Bartonella Infections in Deer Keds (Lipoptena cervi) and Moose (Alces alces) in Norway

Abstract

cInfections with Bartonella spp. have been recognized as emerging zoonotic diseases in humans. Large knowledge gaps exist, however, relating to reservoirs, vectors, and transmission of these bacteria. We describe identification by culture, PCR, and housekeeping gene sequencing of Bartonella spp. in fed, wingless deer keds (Lipoptena cervi), deer ked pupae, and blood samples collected from moose, Alces alces, sampled within the deer ked distribution range in Norway. Direct sequencing from moose blood sampled in a deer ked-free area also indicated Bartonella infection but at a much lower prevalence. The sequencing data suggested the presence of mixed infections involving two species of Bartonella within the deer ked range, while moose outside the range appeared to be infected with a single species. Bartonella were not detected or cultured from unfed winged deer keds. The results may indicate that long-term bacteremia in the moose represents a reservoir of infection and that L. cervi acts as a vector for the spread of infection of Bartonella spp. Further research is needed to evaluate the role of L. cervi in the transmission of Bartonella to animals and humans and the possible pathogenicity of these bacteria for humans and animals.

Vertical transmission of Bartonella schoenbuchensis in Lipoptena cervi

“…Although we were not able to detect Bartonella in fully developed pupae, it is very likely that L. cervi is a vector for this pathogen. Other studies showed that Bartonella DNA was present in various L. cervi life stages as well [ 8 , 10 , 12 , 13 , 18 ]. In addition, it was reported that another hippoboscid species ( Melophagus ovinus ) is able to transmit Bartonella vertically from females to their offspring [ 13 ].…”

“…In general, L. cervi is considered a mere nuisance for animals only [ 9 ], and clinical symptoms after they bite humans are not very severe [ 10 , 11 ]. However, L. cervi is also considered a potential vector for a number of zoonotic pathogens, such as Bartonella , Anaplasma , and Rickettsia species [ 12 - 14 ]. Lipoptena cervi shows a number of interesting life history traits, in which vertical transmission of pathogens from females to offspring seems to be essential to facilitate efficient transmission between vertebrate hosts.…”

“…Although detection of B. schoenbuchensis in wingless adult deer keds was confirmed by others as well [ 13 , 18 ], DNA of this particular pathogen has not been detected in immature L. cervi life stages. However, DNA of Bartonella species in general, including potential endosymbionts, was detected in L. cervi wingless adults [ 12 , 18 ], fully developed pupae [ 8 , 12 ], and free-ranging winged deer ked adults [ 8 ]. These findings at least support vector potential of L. cervi for (zoonotic) Bartonella species.…”

Factors affecting deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) prevalence and infestation intensity in moose (Alces alces) in Norway

“…A recent study isolated Bartonella spp. in both deer keds and moose blood [47], indicating that moose most likely represents a reservoir of infection and that keds acts as a vector for spread of infection with Bartonella spp. Further, a recent epizootic of alopecia in moose was associated with massive deer ked infestation [9] and the probable harassment for domestic animals should not be neglected.…”

Molecular detection of Bartonella species and haemoplasmas in wild African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in Mozambique, Africa

“…Therefore, it suggests that Bartonella and haemoplasma species detected in S. caffer in the present study may be potentially transmitted by these tick species. In addition to possible role of ticks in the transmission of Bartonella, several studies have reported the isolation or molecular detection of Bartonella species in other bloodsucking arthropods associated with wild and domestic ruminants (Chung et al, 2004;Dehio et al, 2004;Halos et al, 2004;Duodu et al, 2013;Gutiérrez et al, 2014). Regarding the haemoplasma transmission, few studies have accessed the mechanisms of transmission by arthropod vectors.…”