Author:
Duan Ran,Lv Dongyue,Fan Rong,Fu Guoming,Mu Hui,Xi Jinxiao,Lu Xinmin,Chun Hua,Hua Jun,He Zhaokai,Qin Shuai,Huang Yanyan,Xiao Meng,Yang Jinchuan,Jing Huaiqi,Wang Xin
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is a tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Coinfections with A. phagocytophilum and other tick-borne pathogens are reported frequently, whereas the relationship between A. phagocytophilum and flea-borne Yersnia pestis is rarely concerned.
Results
A. phagocytophilum and Yersnia pestis were discovered within a Marmota himalayana found dead in the environment, as determined by 16S ribosomal rRNA sequencing. Comparative genomic analyses of marmot-derived A. phagocytophilum isolate demonstrated its similarities and a geographic isolation from other global strains. The 16S rRNA gene and GroEL amino acid sequence identity rates between marmot-derived A. phagocytophilum (JAHLEX000000000) and reference strain HZ (CP000235.1) are 99.73% (1490/1494) and 99.82% (549/550), respectively. 16S rRNA and groESL gene screenings show that A. phagocytophilum is widely distributed in marmots; the bacterium was more common in marmots found dead (24.59%, 15/61) than in captured marmots (19.21%, 29/151). We found a higher Y. pestis isolation rate in dead marmots harboring A. phagocytophilum than in those without it (2 = 4.047, p < 0.05). Marmot-derived A. phagocytophilum was able to live in L929 cells and BALB/c mice but did not propagate well.
Conclusions
In this study, A. phagocytophilum was identified for the first time in Marmota himalayana, a predominant Yersinia pestis host. Our results provide initial evidence for M. himalayana being a reservoir for A. phagocytophilum; moreover, we found with the presence of A. phagocytophilum, marmots may be more vulnerable to plague. Humans are at risk for co-infection with both pathogens by exposure to such marmots.
Funder
National Science and Technology Major Project
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Cited by
3 articles.
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