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Edward B Breitschwerdt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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detection of Bartonella spp in dogs after infection with rickettsia rickettsii
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Erin Lashnits, Ricardo G Maggi, Julie M Bradley, Pradeep Neupane, Keith E Linder, Nandhakumar Balakrishnan, Brittany L Southern, Gabriel P Mckeon, Ramaswamy Chandrashekar, Edward B BreitschwerdtAbstract:Background Dynamics of infection by Bartonella and Rickettsia species, which are epidemiologically associated in dogs, have not been explored in a controlled setting. Objectives Describe an outbreak investigation of occult Bartonella spp. infection among a group of dogs, discovered after experimentally induced Rickettsia rickettsii (Rr) infection. Animals Six apparently healthy purpose-bred Beagles obtained from a commercial vendor. Methods Retrospective and prospective study. Dogs were serially tested for Bartonella spp. and Rr using serology, culture, and PCR, over 3 study phases: 3 months before inoculation with Rr (retrospective), 6 weeks after inoculation with Rr (retrospective), and 8 months of follow-up (prospective). Results Before Rr infection, 1 dog was Bartonella henselae (Bh) immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) seroreactive and 1 was Rickettsia spp. IFA seroreactive. After inoculation with Rr, all dogs developed mild Rocky Mountain spotted fever compatible with low-dose Rr infection, seroconverted to Rickettsia spp. within 4-11 days, and recovered within 1 week. When 1 dog developed ear tip vasculitis with intra-lesional Bh, an investigation of Bartonella spp. infection was undertaken. All dogs had seroconverted to 1-3 Bartonella spp. between 7 and 18 days after Rr inoculation. Between 4 and 8 months after Rr inoculation, Bh DNA was amplified from multiple tissues from 2 dogs, and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (Bvb) DNA was amplified from 4 of 5 dogs' oral swabs. Conclusions and clinical importance Vector-borne disease exposure was demonstrated in research dogs from a commercial vendor. Despite limitations, our results support the possibilities of recrudescence of chronic subclinical Bartonella spp. infection after Rr infection and horizontal direct-contact transmission between dogs.
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evaluation of cell culture grown Bartonella antigens in immunofluorescent antibody assays for the serological diagnosis of bartonellosis in dogs
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2018Co-Authors: Pradeep Neupane, Ricardo G Maggi, Barbara C Hegarty, Adam J Birkenheuer, Henry S Marr, Edward B BreitschwerdtAbstract:BACKGROUND Because of poor sensitivity and questionable specificity of immunofluorescent antibody assays (IFAs), serological diagnosis of Bartonella species infections in dogs remains challenging. Despite limitations, IFA testing is the historical "gold standard" for Bartonella serodiagnosis in animals and humans. Because most diagnostic laboratories test against only 1 or 2 Bartonella spp., testing against a broader panel of Bartonella antigens may enhance diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Bartonella IFA using 8 cell culture-grown Bartonella spp. isolates. ANIMALS Archived serum samples from 34 Bartonella spp. naturally exposed, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive dogs and from 26 PCR-negative and IFA-negative dogs. METHODS Bartonella IFA sensitivity and specificity were assessed using cell culture-grown whole cell antigens derived from 3 Bartonella henselae (Bh) strains (Bh Houston 1, Bh San Antonio Type 2, Bh California 1), 3 Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotypes (Bvb I, II, and III), Bartonella koehlerae (Bk), and Bartonella quintana (Bq). RESULTS Only 62% of 34 Bartonella spp. PCR-positive dogs were seroreactive to any of the 8 Bartonella IFA antigens, indicating low IFA sensitivity. PCR-positive dogs were most often IFA seroreactive to Bq (n = 15), to Bvb II (n = 13), or to both (n = 9) antigens. Of the 26 previously IFA-negative/PCR-negative dogs, 4 (15%) were seroreactive using the expanded antigen panel. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Despite IFA testing of dogs against 8 different Bartonella isolates, IFA sensitivity remained poor, and specificity was only 85%. Development of a reliable serological assay is needed to facilitate the diagnosis of Bartonella infection in dogs.
