Abstract
BackgroundTick-borne diseases pose a major threat in public health. The epidemiological dynamics of these diseases depends on the tick vector species and their hosts, as well as the geographical distribution and ecology of both. Among many possible hosts for ticks, small mammals have a major role in the development of immature stages of several tick species. Small mammals are also important reservoir hosts for several pathogenic agents and possible reservoirs for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In this context, the aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in small mammal species in Romania.ResultsA total of 791 small mammals of 31 species were tested by PCR, targeting the rrs gene for detection of A. phagocytophilum DNA. Positive results were obtained in 20 small mammals: five Apodemus flavicollis (6.49%), three Sorex araneus (9.09%), three A. uralensis (4.84%), two A. sylvaticus (3.92%), and one of each Spermophilus cittelus (7.14%), Microtus agrestis (3.85%), Sorex minutus (3.85%), Muscardinus avellanarius (3.13%), Crocidura suaveolens (2.44%), Mus spicilegus (2%) and M. arvalis (1.75%).ConclusionsEleven small mammal species were found to be carriers of A. phagocytophilum, suggesting a possible involvement of these species in its epidemiology. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. phagocytophilum in S. minutus, C. suaveolens, M. spicilegus, M. avellanarius and S. citellus.
Highlights
Tick-borne diseases pose a major threat in public health
Twenty out of 791 small mammals were positive for A. phagocytophilum DNA presence with an overall prevalence of 2.53%
The small mammal species found positive were: S. araneus (9.09%, 95% CI: 1.92–24.33%), S. cittelus (7.14%, 95% CI: 0.18–33.87%), A. flavicollis (6.49%, 95% CI: 2.14–14.51%), A. uralensis (4.84%, 95% CI: 1.01–13.5%), A. sylvaticus (3.92%, 95% CI: 0.48–13.46%), M. agrestis (3.85%, 95% CI: 0.10– 19.64%), S. minutus (3.85%, 95% CI: 0.10–19.64%), M. avellanarius (3.13%, 95% CI: 0.08–16.22%), C. suaveolens (2.44%, 95% CI: 0.06–12.86%), Mus spicilegus
Summary
Tick-borne diseases pose a major threat in public health. The epidemiological dynamics of these diseases depends on the tick vector species and their hosts, as well as the geographical distribution and ecology of both. Small mammals are important reservoir hosts for several pathogenic agents and possible reservoirs for Anaplasma phagocytophilum In this context, the aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in small mammal species in Romania. Small mammals (Orders Rodentia and Eulipotyphla) represent a very diverse group of terrestrial vertebrates, with a worldwide distribution and usually represented by large populations [1, 2] They are highly adapted for various types of habitat, including urbanized areas, being a link between wild and anthropomorphic ecosystems through the frequent movement of these animals and their ticks between human dwellings and natural environments [3]. Even if some of these ticks are endophilic (nidicolous)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
