Impact of wild mammals’ ectoparasites on transmission of different pathogens

Abstract

Wild mammals are associated with vector-borne (tick, flea, mite, lice) pathogens that is causing infectious diseases worldwide. Ectoparasites of wild mammals can transmit different pathogens such as Bartonella, Rickettsia, Borrelia and other bacteria or viruses. Human outdoor activities in parks and suburban forests are increasing and providing excellent conditions for contact between wild mammals, vectors and human or domestic animals. Thus, in order to assess risks of infection, is important to know what pathogens can be detected in wild mammals’ ectoparasites. For that purpose, we used real-time PCR, nested-PCR, multiplex PCR and vector-borne bacteria flow chip for different pathogens detection. A total 118 ectoparasites were collected (110 ticks and 8 fleas) from road kill wild mammals (Lepus europaeus, Mustela putorius, Nyctereutes procyonoides, Meles meles, Vulpes vulpes). We identified two tick species (Ixodes ricinus and Dermocentor reticulatus) and two flea species (Chaetopsylla globiceps and Ctenocephalides canis). Genus of Bartonella, Rickettsia, Borrelia and Anaplasma were detected. Rickettsia DNA were found in 23.1% D. reticulatus ticks and 13.4% I. ricinus ticks, as well in 12.5% fleas of C. globiceps species. Sequence analysis of the 17 kDa protein coding gene fragment sequinces showed that sequences are similar to R. helvetica and R. raoultiispecies. A total 3.39% tested ectoparasites were infected with the Bartonella pathogen. Sequence analysis of the 16S-23S rRNR ITS region fragment sequences showed that fleas were infected with B.hensellae and ticks with B. schoenbuchensis species. Borrelia spp. and Anaplasma spp. were found in 27.1% and 56.8% tested ectoparasites respectively. Borrelia DNA were found in 37.5% fleas and 26.4% ticks. Anaplasma DNA were found in 59.1% ticks and 25% fleas.