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Bartonella Species in Cardiac
2016Co-Authors: Spencer P. Kehoe, Rickie W Kasten, Matthew J Stuckey, Bruno B Chomel, Benjamin N Sacks, Hakumar Balakrishnan, Edward B BreitschwerdtAbstract:We investigated whether Bartonella spp. could cause endocarditis in coyotes or localize to cardiac valves before lesions develop. Bartonella DNA was amplified more often from coyote cardiac valves than spleen. Bartonella infec-tion apparently leads to cardiac valve tropism, which could cause endocarditis, an often lethal complication in mam-mals, including humans. Bartonellae are vector-borne gram-negative, aerobic, intracellular bacteria with a tropism for erythrocytes and endothelial cells (1). These bacteria, many of which are zoonotic, infect a wide range of domestic and wild animal species, causing a spectrum of disease manifestations and pathologies (2). Bartonellae, especially Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (B. v. berkhoffii), cause valvular endocar-ditis, especially of the aortic valve in mammals, including humans, dogs, cats, and cattle (1,3). Fleas and possibly ticks can vector B. v. berkhoffii (4). Bartonella species, typically observed in 5- to 7-year-old mid-sized to large dogs, ac-count for ≈28 % of endocarditis in dogs (3,5). Bartonellae, including B. v. berkhoffii, account for ≈3 % of human endo-carditis cases (1,6). In dogs and humans, these bacteria ap-pear to have a specific tropism for aortic and mitral valves (1). Similar to lesions that develop with Coxiella burnetii endocarditis (7), valvular vegetative lesions can result from chronic Bartonella infection. In California, coyotes (Canis latrans) are a major reservoir for B. v. berkhoffii (8). Natural Bartonella reser-voir hosts are often asymptomatic, but to our knowledge, the possible role of Bartonella-induced endocarditis in coyotes has never been investigated. We hypothesized that B. v. berkhoffii or other Bartonella species could cause endocarditis in coyotes. We also hypothesized that Bartonellae might preferentially localize to the aortic and/ or mitral valves before vegetative lesions develop. Hence, coyotes served as a naturally occurring epidemiologic and physiologic sentinel model for studying infection kinet-ics and pathology induced by this bacterium in a reservoir host (coyotes)
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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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Spontaneous onset of complex regional pain syndrome Type I in a woman infected with Bartonella koehlerae
Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Pérez Vera, Patricia E Mascarelli, Ricardo G Maggi, Christopher W Woods, Edward B BreitschwerdtAbstract:After a short-term fever, complex regional pain syndrome, characterized by hyperalgesia, intermittent swelling, erythema and cyanosis of both feet, was diagnosed in a female veterinarian. The woman was infected with Bartonella koehlerae and she was also Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii seroreactive. Having failed other treatments, symptoms resolved following initiation of antibiotics.
Ricardo G Maggi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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detection of Bartonella spp in dogs after infection with rickettsia rickettsii
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Erin Lashnits, Ricardo G Maggi, Julie M Bradley, Pradeep Neupane, Keith E Linder, Nandhakumar Balakrishnan, Brittany L Southern, Gabriel P Mckeon, Ramaswamy Chandrashekar, Edward B BreitschwerdtAbstract:Background Dynamics of infection by Bartonella and Rickettsia species, which are epidemiologically associated in dogs, have not been explored in a controlled setting. Objectives Describe an outbreak investigation of occult Bartonella spp. infection among a group of dogs, discovered after experimentally induced Rickettsia rickettsii (Rr) infection. Animals Six apparently healthy purpose-bred Beagles obtained from a commercial vendor. Methods Retrospective and prospective study. Dogs were serially tested for Bartonella spp. and Rr using serology, culture, and PCR, over 3 study phases: 3 months before inoculation with Rr (retrospective), 6 weeks after inoculation with Rr (retrospective), and 8 months of follow-up (prospective). Results Before Rr infection, 1 dog was Bartonella henselae (Bh) immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) seroreactive and 1 was Rickettsia spp. IFA seroreactive. After inoculation with Rr, all dogs developed mild Rocky Mountain spotted fever compatible with low-dose Rr infection, seroconverted to Rickettsia spp. within 4-11 days, and recovered within 1 week. When 1 dog developed ear tip vasculitis with intra-lesional Bh, an investigation of Bartonella spp. infection was undertaken. All dogs had seroconverted to 1-3 Bartonella spp. between 7 and 18 days after Rr inoculation. Between 4 and 8 months after Rr inoculation, Bh DNA was amplified from multiple tissues from 2 dogs, and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (Bvb) DNA was amplified from 4 of 5 dogs' oral swabs. Conclusions and clinical importance Vector-borne disease exposure was demonstrated in research dogs from a commercial vendor. Despite limitations, our results support the possibilities of recrudescence of chronic subclinical Bartonella spp. infection after Rr infection and horizontal direct-contact transmission between dogs.
