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Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)2019; 8(3); doi: 10.3390/pathogens8030088

Serological Evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia spp. Exposure in Horses from Central Italy.

Abstract: Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. are tick-borne bacteria of veterinary and human concern. In view of the One-Health concept, the present study wanted to evaluate the spreading of these pathogens in horses living in central Italy. In particular, the aim of the investigation was to verify the exposure to A. phagocytophilum in order to update the prevalence of this pathogen in the equine population from this area, and to spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. to evaluate a possible role of horses in the epidemiology of rickettsiosis. Indirect immunofluorescent assay was carried out to detect antibodies against A. phagocytophilum and SFG (spotted fever group) Rickettsia spp. in blood serum samples collected from 479 grazing horses living in central Italy during the period from 2013 to 2018. One hundred and nine (22.75%) horses were positive for A. phagocytophilum, 72 (15.03%) for SFG Rickettsia spp., and 19 (3.96%) for both antigens. The obtained results confirm the occurrence of A. phagocytophilum in equine populations, and also suggest the involvement of horses in the epidemiology of SFG rickettsiosis. In both cases, in view of the zoonotic aspect of these pathogens and the frequent contact between horses and humans, the monitoring of equine populations could be useful for indication about the spreading of the tick-borne pathogens in a certain geographic area.
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Publication Date: 2019-06-26 PubMed ID: 31247976PubMed Central: PMC6789761DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030088Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research aims to investigate exposure to Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Spotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. in horses in central Italy. It seeks to update prevalence rates and understand more about the role horses could play in the spread of rickettsiosis, given their close contact with humans.

Objective of the Study

  • The primary objective of the study was to ascertain the extent of exposure of horses in central Italy to Anaplasma phagocytophilum and SFG Rickettsia spp, two types of tick-borne bacteria.
  • The research effort was directed towards understanding the role horses could play in the spread of rickettsiosis, a disease caused by the SFG Rickettsia spp.
  • The study also aimed to update current prevalence rates of these pathogens in the equine population in the central Italy region.

Study Methodology

  • The study was carried out using an indirect immunofluorescent assay, a type of test that detects antibodies against specific antigens. In this case, A. phagocytophilum and SFG Rickettsia spp were the two antigens the researchers were looking for.
  • The researchers tested blood serum samples collected from 479 grazing horses living in central Italy during the period from 2013 to 2018.

Results of the Study

  • Of the 479 horses tested, 109 (22.75%) were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 72 (15.03%) for SFG Rickettsia spp., and 19 (3.96%) for both antigens.
  • The study confirmed the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in the equine population and suggested a potential role for horses in the epidemiology of SFG rickettsiosis, a disease caused by the SFG Rickettsia spp.

Implications of the Study

  • The results reflect a need for more frequent equine population monitoring, given the zoonotic nature of these pathogens – that is, their ability to spread from animals to humans – and the frequent contact between horses and humans.
  • Regular monitoring could provide valuable information about the spread of tick-borne pathogens in a specific geographic area, and thus, could contribute to efforts for disease prevention and control.

Cite This Article

APA
Ebani VV. (2019). Serological Evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia spp. Exposure in Horses from Central Italy. Pathogens, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens8030088

Publication

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 2076-0817
NlmUniqueID: 101596317
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 8
Issue: 3

Researcher Affiliations

Ebani, Valentina Virginia
  • Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy. valentina.virginia.ebani@unipi.it.
  • CIRSEC, Center for Climatic Change Impact, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy. valentina.virginia.ebani@unipi.it.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The author declares no conflict of interest.

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Citations

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