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Rodent-associated Bartonella in Saskatchewan, Canada
Claire Jardine1, Greg Appleyard, Michael Y Kosoy
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. claire_jardine@usask.ca
Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)
|January 19, 2006
Summary
Wild rodents near Saskatoon, Canada, show high Bartonella infection rates, with 57% of 104 sampled animals infected. Genetic analysis revealed 13 Bartonella genotypes, including eight new ones, indicating potential host specificity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Wildlife Ecology
Background:
- Bartonella bacteria are known to infect a wide range of hosts, including wild rodents.
- Understanding Bartonella prevalence and diversity in wildlife is crucial for assessing potential zoonotic risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella infections in wild rodent communities near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
- To compare identified Bartonella genotypes with those found in other geographic locations.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of six wild rodent species across 10 sites over two years (2002-2003).
- Molecular characterization of Bartonella isolates, including sequencing of the citrate synthase gene (gs) for 54 isolates.
- Genotypic analysis to identify distinct Bartonella genotypes and assess host-genotype associations.
Main Results:
- 57% of 104 examined rodents were infected with Bartonella, with prevalence varying by species (49% in Richardson's ground squirrels to 90% in Franklin's ground squirrels).
- Sequencing identified 13 distinct Bartonella genotypes, with eight previously undescribed.
- One genotype in red-backed voles showed high similarity to Bartonella grahamii, a known human pathogen. Concurrent infections with multiple genotypes were observed in Franklin's ground squirrels.
Conclusions:
- Rodent communities near Saskatoon harbor diverse Bartonella infections, with a significant proportion of animals infected.
- The discovery of novel Bartonella genotypes highlights the need for continued surveillance in wildlife populations.
- Evidence suggests potential host specificity for certain Bartonella genotypes among rodent species in this region.