Search Results (28)

Tick-borne piroplasmids are apicomplexan protozoa that infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts, with significant implications for animal and human health. This study investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of piroplasmids in wild mammals, unconventional pets, and associated ticks in Goiás state, midwestern Brazil. Between April 2023 and January 2024, 105 blood samples, 22 tissue samples, and 300 ticks were collected from 21 mammalian species housed in wildlife screening centers, zoos, and veterinary clinics. Molecular screening targeting the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasmids detected a 25.7% (27/105) overall positivity, with gray brockets (Subulo gouazoubira) and South American tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) showing the highest infection rates. Three tick samples tested positive, including two Amblyomma sculptum nymphs and a male of Amblyomma dubitatum collected from a tapir and capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Cytauxzoon brasiliensis was reported, for the first time, in cougars (Puma concolor) from Goiás state, midwestern Brazil, indicating the role of this feline as a host of this parasite. Babesia goianiaensis was confirmed in a capybara, and Theileria terrestris in tapirs. Phylogenetic analyses clustered gray brockets-associated Theileria sequences with Theileria sp. previously detected in Neotropical deer from Brazil and Theileria cervi. While the phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit III separated Theileria genotypes detected in S. gouazoubira from T. cervi, hsp70-based phylogenetic inferences clustered the genotypes detected in Tapirus terrestris with Theileria terrestris, suggesting host-specific evolutionary lineages. These findings contribute to the understanding of Piroplasmida diversity and circulation in South American wild mammals, emphasizing the need for enhanced molecular surveillance to elucidate transmission dynamics, assess potential health risks, and contribute to the establishment of wildlife conservation and One Health strategies. Full article

Piroplasmids (Babesia spp., Rangelia spp., Theileria spp., Cytauxzoon spp.) are tick-borne apicomplexan protozoa that infect, depending on the species, erythrocytes and leucocytes in a wide variety of mammals and birds. The genera Bartonella and Borrelia include vector-borne bacteria that can infect and cause disease in both animals and humans. Detection of hemotropic bacteria and piroplasmids in wild animals is often challenging due to low bacteremia or parasitemia. Digital (d)PCR has proven to be an effective modality for the detection and quantification of DNA of hemotropic pathogens with low parasitemia. This study compared dPCR results from 366 biological samples from seven different Brazilian wild animal groups (5 Xenarthra species, 5 deer species, 3 felid species, 1 canid species, 3 rodent species, 1 bat species, 1 tapir species, and 12 bird species) to two other molecular diagnostic techniques: quantitative real-time (qPCR) and nested (nPCR). For this study, DNA extracted from wild animal blood and spleen samples were subjected to a multiplex dPCR assay for piroplasmids, Bartonella spp., and Borrelia spp. For comparison, the same primers and probes for each agent were used in qPCR assays. Additionally, an nPCR based on the 18S rRNA gene for piroplasmids was performed. The proportions of positive results obtained using dPCR were 85.5% for piroplasmids, 33.6% for Bartonella spp., and 16.7% for Borrelia spp. For all tested agents, dPCR proved to be the technique with the highest sensitivity, making it a useful tool for screening vector-borne agents in biological samples from wild animals with low parasitemia. Full article

Bats are considered reservoirs of several emerging zoonotic pathogens. Previous studies on blood parasites such as Anaplasmataceae, hemoplasmas, piroplasmids, and Hepatozoon spp. in South American bats have revealed high genetic diversity. This study investigated the molecular occurrence of these agents in 278 bats of 32 species captured in the state of Acre in the Western Brazilian Amazon. Spleen DNA samples were screened by PCR for different pathogens and tested negative for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Neorickettsia spp., piroplasmids, and Hepatozoon spp. However, 84 of the 208 samples (40.4%) were positive for hemoplasmas based on the 16S rRNA gene, and 15 out of the 84 (17.85%) were positive for the 23S rRNA gene. Seventeen 16S rRNA sequences, corresponding to 12 genotypes, were grouped with hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. previously detected in bats from Brazil, Peru, and Belize. Three 23S rRNA sequences represent three distinct genotypes clustered with hemotropic Mycoplasma sp., previously detected in Desmodus rotundus. This is the first molecular report of hemoplasmas in six bat species, namely Dermanura cinereus, Lophostoma silviculum, Phyllostomus elongatus, Phyllostomus hastatus, Rhinophylla fischerae, and Sturnira tildae. Full article