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evaluation of cell culture grown Bartonella antigens in immunofluorescent antibody assays for the serological diagnosis of bartonellosis in dogs
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2018Co-Authors: Pradeep Neupane, Ricardo G Maggi, Barbara C Hegarty, Adam J Birkenheuer, Henry S Marr, Edward B BreitschwerdtAbstract:BACKGROUND Because of poor sensitivity and questionable specificity of immunofluorescent antibody assays (IFAs), serological diagnosis of Bartonella species infections in dogs remains challenging. Despite limitations, IFA testing is the historical "gold standard" for Bartonella serodiagnosis in animals and humans. Because most diagnostic laboratories test against only 1 or 2 Bartonella spp., testing against a broader panel of Bartonella antigens may enhance diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Bartonella IFA using 8 cell culture-grown Bartonella spp. isolates. ANIMALS Archived serum samples from 34 Bartonella spp. naturally exposed, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive dogs and from 26 PCR-negative and IFA-negative dogs. METHODS Bartonella IFA sensitivity and specificity were assessed using cell culture-grown whole cell antigens derived from 3 Bartonella henselae (Bh) strains (Bh Houston 1, Bh San Antonio Type 2, Bh California 1), 3 Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotypes (Bvb I, II, and III), Bartonella koehlerae (Bk), and Bartonella quintana (Bq). RESULTS Only 62% of 34 Bartonella spp. PCR-positive dogs were seroreactive to any of the 8 Bartonella IFA antigens, indicating low IFA sensitivity. PCR-positive dogs were most often IFA seroreactive to Bq (n = 15), to Bvb II (n = 13), or to both (n = 9) antigens. Of the 26 previously IFA-negative/PCR-negative dogs, 4 (15%) were seroreactive using the expanded antigen panel. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Despite IFA testing of dogs against 8 different Bartonella isolates, IFA sensitivity remained poor, and specificity was only 85%. Development of a reliable serological assay is needed to facilitate the diagnosis of Bartonella infection in dogs.
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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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Spontaneous onset of complex regional pain syndrome Type I in a woman infected with Bartonella koehlerae
Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Pérez Vera, Patricia E Mascarelli, Ricardo G Maggi, Christopher W Woods, Edward B BreitschwerdtAbstract:After a short-term fever, complex regional pain syndrome, characterized by hyperalgesia, intermittent swelling, erythema and cyanosis of both feet, was diagnosed in a female veterinarian. The woman was infected with Bartonella koehlerae and she was also Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii seroreactive. Having failed other treatments, symptoms resolved following initiation of antibiotics.
