Anaplasmataceae circulation in wild mammals and ticks from Goiás state, midwestern Brazil

The Anaplasmataceae family comprises vector-borne alpha-proteobacteria with significant impact on animal and human health. In Brazil, the diversity and circulation of these agents in wild mammals require further exploration. This study investigated the presence of Anaplasmataceae agents in wild mammals, and ticks from Goiás state, in midwestern Brazil. A total of 97 blood samples, 22 tissue samples, and 69 ticks from 18 mammalian species were analyzed. Conventional PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene revealed Anaplasmataceae DNA in 11.3% (11/97) of blood samples, 13.6% (3/22) in tissue samples and 2.9% (2/69) of tick specimens. Positive hosts included Subulo gouazoubira, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, Cerdocyon thous, Chrysocyon brachyurus, Tapirus terrestris, and Myrmecophaga tridactyla, as well as two Amblyomma sculptum ticks. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene from Anaplasma sp. detected in S. gouazoubira clustered with "Candidatus Anaplasma boleense", while 23S-5S rRNA (intergenic spacer) ITS supported a potentially undescribed Anaplasmataceae agent. A short 16S rRNA gene fragment showing high identity with "Ca. Anaplasma boleense" was detected in H. hydrochaeris for the first time. These findings expand current knowledge on the diversity and host range of Anaplasmataceae in Brazil, highlighting the role of wild mammals in maintaining these bacteria in Goiás state, midwestern Brazil.