained with BigDye Terminator Cycle Sequencing Ready Reaction Kit (ABI PRISM; Applied Biosystems). The sequences were assembled in Sequencher 4.2 (GeneCodes 2003; www.genecodes.com) and were compared with Bartonella sequences available in GenBank. Overall, 81 fleas were collected from 1 cat (13 fleas) and 9 dogs (68 fleas). All 81 fleas collected were morphologically identified as C. felis. Sample fleas were collected from animals visiting a veterinary clinic for neutering or vaccinations. The overall rate of Bartonella-positive fleas by molecular screening with real-time PCR was 7.4% (6/81): 6 fleas from the cat (6/13) and none from a dog (0/68). These positive samples were confirmed after intergenic spacer PCR amplification and sequencing with sequences at 100% identity with B. clarridgeiae (GenBank accession no. {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"EU589237","term_id":"187251975","term_text":"EU589237"}}EU589237). B. clarridgeiae was first isolated from the pet cat of an HIV-positive patient in the United States (6). However, B. clarridgeiae has never been isolated or detected by molecular methods in humans, and thus its implication as a human pathogen remains controversial. The presence of B. clarridgeiae antibodies has been reported in a suspected case of CSD and in a patient with a chest-wall abscess (4). However, B. clarridgeiae has been detected on fleas from various continents, including Europe, Asia, North America (1), Africa; New Zealand, and recently from New Caledonia (7). In France, several studies have reported the molecular detection of B. clarridgeiae in the blood of a cat or in cat fleas (C. felis), indicating the potential role of fleas as vectors of this organism (8,9). Prevalence of this bacterium in cat fleas may vary and be as high as 67.9% in cat fleas from France (3). Moreover, DNA of B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae has been reported from cat fleas from New Zealand (10). Similarly, co-infection with B. clarridgeiae and B. henselae has been reported in domestic cats from Europe and Asia (1). In our study, all Bartonella spp.–positive fleas harbored B. clarridgeiae only; all were obtained from cats and none from dogs, similar to findings reported from New Zealand (10), although B. clarridgeiae has been reported from a flea on a dog in Taiwan (2). Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, is located in the South Pacific Ocean, and remains one of the most visited areas by tourists from all over the world. There are many stray cats and dogs in Tahiti that may be infected with Bartonella species and thus serve as a reservoir for these pathogens. Our result confirms the presence of B. clarridgeiae in Tahiti and is a warning of the presence of flea-borne bartonellosis and the potential risk of B. clarridgeiae or other flea-borne diseases for humans exposed to cat fleas.
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rickettsia felis and Bartonella clarridgeiae in fleas from new caledonia
Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2011Co-Authors: Oleg Mediannikov, Philippe Parola, Bernard Davoust, Olivier Cabre, Jeanlou Marie, Didier RaoultAbstract:Dog fleas collected in New Caledonia harbored flea-borne pathogens Rickettsia felis and Bartonella clarridgeiae in 81% and 5%, respectively.
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first detection of rickettsia felis and Bartonella clarridgeiae in fleas from laos
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2009Co-Authors: M Varagnol, Philippe Parola, J C Beaucournu, Jeanmarc Rolain, R Jouan, Didier RaoultAbstract:Fleas are worldwide vectors of several important zoonoses transmitted to humans through bites or following contact and inoculation with flea faeces [1]. Fleas and human flea-borne infections have been scarcely studied in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos). Murine typhus, a typhus group rickettsiosis induced by Rickettsia typhi and transmitted by X. cheopis, is known to occur in Laos but cases are poorly documented [2]. In a recent prospective study, acute Rickettsia typhi infection was identified as being the cause of fever in 9.6% of 427 adults with negative blood cultures admitted to Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane, Laos [2]. In this work, in an effort to identify the possible aetiologic agents and vectors for fleaborne agents affecting humans, we analysed fleas collected in Laos for evidence of rickettsial infection.
