A molecular survey of vector-borne pathogens in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

BackgroundRed foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have recently been recognized as potential reservoirs of several vector-borne pathogens and a source of infection for domestic dogs and humans, mostly due to their close vicinity to urban areas and frequent exposure to different arthropod vectors. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and distribution of Babesia spp., Hepatozoon canis, Anaplasma spp., Bartonella spp., ‘Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis’, Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia spp. and blood filaroid nematodes in free-ranging red foxes from Bosnia and Herzegovina.MethodsSpleen samples from a total of 119 red foxes, shot during the hunting season between October 2013 and April 2014 throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, were examined for the presence of blood vector-borne pathogens by conventional PCRs and sequencing.ResultsIn the present study, three species of apicomplexan parasites were molecularly identified in 73 red foxes from the entire sample area, with an overall prevalence of 60.8%. The DNA of B. canis, B. cf. microti and H. canis was found in 1 (0.8%), 38 (31.9%) and 46 (38.6%) spleen samples, respectively. In 11 samples (9.2%) co-infections with B. cf. microti and H. canis were detected and one fox harboured all three parasites (0.8%). There were no statistically significant differences between geographical region, sex or age of the host in the infection prevalence of B. cf. microti, although females (52.9%; 18/34) were significantly more infected with H. canis than males (32.9%; 28/85). The presence of vector-borne bacteria and filaroid nematodes was not detected in our study.ConclusionThis is the first report of B. canis, B. cf. microti and H. canis parasites in foxes from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the data presented here provide a first insight into the distribution of these pathogens among the red fox population. Moreover, the relatively high prevalence of B. cf. microti and H. canis reinforces the assumption that this wild canid species might be a possible reservoir and source of infection for domestic dogs.

The prevalence and impact of Babesia canis and Theileria sp. in free-ranging grey wolf (Canis lupus) populations in Croatia

“…Apart from domesticated dogs, B. canis has been molecularly confirmed in the neighbouring countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina from a single fox [17] and two captive grey wolves from Hungary [19] as well as in a single red fox (1/91) from Portugal [14]. Since data on Babesia infection in free-ranging carnivores are scarce, we performed a molecular and pathological investigation of Babesia and Theileria species infecting the free-ranging population of wolves from Croatia to understand the prevalence, distribution and potential health impacts of these parasites on a wild canid population.…”

“…have been confirmed in the Croatian population of free-ranging red foxes [11]. “Babesia vulpes” has also been molecularly confirmed in foxes from Spain, Hungary, Portugal, Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina [12–17]. Unlike “B.…”

“…Unlike “B. vulpes”, B. canis has been reported only in a single animal during a study of the fox population in Portugal [14] and in a single fox in a similar survey in Bosnia and Herzegovina [17]. …”

Onchocerca jakutensis ocular infection in Poland: a new vector-borne human health risk?

“…The DNA was isolated and purified using the Genomic Mini Kit, A&A Biotechnology. Two PCR reactions were performed: PCR1 with primer pair RepIm-F0 (5′-TCA GAT TAG TAT GTT TGT TTG AAC TTC TTA TTT-3′) and RepIm-R0 (5′-ACA GCA ATC CAA ATA GAA GCA AAA GT-3′) [4]; and PCR2 with primer pair H14Fila-COIFw (5′-GCC TAT TTT GAT TGG TGG TTT TGG-3′) and H14FilaCOIRv (5′-AGC AAT AAT CAT AGT AGC AGC ACT AA-3′) [5]. Amplified products of both PCR reactions were then subjected to automated Sanger sequencing.…”

European Network for Neglected Vectors and Vector-Borne Infections COST Action Guidelines: What Is This About and What Is This For?

“…While the infections in most mammalian hosts are typically subclinical, species that infect canid and felid carnivores (Hepatozoon americanus, Hepatozoon canis, Hepatozoon felis) are of veterinary importance. Currently, the ubiquitous presence of H. canis and closely related species in European foxes is attracting considerable attention (Najm et al 2014, Hod zić et al 2015 inasmuch as the main tick vector of this species, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, is not endemic in some areas where infection is abundant in local foxes.…”