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human blood and enrichment blood cultures
2013Co-Authors: Edward B Breitschwerdt, Ricardo G Maggi, Barbara C Hegarty, Julie M Bradley, Robert B Mozayeni, Patricia E MascarelliAbstract:Background: Cats appear to be the primary reservoir host for Bartonella koehlerae, an alpha Proteobacteria that is most likely transmitted among cat populations by fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). Bartonella koehlerae has caused endocarditis in a dog and in one human patient from Israel, but other clinically relevant reports involving this bacterium are lacking. Despite publication of numerous, worldwide epidemiological studies designed to determine the prevalence of Bartonella spp. bacteremia in cats, B. koehlerae has never been isolated using conventional blood agar plates. To date, successful isolation of B. koehlerae from cats and from the one human endocarditis patient has consistently required the use of chocolate agar plates. Results: In this study, Bartonella koehlerae bacteremia was documented in eight immunocompetent patients by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing, either prior to or after enrichment blood culture using Bartonella alpha Proteobacteria growth medium. Presenting symptoms most often included fatigue, insomnia, joint pain, headache, memory loss, and muscle pain. Four patients were also infected with Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotype II. After molecular documentation of B. koehlerae infection in these patients, a serological test was developed and serum samples were tested retrospectively. Bartonella koehlerae antibodies were not detected (titers < 1:16) in 30 healthy human control sera, whereas five of eight patient samples had B. koehlerae antibody titers of 1:64 or greater. Conclusions: Although biased by a study population consisting of individuals with extensive arthropod and animal exposure, the results of this study suggest that B. koehlerae bacteremia is more common in immunocompetent people than has been previously suspected. Future studies should more thoroughly define modes of transmission and risk factors for acquiring infection with B. koehlerae. In addition, studies are needed to determine if B. koehlerae is a cause or cofactor in the development of arthritis, peripheral neuropathies or tachyarrhythmias in patients
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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Bartonella Species in Cardiac
2016Co-Authors: Spencer P. Kehoe, Rickie W Kasten, Matthew J Stuckey, Bruno B Chomel, Benjamin N Sacks, Hakumar Balakrishnan, Edward B BreitschwerdtAbstract:We investigated whether Bartonella spp. could cause endocarditis in coyotes or localize to cardiac valves before lesions develop. Bartonella DNA was amplified more often from coyote cardiac valves than spleen. Bartonella infec-tion apparently leads to cardiac valve tropism, which could cause endocarditis, an often lethal complication in mam-mals, including humans. Bartonellae are vector-borne gram-negative, aerobic, intracellular bacteria with a tropism for erythrocytes and endothelial cells (1). These bacteria, many of which are zoonotic, infect a wide range of domestic and wild animal species, causing a spectrum of disease manifestations and pathologies (2). Bartonellae, especially Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (B. v. berkhoffii), cause valvular endocar-ditis, especially of the aortic valve in mammals, including humans, dogs, cats, and cattle (1,3). Fleas and possibly ticks can vector B. v. berkhoffii (4). Bartonella species, typically observed in 5- to 7-year-old mid-sized to large dogs, ac-count for ≈28 % of endocarditis in dogs (3,5). Bartonellae, including B. v. berkhoffii, account for ≈3 % of human endo-carditis cases (1,6). In dogs and humans, these bacteria ap-pear to have a specific tropism for aortic and mitral valves (1). Similar to lesions that develop with Coxiella burnetii endocarditis (7), valvular vegetative lesions can result from chronic Bartonella infection. In California, coyotes (Canis latrans) are a major reservoir for B. v. berkhoffii (8). Natural Bartonella reser-voir hosts are often asymptomatic, but to our knowledge, the possible role of Bartonella-induced endocarditis in coyotes has never been investigated. We hypothesized that B. v. berkhoffii or other Bartonella species could cause endocarditis in coyotes. We also hypothesized that Bartonellae might preferentially localize to the aortic and/ or mitral valves before vegetative lesions develop. Hence, coyotes served as a naturally occurring epidemiologic and physiologic sentinel model for studying infection kinet-ics and pathology induced by this bacterium in a reservoir host (coyotes)
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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.
