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First molecular evidence of new Bartonella spp. in fleas and a tick from Peru
Philippe Parola1, Stanislav Shpynov, Manuel Montoya
1Unité des Rickettsies, Faculté de Médecine, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France.
Abstract:
Fleas, lice, and ticks collected in Peru in a suburban area of Cusco in November 1998 were tested by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of Bartonella DNA using primers amplifying a fragment of the intergenic spacer region (ITS) gene. Three new Bartonella genotypes were detected in Pulex fleas self-collected from the beds and clothes of schoolchildren and adults. A fourth new genotype was also detected from a tick found on a sheep in the same area. One of the genotypes is closely related to B. vinsoni subsp. berkhoffii, and the others seem to originate from unknown Bartonella species, whose medical importance has yet to be clarified.
Insights
New Bartonella genotypes were found in fleas and ticks in Peru. These findings in ectoparasites collected from homes and livestock may indicate unknown Bartonella species with potential health implications.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Molecular Microbiology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Fleas, lice, and ticks are common ectoparasites that can transmit various pathogens.
- Bartonella species are known to infect a wide range of hosts, including mammals.
- Understanding the diversity of Bartonella in vectors is crucial for assessing potential public health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and genetic diversity of Bartonella DNA in fleas, lice, and ticks collected in Peru.
- To identify novel Bartonella genotypes in these ectoparasites.
Main Methods:
- Ectoparasites (fleas, lice, ticks) were collected from a suburban area of Cusco, Peru.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Bartonella DNA.
- Primers targeting the intergenic spacer region (ITS) gene were employed for amplification.
Main Results:
- Three new Bartonella genotypes were identified in Pulex fleas collected from human dwellings.
- A fourth novel Bartonella genotype was detected in a tick found on sheep.
- One genotype showed close relation to Bartonella vinsoni subsp. berkhoffii; others appear to be from unknown Bartonella species.
Conclusions:
- The study identified novel Bartonella genotypes in fleas and ticks from Peru.
- The presence of these genotypes suggests the existence of previously unknown Bartonella species.
- Further research is needed to clarify the medical significance of these newly discovered Bartonella genotypes.