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Rickettsia spp. in small mammals and their parasitizing ectoparasites from Saxony, Germany

Anna Obiegala1, Carolin Oltersdorf1, Cornelia Silaghi2

  • 1Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.

Veterinary Parasitology, Regional Studies and Reports
|April 25, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Spotted fever group Rickettsiae were detected in small mammals and their ectoparasites in Germany. Rickettsia helvetica and Rickettsia raoultii were identified, highlighting potential reservoirs and vectors for emerging infectious diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Zoonotic Diseases
  • Arthropod-borne Pathogens

Background:

  • Rickettsiae are emerging pathogens transmitted by arthropods, causing diseases like spotted fevers and typhus.
  • Understanding Rickettsia distribution in wildlife is crucial for assessing zoonotic disease risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and distribution of spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsiae in small mammals and their ectoparasites.
  • To identify potential reservoirs (small mammals) and vectors (fleas and ticks) of Rickettsia spp. around Leipzig, Germany.

Main Methods:

  • Collected and analyzed 91 small mammals, 125 fleas, and 363 ticks from seven sites near Leipzig (2010-2011).
  • Utilized real-time PCR targeting the gltA gene for initial Rickettsia DNA detection.
  • Employed conventional PCR targeting the ompB gene followed by sequencing for species identification.

Main Results:

  • Rickettsia DNA was detected in 28.6% of small mammals, 3.9% of fleas, and 41.6% of ticks.
  • Identified Rickettsia helvetica and Rickettsia raoultii in small mammals, with R. helvetica being most prevalent.
  • Detected Rickettsia raoultii (59.6%), R. monacensis (4.8%), and R. helvetica (33.3%) in ticks, with high infection rates in Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus.

Conclusions:

  • Small mammals, particularly Myodes glareolus and Apodemus agrarius, may serve as important reservoirs for R. helvetica and R. raoultii.
  • Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus ticks are likely vectors for R. raoultii and R. helvetica, respectively.
  • Fleas may acquire R. raoultii incidentally from infected hosts rather than actively participating in transmission.
Keywords:
Dermacentor reticulatusIxodes ricinusMyodes glareolus

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