Barbara C Hegarty - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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evaluation of cell culture grown Bartonella antigens in immunofluorescent antibody assays for the serological diagnosis of bartonellosis in dogs
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2018Co-Authors: Pradeep Neupane, Ricardo G Maggi, Barbara C Hegarty, Adam J Birkenheuer, Henry S Marr, Edward B BreitschwerdtAbstract:BACKGROUND Because of poor sensitivity and questionable specificity of immunofluorescent antibody assays (IFAs), serological diagnosis of Bartonella species infections in dogs remains challenging. Despite limitations, IFA testing is the historical "gold standard" for Bartonella serodiagnosis in animals and humans. Because most diagnostic laboratories test against only 1 or 2 Bartonella spp., testing against a broader panel of Bartonella antigens may enhance diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Bartonella IFA using 8 cell culture-grown Bartonella spp. isolates. ANIMALS Archived serum samples from 34 Bartonella spp. naturally exposed, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive dogs and from 26 PCR-negative and IFA-negative dogs. METHODS Bartonella IFA sensitivity and specificity were assessed using cell culture-grown whole cell antigens derived from 3 Bartonella henselae (Bh) strains (Bh Houston 1, Bh San Antonio Type 2, Bh California 1), 3 Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotypes (Bvb I, II, and III), Bartonella koehlerae (Bk), and Bartonella quintana (Bq). RESULTS Only 62% of 34 Bartonella spp. PCR-positive dogs were seroreactive to any of the 8 Bartonella IFA antigens, indicating low IFA sensitivity. PCR-positive dogs were most often IFA seroreactive to Bq (n = 15), to Bvb II (n = 13), or to both (n = 9) antigens. Of the 26 previously IFA-negative/PCR-negative dogs, 4 (15%) were seroreactive using the expanded antigen panel. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Despite IFA testing of dogs against 8 different Bartonella isolates, IFA sensitivity remained poor, and specificity was only 85%. Development of a reliable serological assay is needed to facilitate the diagnosis of Bartonella infection in dogs.
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regional seroreactivity and vector borne disease co exposures in dogs in the united states from 2004 2010 utility of canine surveillance
Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2014Co-Authors: Caroline B Yancey, Barbara C Hegarty, Adam J Birkenheuer, Barbara A Qurollo, Michael G Levy, David J Weber, Pedro Paulo Vissotto De Paiva DinizAbstract:Vector-borne disease (VBD) pathogens remain an emerging health concern for animals and humans throughout the world. Surveillance studies of ticks and humans have made substantial contributions to our knowledge of VBD epidemiology trends, but long-term VBD surveillance data of dogs in the United States is limited. This seroreactivity study assessed US temporal and regional trends and co-exposures to Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, Borrelia burgdorferi, Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia spp., and spotted fever group Rickettsia in dogs from 2004-2010. Dog serum samples (N=14,496) were submitted to the North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for vector-borne pathogens diagnostic testing using immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays. These convenience samples were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. The largest proportion of samples originated from the South (47.6%), with the highest percent of seroreactive samples observed in the Midatlantic (43.4%), compared to other US regions. The overall seroreactivity of evaluated VBD antigens were Rickettsia rickettsia (10.4%), B. burgdorferi (5.2%), Ehrlichia spp. (4.3%), Bartonella henselae (3.8%), Anaplasma spp. (1.9%), Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (1.5%), Babesia canis (1.1%), and D. immitis (0.8%). Significant regional and annual seroreactivity variation was observed with B. burgdorferi, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia exposures. Seasonal seroreactivity variation was evident with Rickettsia. Seroreactivity to more than one antigen was present in 16.5% of exposed dogs. Nationally, the most prevalent co-exposure was Rickettsia with Ehrlichia spp. (5.3%), and the highest odds of co-exposure was associated with Anaplasma spp. and B. burgdorferi (odds ratio=6.6; 95% confidence interval 5.0, 8.8). Notable annual and regional seroreactivity variation was observed with certain pathogens over 7 years of study, suggesting canine surveillance studies may have value in contributing to future VBD knowledge.
