Infection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia spp. in Opossums and Dogs in Campeche, Mexico: The Role of Tick Infestation

Abstract

In recent years, some tick-borne diseases such as anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis became widespread worldwide, threatening the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife. The aims of this study were to determine the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, and Ehrlichia chaffeensis in 102 opossums (Didelphis spp.) and 44 owned free-ranging dogs in southeastern Mexico using a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A. phagocytophilum was detected in opossums and dogs with a prevalence of 3 and 27%, respectively. E. canis was only present in 7% of dogs, while we didn't detect E. chaffeensis in any host. We report the first evidence of infections of A. phagocytophilum in Didelphis virginiana and D. marsupialis in Mexico. The infection rates and patterns we found of A. phagocytophilum suggest that dogs are more directly involved in the ecology of this pathogen than opossums. Despite the small prevalence found, our results are of public health concern because of the zoonotic capabilities of A. phagocytophilum, the high tick infestation rates found and because both opossums and free-ranging dogs can achieve high population densities in the region.

Possible Association between Selected Tick-Borne Pathogen Prevalence and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato Infestation in Dogs from Juarez City (Chihuahua), Northwest Mexico–US Border

“…The etiologic agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, A. phagocytophilum , was detected in 12.88% of the dogs (25/194). In a study performed in southern Mexico, a prevalence of 27% was found [ 45 ], which is higher than that of the present study. In addition, other studies conducted in the same area as the present study and nearby places showed varying results.…”

Detección molecular de Ehrlichia canis y Anaplasma phagocytophilum y alteraciones hematológicas de perros infectados

“…En cuanto a las infecciones por A. phagocytophilum, se han diagnosticado cada vez más en animales de compañía y de granja a nivel mundial (McMahan et al, 2016). En México, A. phagocytophilum, se ha detectado en zarigüeyas y perros del estado de Campeche, con una prevalencia de 3 y 27%, respectivamente (Rojero et al, 2017); sin embargo, en este trabajo ninguno de los perros evaluados resultó positivo por PCR o frotis sanguíneo. Esto no es sorprendente, ya que Ixodes spp.…”

Didelphis spp. opossums and their parasites in the Americas: A One Health perspective

“…It is known that the exchange of ectoparasites among these hosts has a central importance in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases. In this perspective, opossums are suggested to play a central role in the epidemiological chain of some tick-borne pathogens, as one of their behaviors (i.e., movement among forests, urban, and rural locations) facilitates the spreading of different tick species from wild environments to urban sites (Bermúdez et al 2016 ; Rojero-Vázquez et al 2017 ). For example, opossums captured close to human dwellings have been reported harboring species of hard ticks ( Amblyomma spp.)…”