Bats and their ectoparasites play a crucial role in understanding the ecology and transmission of vector-borne pathogens, yet these dynamics remain poorly studied in Portugal. This study aimed to investigate the molecular occurrence of vector-borne bacteria (Anaplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Rickettsia spp.) and protozoa (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) in ectoparasites of cave-dwelling bats. Bats were sampled from two caves in Portugal, and their ectoparasites included wing mites (Spinturnix myoti), ticks (Ixodes simplex), and bat flies (Penicillidia conspicua and Nycteribia schmidlii). Molecular analyses revealed the presence of Bartonella spp. in S. myoti and N. schmidlii. Phylogenetic inference based on the gltA gene positioned the detected genotypes close to those previously reported in bats and Nycteribiidae flies in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Notably, no DNA from Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsia spp., or piroplasmids was detected. The prevalence of S. myoti was high, with all examined bats being infested, showing notable differences in ectoparasite diversity concerning sex and cave-specific location. These findings suggest that host behavior, environmental conditions, and ectoparasite lifecycles play critical roles in shaping pathogen transmission dynamics. This study advances the understanding of bat ectoparasite–pathogen interactions in a region with limited data and highlights the need for continued research to assess the zoonotic potential and ecological impacts of the Bartonella genotypes detected herein. Full article

Bats, as members of the order Chiroptera, are vital to ecosystems and serve as reservoirs for numerous microorganisms, some of which can cause zoonotic diseases. Human interactions with bats are increasing due to habitat alterations, making it essential to understand their microbiota, particularly potential pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the excretion of zoonotic bacteria and protozoa in insectivorous bats from four caves in the provinces of Ragusa, Catania, and Syracuse (Sicily, Southern Italy) using molecular biology tests for zoonotic agents, including Bartonella henselae, Borrelia, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira, Chlamydia, Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Piroplasmids. From December 2020 to April 2023, urine, fecal swabs, ocular conjunctival swabs, and oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 149 bats of six species, along with guano samples from the caves. Bartonella henselae DNA was detected in 3 of the 149 tested bats, one ocular conjunctival swab and two oropharyngeal swabs. Chlamydia spp. DNA was detected in a sample of guano, in feces, ocular conjunctival and oropharyngeal swabs of a bat, and in four urine samples. Piroplasmid DNA was detected in 10 of 149 fecal swabs and in 5 of 16 bat ectoparasites. No samples were positive for Leptospira spp., Borrelia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp., or Anaplasma spp. These findings underscore the importance of multiple sample types in assessing bats as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, particularly highlighting their role in transmitting pathogens through various body habitats, including saliva, urine, and ocular excretions. This study highlights the relevance of monitoring bat populations and studying their microbiota to enhance protections for both human and animal health. Full article

Ticks are a major concern for both animal and human health, as they are primary vectors of infectious pathogens. This study focused on ticks found in a nature reserve in southern Italy, highly frequented for recreational activities and inhabited by wild boars. Using molecular techniques, 214 ticks, including questing ticks and those removed from wild boars, were examined for tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), with a focus on zoonotic pathogens. Six tick species were identified: Hyalomma lusitanicum, Rhipicephalus pusillus, Rh. sanguineus s.l., Rh. bursa, Rh. turanicus, and Dermacentor marginatus, several of which are known vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Overall, 14% of ticks were positive for TBPs, mainly bacteria of Rickettsia genus. Molecular analyses detected Rickettsia slovaca, R. massiliae, Candidatus R. shennongii, R. conorii, R. felis, and R. barbariae. Additionally, single detections of Coxiella burnetii and Theileria annulata were recorded. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted on Rickettsia sequences. The range of ticks and TBPs present in this area highlights potential public health concerns. New associations between tick species and TBPs were documented, though vector roles need further investigation. The study highlights the importance of monitoring tick populations in both rural and urban environments to protect public health and prevent tick-borne disease spreading. Full article

