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Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)2015; 15(9); 529-534; doi: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1768

Serologic and Molecular Prevalence of Rickettsia helvetica and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Wild Cervids and Domestic Mammals in the Central Parts of Sweden.

Abstract: Both Rickettsia helvetica and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are common in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Sweden. Knowledge is limited regarding different animal species' competence to act as reservoirs for these organism. For this reason, blood samples were collected from wild cervids (roe deer, moose) and domestic mammals (horse, cat, dog) in central Sweden, and sera were tested using immunofluorescence assay to detect antibodies against spotted fever rickettsiae using Rickettsia helvetica as antigen. Sera with a titer ≥1:64 were considered as positive, and 23.1% (104/450) of the animals scored positive. The prevalence of seropositivity was 21.5% (23/107) in roe deer, 23.3% (21/90) in moose, 36.5% (23/63) in horses, 22.1% (19/90) in cats, and 17.0% (17/100) in dogs. PCR analysis of 113 spleen samples from moose and sheep from the corresponding areas were all negative for rickettsial DNA. In roe deer, 85% (91/107) also tested seropositive for A. phagocytophilum with a titer cutoff of 1:128. The findings indicate that the surveyed animal species are commonly exposed to rickettsiae and roe deer also to A. phagocytophilum.
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Publication Date: 2015-09-18 PubMed ID: 26378972DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1768Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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The research discusses the prevalence of two specific organisms, Rickettsia helvetica and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, in both wild (roe deer, moose) and domestic animals (horses, cats, dogs) in central Sweden, shedding light on the potential reservoir competence of these animal species.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to gain more detailed understanding of the reservoir potential of different animal species for Rickettsia helvetica and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, two organisms that are typically found in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Sweden.

Methodology

  • To investigate this, blood samples were collected from various animal species both domestic (such as horses, dogs, and cats) and wild (like roe deer and moose) in the central parts of Sweden.
  • These samples were then tested via an immunofluorescence assay that used Rickettsia helvetica as an antigen in order to detect antibodies against spotted fever rickettsiae.
  • Any samples boasting a titer (a measure indicating the concentration of a substance in a solution) of 1:64 or more were considered positive.
  • A total of 104 out of 450 animals were determined to be positive based on this standard.
  • Moreover, PCR analysis was also carried out on 113 spleen samples from sheep and moose from the same regions, though none of these tested positive for rickettsial DNA.
  • Besides, in roe deer, an additional test was conducted for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, setting the cutoff for a positive result at a titer of 1:128.

Results

  • The instances of seropositivity to Rickettsia helvetica were found to be 21.5% in roe deer, 23.3% in moose, 36.5% in horses, 22.1% in cats, and 17% in dogs.
  • Interestingly, no rickettsial DNA was found in the spleen samples from the moose and sheep.
  • Meanwhile, 85% of the roe deer also tested positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, indicating a high level of exposure to this organism in this species.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the animal species surveyed are commonly exposed to Rickettsia helvetica. Additionally, roe deer were found to be frequently exposed to Anaplasma phagocytophilum as well. This helps broaden our understanding of the prevalence of these organisms in different animal populations, providing valuable insight into potential reservoirs and paths of spread for these pathogens.

Cite This Article

APA
Elfving K, Malmsten J, Dalin AM, Nilsson K. (2015). Serologic and Molecular Prevalence of Rickettsia helvetica and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Wild Cervids and Domestic Mammals in the Central Parts of Sweden. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis, 15(9), 529-534. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2015.1768

Publication

Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)
ISSN: 1557-7759
NlmUniqueID: 100965525
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 9
Pages: 529-534

Researcher Affiliations

Elfving, Karin
  • 1 Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Clinical Bacteriology, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden .
  • 5 Center of Clinical Research , Dalarna, Falun, Sweden .
Malmsten, Jonas
  • 3 Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences , Uppsala, Sweden .
  • 4 Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute , Uppsala, Sweden .
Dalin, Anne-Marie
  • 4 Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute , Uppsala, Sweden .
Nilsson, Kenneth
  • 1 Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Clinical Bacteriology, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden .
  • 2 Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Infectious Diseases, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden .
  • 5 Center of Clinical Research , Dalarna, Falun, Sweden .

MeSH Terms

  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum / genetics
  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum / immunology
  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum / isolation & purification
  • Animals
  • Animals, Domestic
  • Arachnid Vectors / microbiology
  • Cat Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cats
  • Deer / microbiology
  • Disease Reservoirs / veterinary
  • Dog Diseases / epidemiology
  • Dogs
  • Ehrlichiosis / epidemiology
  • Ehrlichiosis / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horses
  • Ixodes / microbiology
  • Rickettsia / genetics
  • Rickettsia / immunology
  • Rickettsia / isolation & purification
  • Rickettsia Infections / epidemiology
  • Rickettsia Infections / veterinary
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sheep
  • Sheep Diseases / epidemiology
  • Sweden / epidemiology

Citations

This article has been cited 17 times.
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