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Highly prevalent bartonellae and other vector-borne pathogens in small mammal species from the Czech Republic and

Anna Obiegala1, Kathrin Jeske2, Marie Augustin3

  • 1Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. Anna.Obiegala@vetmed.uni-leipzig.de.

Parasites & Vectors
|July 5, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Rodents in Central Europe carry significant Bartonella bacteria, with Microtus species showing a surprisingly high prevalence. This highlights their potential role as reservoirs for tick-borne pathogens impacting animal and human health.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
  • Ecology of Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Rodents are key reservoirs for zoonotic vector-borne diseases, posing risks to human and animal health.
  • The role of certain rodent genera, like Microtus, as reservoirs for tick-borne pathogens in Central Europe remains under-examined.
  • This study investigated tick-borne pathogens in small mammals across Germany and the Czech Republic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis" (CNM), and Coxiella burnetii in small mammals.
  • To evaluate the reservoir potential of different rodent genera, particularly Microtus, for these pathogens.
  • To understand the geographical distribution and host specificity of detected pathogens in Central Europe.

Main Methods:

  • Spleen DNA from 321 small mammals (Myodes, Apodemus, Microtus, Sorex) collected in Germany and the Czech Republic was analyzed.
  • Conventional PCR was used to detect Babesia spp. and Bartonella spp.
  • Real-time PCR assays were employed for the detection of CNM, A. phagocytophilum, and C. burnetii.

Main Results:

  • Bartonella spp. DNA was detected in 67.3% of small mammals, with higher prevalence in the Czech Republic (77.6%) than Germany (58.6%).
  • Prevalence varied by genus: Apodemus (75%), Microtus (77.2%), Sorex (63.2%), and Myodes (44.9%). Four Bartonella species were identified.
  • CNM was found in 8.4% and A. phagocytophilum in 0.9% of the animals. Babesia spp. and Coxiella spp. were not detected.

Conclusions:

  • The high prevalence of Bartonella in Microtus spp. suggests this genus is a significant potential reservoir for these pathogens.
  • The detection of A. phagocytophilum primarily in Sorex spp. and Myodes glareolus indicates their potential importance in maintaining certain strains.
  • Findings underscore the need for further research into rodent-borne pathogens and their implications for public and animal health in Central Europe.
Keywords:
AnaplasmaApodemusBabesiaBartonellaCoxiella burnetiiMicrotusMyodesRodentShrew“Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis”

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