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Bartonella spp. DNA associated with biting flies from California
Crystal Y Chung1, Rickie W Kasten, Sandra M Paff
1University of California, Davis, USA.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|August 25, 2004
Summary
Bartonella bacteria DNA was detected in flies that feed on cattle. Specifically, Bartonella bovis was found in horn flies and Bartonella henselae in a stable fly in California.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Flies are common ectoparasites of cattle.
- Bartonella species are known to infect various animals and can be transmitted by arthropods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and diversity of Bartonella DNA in different fly species collected from cattle in California.
- To identify potential vectors for Bartonella transmission in cattle populations.
Main Methods:
- Collection of horn flies (Haematobia spp.), stable flies (Stomoxys spp.), deer flies (Chrysops spp.), and horse flies (Tabanus spp.) from cattle.
- DNA extraction from fly samples.
- Partial gene sequencing for Bartonella identification.
Main Results:
- Bartonella bovis DNA was detected in a pool of horn flies.
- Bartonella henselae type M DNA was identified in a single stable fly.
- No Bartonella DNA was found in deer flies or horse flies.
Conclusions:
- Horn flies and stable flies may harbor Bartonella DNA, suggesting a potential role in transmission cycles.
- Further research is needed to confirm the infectivity and transmission capability of these flies for Bartonella species in cattle.