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human blood and enrichment blood cultures
2013Co-Authors: Edward B Breitschwerdt, Ricardo G Maggi, Barbara C Hegarty, Julie M Bradley, Robert B Mozayeni, Patricia E MascarelliAbstract:Background: Cats appear to be the primary reservoir host for Bartonella koehlerae, an alpha Proteobacteria that is most likely transmitted among cat populations by fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). Bartonella koehlerae has caused endocarditis in a dog and in one human patient from Israel, but other clinically relevant reports involving this bacterium are lacking. Despite publication of numerous, worldwide epidemiological studies designed to determine the prevalence of Bartonella spp. bacteremia in cats, B. koehlerae has never been isolated using conventional blood agar plates. To date, successful isolation of B. koehlerae from cats and from the one human endocarditis patient has consistently required the use of chocolate agar plates. Results: In this study, Bartonella koehlerae bacteremia was documented in eight immunocompetent patients by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing, either prior to or after enrichment blood culture using Bartonella alpha Proteobacteria growth medium. Presenting symptoms most often included fatigue, insomnia, joint pain, headache, memory loss, and muscle pain. Four patients were also infected with Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotype II. After molecular documentation of B. koehlerae infection in these patients, a serological test was developed and serum samples were tested retrospectively. Bartonella koehlerae antibodies were not detected (titers < 1:16) in 30 healthy human control sera, whereas five of eight patient samples had B. koehlerae antibody titers of 1:64 or greater. Conclusions: Although biased by a study population consisting of individuals with extensive arthropod and animal exposure, the results of this study suggest that B. koehlerae bacteremia is more common in immunocompetent people than has been previously suspected. Future studies should more thoroughly define modes of transmission and risk factors for acquiring infection with B. koehlerae. In addition, studies are needed to determine if B. koehlerae is a cause or cofactor in the development of arthritis, peripheral neuropathies or tachyarrhythmias in patients
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PCR amplification of Bartonella koehlerae from human blood and enrichment blood cultures
Parasites & Vectors, 2010Co-Authors: Edward B Breitschwerdt, Ricardo G Maggi, Barbara C Hegarty, Julie M Bradley, B Robert Mozayeni, Patricia E MascarelliAbstract:Background Cats appear to be the primary reservoir host for Bartonella koehlerae , an alpha Proteobacteria that is most likely transmitted among cat populations by fleas ( Ctenocephalides felis ). Bartonella koehlerae has caused endocarditis in a dog and in one human patient from Israel, but other clinically relevant reports involving this bacterium are lacking. Despite publication of numerous, worldwide epidemiological studies designed to determine the prevalence of Bartonella spp. bacteremia in cats, B. koehlerae has never been isolated using conventional blood agar plates. To date, successful isolation of B. koehlerae from cats and from the one human endocarditis patient has consistently required the use of chocolate agar plates. Results In this study, Bartonella koehlerae bacteremia was documented in eight immunocompetent patients by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing, either prior to or after enrichment blood culture using Bartonella alpha Proteobacteria growth medium. Presenting symptoms most often included fatigue, insomnia, joint pain, headache, memory loss, and muscle pain. Four patients were also infected with Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotype II. After molecular documentation of B. koehlerae infection in these patients, a serological test was developed and serum samples were tested retrospectively. Bartonella koehlerae antibodies were not detected (titers < 1:16) in 30 healthy human control sera, whereas five of eight patient samples had B. koehlerae antibody titers of 1:64 or greater. Conclusions Although biased by a study population consisting of individuals with extensive arthropod and animal exposure, the results of this study suggest that B. koehlerae bacteremia is more common in immunocompetent people than has been previously suspected. Future studies should more thoroughly define modes of transmission and risk factors for acquiring infection with B. koehlerae . In addition, studies are needed to determine if B. koehlerae is a cause or cofactor in the development of arthritis, peripheral neuropathies or tachyarrhythmias in patients.
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Bartonella vinsonii subsp berkhoffii and Bartonella henselae bacteremia in a father and daughter with neurological disease
Parasites & Vectors, 2010Co-Authors: Edward B Breitschwerdt, Ricardo G Maggi, Barbara C Hegarty, Paul M Lantos, Christopher W Woods, Julie M BradleyAbstract:Background Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii is an important, emerging, intravascular bacterial pathogen that has been recently isolated from immunocompetent patients with endocarditis, arthritis, neurological disease and vasoproliferative neoplasia. Vector transmission is suspected among dogs and wild canines, which are the primary reservoir hosts. This investigation was initiated to determine if pets and family members were infected with one or more Bartonella species.
