Prevalence of Vector-borne Bacterial Pathogens in Riparian Brush Rabbits (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius) and their Ticks

Abstract

ABSTRACT:From June to October 2010, 48 endangered riparian brush rabbits (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius) were trapped at a captive propagation site in central California with the intention of release into re-established habitats. During prerelease examinations, ticks and blood samples were collected for surveillance for Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Bartonella spp. Ticks were identified, and DNA was extracted for PCR analysis. Serology was performed to detect exposure to Rickettsia spp., B. burgdorferi, and A. phagocytophilum. DNA was extracted from blood samples and analyzed for A. phagocytophilum using PCR assays. Rabbit blood samples were also cultured for Bartonella spp. Haemaphysalis leporispalustris ticks were detected on all rabbits except one. A total of 375 ticks were collected, with 48% of the rabbits (23 rabbits) having a burden ranging from 0 to 5 ticks, 15% (seven rabbits) from 6 to 10 ticks, 25% (12 rabbits) from 11 to 15 ticks, and 12% (six rabbits) with .15 ticks. There was no evidence of B. burgdorferi or R. rickettsii in tick or rabbit samples. There was also no evidence of Bartonella spp. in the rabbit samples. Four tick samples and 14 rabbits were weakly PCR positive for A. phagocytophilum, and six rabbits were antibody positive for A. phagocytophilum. These results suggest that there may be little risk of these tick-borne diseases in riparian brush rabbits or to the people in contact with them.

Molecular survey on the occurrence of arthropod-borne pathogens in wild brown hares ( Lepus europaeus ) from Central Italy

“…Information about bartonellosis in lagomorphs come from two previous investigations that found B. alsatica in European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Spain (Márquez, 2010;Márquez, 2015), whereas a study carried out in California did not detect bartonellae in blood specimens from riparian brush rabbits (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius) (Schmitz et al, 2014). Considering the spreading of Bartonella species in wild environments, including the Italian ones (Sanogo et al, 2003, Ebani et al, 2015, it could be supposed that hares are animals not very sensitive to these bacteria.…”

Newly Recognized Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia as Cause of Severe Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever–Like Illness, Northern California, USA

“…Humans are rarely bitten by H. leporispalustris , indicating a limited role for this tick in transmitting SFG rickettsioses ( 22 ). Several surveys for Rickettsia infections in H. leporispalustris and rabbits have been conducted in California ( 11 , 23 – 26 ). In addition to the initial report of Rickettsia sp.…”

The role of european brown hare (Lepus europaeus) as a source of emerging and re-emerging pathogens

“…This finding suggests that although S. cuniculi is a rare infestation in cats, they may get infected through close contact with rabbits and serve as a potential source of B.alsatica for humans. On the other hand, a study carried out in California did not detect bartonellae in blood specimens from riparian brush rabbits (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius) (Schmitz et al, 2014). Recently, the occurrence of Bartonella spp infection in European Brown…”