Anaplasma Species in Ticks Infesting Mammals of Sardinia, Italy

Abstract

Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites that are recognized for their ability to vector a wide variety of pathogens of viral, bacterial, protozoal, and helminthic nature to vertebrate hosts. Among the different diseases transmitted by ticks, also called “Tick-Borne Diseases” (TBD), many are zoonotic. Pathogens of the genus Anaplasma refer to obligate intracellular bacteria within the Rickettsiales order transmitted mainly through tick bites and considered as well-established threats to domestic animals, livestock, and humans, worldwide. In this retrospective study, 156 ticks collected from twenty goats, one marten, and one cattle from several Sardinian sites, were examined by molecular analyses to detect the presence of Anaplasma species. A total of 10 (10/156; 6.4%) ticks were shown to be Anaplasma-positive by PCR screening. After sequence analyses, A. phagocytophilum was detected in four Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (3.3%) and four Rh. bursa (11%) ticks from goats, while one Rh. sanguineus s.l. (0.8%) and one Rh. bursa (2.8%) collected from the marten and cattle, respectively, exhibited 100% of identity with A. marginale strains. In this study, we provide the first description and molecular detection of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum in ticks of the Rhiphicephalus genus in Sardinia. Considering the growing impact of tick-borne Anaplasma pathogens on human health, further studies are necessary to monitor the prevalence of these pathogens in Sardinia.

Haematochemical Profile of Healthy Dogs Seropositive for Single or Multiple Vector-Borne Pathogens

“…The Sardinian climate is typically Mediterranean, with an annual mean temperature of 22 • C, which allows the survival of many arthropod vectors throughout the whole year. Furthermore, the island is an important stopover area for migratory birds, posing a risk for the introduction and dispersal of ticks and TBDs [16]. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibody response towards the most common vector-borne pathogens (Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Leishmania, Borrelia, Anaplasma, and Bartonella) and its impact on the haematochemical profile of clinically healthy owned dogs living in Sardinia.…”