Migratory and local birds may disperse ticks and their associated pathogens. The aim of this study was to provide information regarding ticks infesting birds in Asturias, a region that accounts for most of the Lyme disease hospitalizations in Spain. From September 2021 to April 2023, trained and experienced bird-banders collected ticks from birds in two estuary and four forest locations. A total of 1698 birds (52 species, 38 genera, and 26 families) were captured. A total of 51 ticks (28 larvae, 20 nymphs, and 3 females) were collected from 43 birds, belonging to three species: Ixodes ricinus (31), Ixodes frontalis (18), and Haemaphysalis concinna (1). The average prevalence of tick infestation was 2.5% and the average tick burden was 1.2 ticks per infested host. The bird species Turdus merula, Parus major, Luscinia svecica, and Anthus pratensis were among the most infested. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in one I. ricinus nymph collected from Phylloscopus collybita. We have not detected Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, or piroplasmids in any of the 51 analyzed ticks. These results suggest low infestation rate in migratory/estuary birds and a higher rate in forest/sedentary ones. Despite this, the detection of pathogens, although with low prevalence, can pose a risk to public health. Full article

Molecular assays and capillary electrophoresis sequencing have been used to identify parasites in livestock. The low sample capacity, which increases labor and processing time, is one drawback. Targeted amplicon sequencing (Ampliseq) uses the fast and large sample capacity platform to identify parasites in the target host, overcoming this limitation. DNA was extracted from 162 whole blood samples collected from cattle in three provinces in the Philippines. Using Illumina’s Miseq platform, the V4 hypervariable region of the piroplasma 18S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced. The AMPtk pipeline was used to obtain distinct amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and the NCBI BLAST non-redundant database was used to assign taxonomy. In total, 95 (58.64%) samples were positive for piroplasma. Using the AMPTk pipeline, 2179 ASVs were obtained. A total of 79 distinct ASVs were obtained after clustering and filtering, which belonged to genera Babesia (n = 58), Theileria (n = 17), Hepatozoon (n = 2), and Sarcocystis (n = 2). The ASV top hits were composed of 10 species: Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, Theileria orientalis, Babesia sp., Hepatozoon canis, Sarcocystis cruzi, T. annulata, T. equi, T. mutans, and Theileria sp. Thung Song. The results generated in this study demonstrated the applicability of Ampliseq in detecting piroplasmid parasites infecting cattle in the Philippines. Full article

Ticks play a pivotal role in propagating a diverse spectrum of infectious agents that detrimentally affect the health of both humans and animals. In the present study, a molecular survey was executed of piroplasmids in ticks collected from small ruminants in four districts within Konya province, Turkey. Microscopic examination identified 1281 adult ticks, which were categorized into 357 pools based on their species, sexes, host animals, and collection site before DNA extraction. The infection rates were calculated by using a maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Hyalomma detritum, H. excavatum, Rhipicephalus bursa, R. sanguineus, and R. turanicus were identified in this study. Among the five tick species identified here, R. turanicus exhibited the highest infestation rate in both goats and sheep. The presence of Babesia ovis and Theileria ovis based on 18S rRNA was confirmed using molecular assay. The overall MLE of infection rates for B. ovis and T. ovis was 2.49% (CI 1.72–3.46) and 1.46% (CI 0.87–2.23), respectively. The MLE of B. ovis and T. ovis infection rates in R. bursa was 10.80% (CI 7.43–14.90) and 0.33% (CI 0.02–1.42), respectively, while that in R. turanicus was 0.12% (CI 0.01–0.51) and 2.08% (CI 1.25–3.22). This study further confirms that R. turanicus and R. sanguineus can act as vectors for B. ovis, thus advancing our comprehension of tick-borne piroplasmids epidemiology and providing valuable insights for the development of effective control strategies for ticks and tick-borne diseases in Turkey. Full article

