Detection of Mycoplasma agalactiae in Ticks (Rhipicephalus bursa) Collected by Sheep and Goats in Sicily (South-Italy), Endemic Area for Contagious Agalactia.

Paola Galluzzo,Guido R Loria,Francesco La Russa,Anne Ridley,Serena Tumino,Sergio Migliore,Lucia Galuppo,Valeria Blanda,Alessandra Torina,Roberto Puleio

doi:10.3390/microorganisms9112312

Abstract

The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the presence of Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma) or other Contagious Agalactia (CA) causative organisms, in hard ticks infesting milking sheep and goats in endemic areas for CA in Sicily (South-Italy). Although there is accumulating evidence to support the role of ticks in the transmission of blood-borne haemoplasmas, information regarding their role in the transmission of CA, remains scarce. Ticks (n = 152) were collected from 25 lactating sheep and goats from three farms with previous outbreaks of CA. Microbiological and biomolecular, as well as serological analysis were performed on milk, tick, and serum samples, respectively. Rhipicephalus bursa species predominated, comprising 84.8% of the sampled ticks. Mycoplasma-like colonies were isolated from 5/56 (8.9%) tick pools and were identified as Ma by specific PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Unexpectedly, the organism was isolated from R. bursa ticks recovered only from animals whose milk tested negative for the pathogen. This preliminary demonstration suggests the potential role for ticks to act as a reservoir for the organisms, with potential involvement in the spread and maintenance of CA. Further work is required to determine the location of the organisms within the body of the ticks and to assess transmission potential.

Highlights

Hematophagous ectoparasites are efficient vectors of the disease
The study did not involve controls under EU Directive 2010 (2010/63/EU), as the blood samples were collected for the purpose of annual brucellosis monitoring, the milk samples were collected from routine milking, and tick removal was below the threshold of the directive and improved animal health
Ixodidae as a reservoir and vector perpetuating Contagious Agalactia (CA) endemism. This preliminary study has demonstrated the carriage of viable M. agalactiae by

Summary

Introduction

Hematophagous ectoparasites are efficient vectors of the disease. More than 200 different diseases of viral, bacterial, rickettsial, protozoan, and helminth aetiology are known to be transmitted by arthropod vectors, including several diseases of major zoonotic importance [1]. Thirty-six vector-borne diseases were recently highlighted as of particular importance within the European Union [2]. Ticks are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites and around 900 species have been described [3]. Hard (Ixodidae) and soft (Argasidae) ticks, parasitize their hosts for the blood meal only. Their survival is heavily influenced by environmental conditions as well as by the their capacity to find hosts to perpetuate their life cycle [4]

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Conclusion