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Molecular Detection of Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Eurasian Badgers (Meles meles) from the United Kingdom
Lisa Guardone1, Valentina Virginia Ebani1, Ranieri Verin2
1Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
Abstract:
Arthropod-borne diseases (ABD) are of increasing interest in veterinary and public health. Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) are known to harbor a wide range of pathogens, but information on their role as ABD reservoirs and their potential epidemiological relevance is limited. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of arthropod-borne pathogens, specifically piroplasmids and the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis and Bartonella spp., in badgers from Great Britain (GB). Blood and heart samples from 18 badgers were examined using PCR and sequencing. A neighbour-joining (NJ) phylogram was also produced. Nine animals tested positive for Babesia sp., while none of the samples was positive for the investigated bacteria. The sequences obtained clustered with other sequences of Babesia sp. from badgers from GB and elsewhere, including China, Hungary, Spain and Italy, showing a widespread distribution of this parasite in badgers. Badger-associated Babesia DNA was also found recently in a wild cat in Bosnia Herzegovina, in a wolf in Italy and in dogs in Hungary. Further investigations are needed to understand the epidemiology of this putative pathogen and its impact on the health of wild and domestic carnivores.
Insights
Eurasian badgers in Great Britain carry Babesia, a tick-borne parasite. This study found Babesia DNA in nine badgers, highlighting their role as potential reservoirs for this pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
- Wildlife Epidemiology
Background:
- Arthropod-borne diseases (ABD) are a growing concern in animal and human health.
- Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) are known reservoirs for various pathogens, but their role in ABD epidemiology is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of specific arthropod-borne pathogens, including piroplasmids and bacteria (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Bartonella spp.), in British badgers.
- To assess the epidemiological relevance of badgers as reservoirs for these pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of blood and heart samples from 18 Eurasian badgers using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing.
- Phylogenetic analysis using a neighbour-joining (NJ) phylogram to determine genetic relationships of detected pathogens.
Main Results:
- Nine out of 18 badgers tested positive for Babesia sp. DNA.
- No evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, or Bartonella spp. was found.
- Sequences of Babesia sp. from British badgers showed genetic similarity to isolates from other countries, indicating a widespread distribution.
Conclusions:
- Eurasian badgers in Great Britain harbor Babesia sp., suggesting they are a significant reservoir for this parasite.
- The findings indicate a broad geographical distribution of badger-associated Babesia.
- Further research is required to elucidate the transmission dynamics and impact of this Babesia species on wildlife and domestic animal health.