Although bats can serve as reservoirs for several viruses and bacteria, there is limited knowledge regarding the diversity of apicomplexan protozoan belonging to the Piroplasmida and Haemosporida orders within this group of mammals. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and phylogenetic assessment of piroplasmids and hemosporidians in spleen samples collected from 229 vampire bats (228 Desmodus rotundus and 1 Diaemus youngii) in the states of Pará, Roraima, Amapá, and Amazonas, northern Brazil. Out of 229 bat spleen samples, 43 (18.77%) tested positive in a nested PCR for piroplasmids based on the 18S rRNA gene. Thirteen sequences (ranging from 474 to 828 base pairs) of the partial 18S rRNA gene showed 91.04–100% identity to Theileria sp., Babesia sp., and Piroplasmida previously detected in deer, tapirs, opossums, and crab-eating raccoons. The phylogenetic analysis based on the near-complete 18S rRNA gene positioned the obtained sequences from three D. rotundus in distinct clades (Theileria sensu stricto, Tapirus terrestris, and “South America Marsupialia”). All bat spleen DNA samples tested negative in a nested PCR assay for hemosporidians based on the cytB gene. The present study reported, for the first time, the presence Babesia sp. and Theileria sp. DNA in D. rotundus. The distinct positioning of the 18S rRNA gene sequences within different clades demonstrates the occurrence of different piroplasmid species in vampire bats. Full article

Piroplasmids (order Piroplasmida) are a diverse group of tick-borne protozoa that may cause disease in animals and occasionally in humans. Novel Piroplasmida clades and species have been found in wild animals from Brazil based on the phylogenetic assessment of near-complete 18S rRNA, mitochondrial and heat-shock protein genes. For instance, a putative novel Babesia species has been detected in capybaras and Amblyomma ticks in three Brazilian states. The present work aimed to describe, using phylogenetic assessments based on distinct molecular markers, this novel Babesia species in capybaras and associated ticks (Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma dubitatum) sampled in Goiânia city, Goiás state, midwestern Brazil. While the phylogenetic analysis based on both near-complete 18S rRNA and hsp-70 genes positioned the sequences obtained from capybara blood samples into a new clade sister to the Babesia sensu stricto clade, the phylogenetic inference based on the COX-3 amino acid positioned the obtained sequences from capybara blood samples and A. sculptum ticks also into a clade sister to the Theileria sensu stricto clade, highlighting the inappropriateness of this marker inferring evolutionary relationships among piroplasmids. Pairwise distance analysis demonstrated that the divergence rates between the 18S rRNA sequences detected in capybaras and other Piroplasmida already described were very high and ranged from 9.4 to 12.9%. Genotype analysis based on the near-full 18S rRNA sequences of the Piroplasmida detected in capybaras and associated ticks demonstrated the occurrence of high genotype diversity at an intra-species level. In conclusion, phylogenetic analyses based on distinct molecular markers supported the description of Babesia goianiaensis nov. sp. in capybaras and associated Amblyomma ticks. Additionally, a novel phylogenetic clade, apart from the previously described ones, was described in the present study and contributed to untangling the complex evolutionary history of the Piroplasmida. Full article

TPPP (tubulin polymerization promoting protein)-like proteins contain one or more p25alpha (Pfam05517) domains. TPPP-like proteins occur in different types as determined by their length (e.g., long-, short-, truncated-, and fungal-type TPPP) and include the protein apicortin, which possesses another domain, doublecortin (DCX, Pfam 03607). These various TPPP-like proteins are found in various phylogenomic groups. In particular, short-type TPPPs and apicortin are well-represented in the Myzozoa, which include apicomplexans and related taxa, chrompodellids, dinoflagellates, and perkinsids. The long-, truncated-, and fungal-type TPPPs are not found in the myzozoans. Apicortins are found in all apicomplexans except one piroplasmid species, present in several other myzozoans, and seem to be correlated with the conoid and apical complex. Short-type TPPPs are predominantly found in myzozoans that have flagella, suggesting a role in flagellum assembly or structure. Full article

