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Published on: July 6, 2013
High diversity, novel genotypes, and vertical transmission of hemotropic Mycoplasma in micromammals
Javier Millán1, Bárbara Martín-Maldonado2, Ruth Rodríguez-Pastor3
1Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Zaragoza 50013, Spain; Fundación ARAID, Avda. Ranillas 1, Zaragoza 50018, Spain; Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile.
Abstract:
Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are emerging zoonotic pathogens. Micromammals have received little attention as hosts for hemoplasmas despite their ubiquitous presence, high population abundances, and close association with humans. A PCR protocol targeting a fragment of the 16 S rRNA gene and direct sequencing in blood samples of 189 adult specimens and 35 fetuses belonging to three species of Eulipotyphla (shrews) and seven species of Rodentia, captured in three ecologically diverse habitats in North-Eastern Spain (Steppe, High Mountain, Mediterranean) yielded and occurrence of 26%, including 36% of 39 shrews and 23% of 150 rodents. Sequencing revealed the presence of 14 nucleotide sequence types (ntST) among the 56 readable sequences. In general, each ntST was associated with a given host species, although in some cases, the same ntST was sequenced in different species (chiefly rodents). Most ntST were closely related to rodent and/or bat hemoplasmas, but one was identical with Mycoplasma haemocanis/haemofelis, and others can be considered novel genotypes. High sequence diversity was detected in rodents, whereas in the white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula), 9/11 sequences from two distant areas were identical. Phylogenetic and network analyses classified our sequences in different clades including hemoplasmas of rodents, carnivores, bats, and humans. Twelve of the fetuses (34.2%) of 9/12 litters (75.0%) of shrews and rodents were hemoplasma-positive, indicating frequent vertical transmission. Our study contributes to expanding our knowledge about the distribution, diversity, and transmission of hemoplasmas.
Insights
Micromammals like shrews and rodents harbor diverse hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas), emerging zoonotic pathogens. Vertical transmission was frequent in these small mammals, expanding knowledge of hemoplasma distribution and diversity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Eukaryotic Pathogens
Background:
- Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are recognized as emerging zoonotic pathogens.
- Micromammals, including rodents and shrews, are understudied as potential reservoirs for hemoplasmas despite their ecological importance and proximity to humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and diversity of hemoplasmas in micromammals from diverse habitats in North-Eastern Spain.
- To explore potential host specificity and transmission routes, including vertical transmission, of hemoplasmas in these populations.
Main Methods:
- A PCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene was employed for hemoplasma detection in blood samples from 189 adult and 35 fetal micromammals (shrews and rodents).
- Direct sequencing of PCR products was performed to identify and analyze nucleotide sequence types (ntST).
- Phylogenetic and network analyses were conducted to determine the evolutionary relationships of detected hemoplasmas.
Main Results:
- An overall hemoplasma prevalence of 26% was detected, with 36% in shrews and 23% in rodents.
- Fourteen distinct nucleotide sequence types (ntST) were identified, with most showing host specificity, though some were shared among rodent species.
- Sequences were related to known rodent, bat, and carnivore hemoplasmas, with some novel genotypes identified. Vertical transmission was confirmed in 34.2% of fetuses.
Conclusions:
- Micromammals represent a significant reservoir for diverse hemotropic mycoplasmas, including novel genotypes.
- The findings highlight the potential for zoonotic transmission and emphasize the importance of considering these small mammals in epidemiological studies.
- Frequent vertical transmission suggests a key role in the maintenance and spread of hemoplasmas within micromammal populations.
