Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Bartonella species from rodents and their associated ectoparasites from northern Tanzania

Abstract

BackgroundBartonellae are intracellular bacteria, which can cause persistent bacteraemia in humans and a variety of animals. Several rodent-associated Bartonella species are human pathogens but data on their global distribution and epidemiology are limited. The aims of the study were to: 1) determine the prevalence of Bartonella infection in rodents and fleas; 2) identify risk factors for Bartonella infection in rodents; and 3) characterize the Bartonella genotypes present in these rodent and flea populations.Methods and resultsSpleen samples collected from 381 rodents representing six different species were tested for the presence of Bartonella DNA, which was detected in 57 individuals (15.0%; 95% CI 11.3–18.5), of three rodent species (Rattus rattus n = 54, Mastomys natalensis n = 2 and Paraxerus flavovottis n = 1) using a qPCR targeting the ssrA gene. Considering R. rattus individuals only, risk factor analysis indicated that Bartonella infection was more likely in reproductively mature as compared to immature individuals (OR = 3.42, p <0.001). Bartonella DNA was also detected in 53 of 193 Xenopsylla cheopis fleas (27.5%: 95% CI 21.3–34.3) collected from R.rattus individuals. Analysis of ssrA and gltA sequences from rodent spleens and ssrA sequences from fleas identified multiple genotypes closely related (≥ 97% similar) to several known or suspected zoonotic Bartonella species, including B. tribocorum, B. rochalimae, B. elizabethae and B. quintana.ConclusionsThe ssrA and gltA sequences obtained from rodent spleens and ssrA sequences obtained from fleas reveal the presence of a diverse set of Bartonella genotypes and increase our understanding of the bartonellae present in Tanzanian. Further studies are needed to fully characterise the prevalence, genotypes and diversity of Bartonella in different host populations and their potential impacts on human health.

First investigation of pathogenic bacteria, protozoa and viruses in rodents and shrews in context of forest-savannah-urban areas interface in the city of Franceville (Gabon)

“…These organisms include Bartonella spp. [ 103 – 105 ], Coxiella burnetii [ 102 , 106 ], Anaplasma sp. [ 107 ], Theileria sp.…”

“…Indeed, among the 53 Bartonella species currently described [ 124 ], more than twenty are associated with rodents. These are the species that usually cause human infections [ 103 ]. We found three different genotypes of Bartonella , which were identified as Bartonella elizabethae from R .…”

Comparison of Serological and Molecular Assays for Bartonella Species in Dogs with Hemangiosarcoma

“…Clinically, PCR sensitivity depends not only on laboratory factors like the choice of PCR primers and Bartonella gene targets, the equipment and methodological considerations, but also on the clinical presentation (illness duration and other factors) and sample type (blood, other body fluid, tissue biopsy, etc.) [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. With so many factors influencing the accuracy of PCR, a broad range of PCR sensitivity has been reported (33–92%), even when testing solely patients with prototypical diseases caused by Bartonella spp.…”

Bartonella gabonensis sp. nov., a new bartonella species from savannah rodent Lophuromys sp. in Franceville, Gabon

“…Indeed, many studies have shown that rodents are important hosts of Bartonella spp. bacteria [ 1 , 5 , 6 ]. More recently, several new species of Bartonella have been isolated in rodents and their ectoparasites in sub-Saharan Africa, including Bartonella mastomydis [ 7 ], Bartonella massiliensis [ 8 ] and Bartonella saheliensis [ 9 ].…”