Julie M Bradley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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detection of Bartonella spp in dogs after infection with rickettsia rickettsii
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Erin Lashnits, Ricardo G Maggi, Julie M Bradley, Pradeep Neupane, Keith E Linder, Nandhakumar Balakrishnan, Brittany L Southern, Gabriel P Mckeon, Ramaswamy Chandrashekar, Edward B BreitschwerdtAbstract:Background Dynamics of infection by Bartonella and Rickettsia species, which are epidemiologically associated in dogs, have not been explored in a controlled setting. Objectives Describe an outbreak investigation of occult Bartonella spp. infection among a group of dogs, discovered after experimentally induced Rickettsia rickettsii (Rr) infection. Animals Six apparently healthy purpose-bred Beagles obtained from a commercial vendor. Methods Retrospective and prospective study. Dogs were serially tested for Bartonella spp. and Rr using serology, culture, and PCR, over 3 study phases: 3 months before inoculation with Rr (retrospective), 6 weeks after inoculation with Rr (retrospective), and 8 months of follow-up (prospective). Results Before Rr infection, 1 dog was Bartonella henselae (Bh) immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) seroreactive and 1 was Rickettsia spp. IFA seroreactive. After inoculation with Rr, all dogs developed mild Rocky Mountain spotted fever compatible with low-dose Rr infection, seroconverted to Rickettsia spp. within 4-11 days, and recovered within 1 week. When 1 dog developed ear tip vasculitis with intra-lesional Bh, an investigation of Bartonella spp. infection was undertaken. All dogs had seroconverted to 1-3 Bartonella spp. between 7 and 18 days after Rr inoculation. Between 4 and 8 months after Rr inoculation, Bh DNA was amplified from multiple tissues from 2 dogs, and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (Bvb) DNA was amplified from 4 of 5 dogs' oral swabs. Conclusions and clinical importance Vector-borne disease exposure was demonstrated in research dogs from a commercial vendor. Despite limitations, our results support the possibilities of recrudescence of chronic subclinical Bartonella spp. infection after Rr infection and horizontal direct-contact transmission between dogs.
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human blood and enrichment blood cultures
2013Co-Authors: Edward B Breitschwerdt, Ricardo G Maggi, Barbara C Hegarty, Julie M Bradley, Robert B Mozayeni, Patricia E MascarelliAbstract:Background: Cats appear to be the primary reservoir host for Bartonella koehlerae, an alpha Proteobacteria that is most likely transmitted among cat populations by fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). Bartonella koehlerae has caused endocarditis in a dog and in one human patient from Israel, but other clinically relevant reports involving this bacterium are lacking. Despite publication of numerous, worldwide epidemiological studies designed to determine the prevalence of Bartonella spp. bacteremia in cats, B. koehlerae has never been isolated using conventional blood agar plates. To date, successful isolation of B. koehlerae from cats and from the one human endocarditis patient has consistently required the use of chocolate agar plates. Results: In this study, Bartonella koehlerae bacteremia was documented in eight immunocompetent patients by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing, either prior to or after enrichment blood culture using Bartonella alpha Proteobacteria growth medium. Presenting symptoms most often included fatigue, insomnia, joint pain, headache, memory loss, and muscle pain. Four patients were also infected with Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotype II. After molecular documentation of B. koehlerae infection in these patients, a serological test was developed and serum samples were tested retrospectively. Bartonella koehlerae antibodies were not detected (titers < 1:16) in 30 healthy human control sera, whereas five of eight patient samples had B. koehlerae antibody titers of 1:64 or greater. Conclusions: Although biased by a study population consisting of individuals with extensive arthropod and animal exposure, the results of this study suggest that B. koehlerae bacteremia is more common in immunocompetent people than has been previously suspected. Future studies should more thoroughly define modes of transmission and risk factors for acquiring infection with B. koehlerae. In addition, studies are needed to determine if B. koehlerae is a cause or cofactor in the development of arthritis, peripheral neuropathies or tachyarrhythmias in patients
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PCR amplification of Bartonella koehlerae from human blood and enrichment blood cultures