Babesia bovis and Theileria annulata are tick-borne hemoprotozoans that impact bovine health and are responsible for considerable fatalities in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Both pathogens infect the same vertebrate host, are closely related, and contain similar-sized genomes; however, they differ in invertebrate host specificity, absence vs. presence of a schizont stage, erythrocyte invasion mechanism, and transovarial vs. transstadial transmission. Phylogenetic analysis and bidirectional best hit (BBH) identified a similar number of aspartic, metallo, and threonine proteinases and nonproteinase homologs. In contrast, a considerably increased number of S54 serine rhomboid proteinases and S9 nonproteinase homologs were identified in B. bovis, whereas C1A cysteine proteinases and A1 aspartic nonproteinase homologs were found to be expanded in T. annulata. Furthermore, a single proteinase of families S8 (subtilisin-like protein) and C12 (ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase), as well as four nonproteinase homologs, one with dual domains M23-M23 and three with S9-S9, were exclusively present in B. bovis. Finally, a pronounced difference in species-specific ancillary domains was observed between both species. We hypothesize that the observed degradome differences represent functional correlates of the dissimilar life history features of B. bovis and T. annulata. The presented improved classification of piroplasmid proteinases will facilitate an informed choice for future in-depth functional studies. Full article

Cytauxzoon felis is a tick-transmitted, obligate, hemoprotozoal, piroplasmid pathogen of felids and the causative agent of cytauxzoonosis. It has a complex life cycle which includes a tick as its definitive host and a felid as its intermediate host. Since its first description in 1976, C. felis infections of felids have been reported in several southeastern and south-central U.S. states, overlapping with the ranges of its two known biological vectors, Amblyomma americanum (Lone star tick) and Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick). Infected felids demonstrate disease as either an acute, often-fatal, infection, or a subclinical carrier infection. To develop effective C. felis transmission control strategies, the incidence of acute cytauxzoonosis, patient risk factors, the role of domestic cat carriers, and ecological variabilities need to be investigated further. Of equal importance is communicating these strategies for high-risk cat populations, including recommending year-round use of an acaricide product for all cats that spend any time outdoors. More studies are needed to further identify factors affecting C. felis and other Cytauxzoon spp. infection, transmission, disease progression, and treatment options and outcomes within the U.S. and globally. Here we provide an overview of C. felis highlighting its lifecycle within its definitive host, transmission to its intermediate host, symptoms and signs providing evidence of transmission, definitive diagnosis, current treatment and prevention strategies, and future considerations regarding this condition. Full article

Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the largest rodents on Earth. While capybaras are hosts for various tick species, there is limited information regarding the tick-borne pathogens they can carry. We investigated the presence of piroplasmids and Ehrlichia spp. in capybaras and their associated ticks in two peri-urban areas in Goiás state, central-western Brazil. Blood samples collected from 23 capybaras were used to investigate the presence of piroplasmids and Ehrlichia spp. in stained-blood smears and by PCR. Ticks collected from the capybaras were identified morphologically and also tested using PCR for the same pathogens. A total of 955 ticks were collected, including 822 (86.1%) Amblyomma sculptum, 132 (13.8%) Amblyomma dubitatum, and one (0.1%) unidentified larva of Amblyomma sp. Neither the capybaras nor ticks were positive for Ehrlichia spp. However, a stained-blood smear examination revealed the presence of ring-stage and pyriform-shaped merozoites in the erythrocytes of one (4.4%) capybara. In the same way, 47.8% (11/23) and 19.9% (36/181) of blood samples and ticks, respectively, were positive for piroplasmids in the PCR. We successfully sequenced a partial 18S rRNA gene fragment of four samples (two capybaras, one A. sculptum, and one A. dubitatum), and the phylogenetic reconstruction disclosed that the organism reported in the present study clusters within the genus Babesia. Further research is required for a formal delineation of this species (designated as Babesia sp. strain Capybara) and to investigate the hypothesis of A. dubitatum and A. sculptum ticks being vectors. Full article