Parasites & Vectors, 2010Co-Authors: Edward B Breitschwerdt, Ricardo G Maggi, Barbara C Hegarty, Julie M Bradley, B Robert Mozayeni, Patricia E MascarelliAbstract:Background Cats appear to be the primary reservoir host for Bartonella koehlerae , an alpha Proteobacteria that is most likely transmitted among cat populations by fleas ( Ctenocephalides felis ). Bartonella koehlerae has caused endocarditis in a dog and in one human patient from Israel, but other clinically relevant reports involving this bacterium are lacking. Despite publication of numerous, worldwide epidemiological studies designed to determine the prevalence of Bartonella spp. bacteremia in cats, B. koehlerae has never been isolated using conventional blood agar plates. To date, successful isolation of B. koehlerae from cats and from the one human endocarditis patient has consistently required the use of chocolate agar plates. Results In this study, Bartonella koehlerae bacteremia was documented in eight immunocompetent patients by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing, either prior to or after enrichment blood culture using Bartonella alpha Proteobacteria growth medium. Presenting symptoms most often included fatigue, insomnia, joint pain, headache, memory loss, and muscle pain. Four patients were also infected with Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotype II. After molecular documentation of B. koehlerae infection in these patients, a serological test was developed and serum samples were tested retrospectively. Bartonella koehlerae antibodies were not detected (titers < 1:16) in 30 healthy human control sera, whereas five of eight patient samples had B. koehlerae antibody titers of 1:64 or greater. Conclusions Although biased by a study population consisting of individuals with extensive arthropod and animal exposure, the results of this study suggest that B. koehlerae bacteremia is more common in immunocompetent people than has been previously suspected. Future studies should more thoroughly define modes of transmission and risk factors for acquiring infection with B. koehlerae . In addition, studies are needed to determine if B. koehlerae is a cause or cofactor in the development of arthritis, peripheral neuropathies or tachyarrhythmias in patients.
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Bartonella vinsonii subsp berkhoffii and Bartonella henselae bacteremia in a father and daughter with neurological disease
Parasites & Vectors, 2010Co-Authors: Edward B Breitschwerdt, Ricardo G Maggi, Barbara C Hegarty, Paul M Lantos, Christopher W Woods, Julie M BradleyAbstract:Background Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii is an important, emerging, intravascular bacterial pathogen that has been recently isolated from immunocompetent patients with endocarditis, arthritis, neurological disease and vasoproliferative neoplasia. Vector transmission is suspected among dogs and wild canines, which are the primary reservoir hosts. This investigation was initiated to determine if pets and family members were infected with one or more Bartonella species.
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canine bartonellosis serological and molecular prevalence in brazil and evidence of co infection with Bartonella henselae and Bartonella vinsonii subsp berkhoffii
Veterinary Research, 2007Co-Authors: Pedro Paulo Vissotto De Paiva Diniz, Denise Saretta Schwartz, Maria B. Cadenas, Ricardo G Maggi, Barbara C Hegarty, Julie M Bradley, Edward B BreitschwerdtAbstract:The purpose of this study was to determine the serological and molecular prevalence of Bartonella spp. infection in a sick dog population from Brazil. At the Sao Paulo State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Botucatu, 198 consecutive dogs with clinicopathological abnor- malities consistent with tick-borne infections were sampled. Antibodies to Bartonella henselae and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii were detected in 2.0% (4/197) and 1.5% (3/197) of the dogs, respectively. Using 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) primers, Bartonella DNA was amplified from only 1/198 blood samples. Bartonella seroreactive and/or PCR positive blood samples (n = 8) were inoculated into a liquid pre-enrichment growth medium (BAPGM) and sub- sequently sub-inoculated onto BAPGM/blood-agar plates. PCR targeting the ITS region, pap31 and rpoB genes amplified B. henselae from the blood and/or isolates of the PCR positive dog (ITS: DQ346666; pap31 gene: DQ351240; rpoB: EF196806). B. henselae and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhof- fii (pap31: DQ906160; rpoB: EF196805) co-infection was found in one of the B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii seroreactive dogs. We conclude that dogs in this study population were infrequently ex- posed to or infected with a Bartonella species. The B. henselae and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii strains identified in this study are genetically similar to strains isolated from septicemic cats, dogs, coyotes and human beings from other parts of the world. To our knowledge, these isolates provide the first Brazilian DNA sequences from theseBartonella species and the first evidence of Bartonella co-infection in dogs. dogs / Bartonella infections / heart disease / culture / Brazil
