Objective:To determine the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens with a particular focus on Rickettsia spp.in ticks collected from cattle in Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces,South Africa.Methods:A total of 200 ticks were co...Objective:To determine the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens with a particular focus on Rickettsia spp.in ticks collected from cattle in Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces,South Africa.Methods:A total of 200 ticks were collected from cattle within the Madala livestock,Pretoria,Gauteng Province and in Mankweng Township,Polokwane,Limpopo Province in 2019.The ticks were morphologically identified and processed individually for a total genomic DNA extraction.Specific primers targetting ompA,ompB,and the 17KDa genes were used for a molecular screening and delineation of Rickettsia from the extracted genetic materials using polymerase chain reaction(PCR)technique.PCR amplicons of positive samples were sequenced bidirectionally using the Sanger sequencing method.Sequences generated were processed and analysed using appropriate bioinformatics software.Results:The ticks were morphologically identified as Amblyomma spp.PCR profiling of the genomic DNA samples revealed the presence of the Rickettsia pathogen in 42(21%)of the ticks collected from both Provinces.Out of the genes profiled,14(7%)were positive for 17KDa,42(21%)for ompA and 32(16%)were positive for ompB genes respectively.The nucleotide blast of the sequenced genomes showed high similarity,as high as 100% with other reference Rickettsia(R.)africae in the GenBank.The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences further validated them as R.africae with their characteristic clustering pattern with related reference sequences.Conclusions:There is an abundance of R.africae in Amblyomma ticks collected from cattle in the study areas.This has serious public health implications as individuals who accidentally get infested with the ticks could acquire R.africae.Hence,adequate precautions in terms of sensitization of farmers about the risk and mass mobilization drive to control the vectors in the areas are highly recommended to safeguard public health.展开更多
Objective:To identify members of genera of rickettsia and O.tsutsugammhi simultaneously.Methods:Rapid and duplex and nested PCR methods have been established by designing primers based on the conserved regions of heat...Objective:To identify members of genera of rickettsia and O.tsutsugammhi simultaneously.Methods:Rapid and duplex and nested PCR methods have been established by designing primers based on the conserved regions of heat shock protein GroEL gene.345 mouse viscera samples including liver,spleen and kidney,96 Xenopsylla cheopis and 32 chiggers collected from Hongta areas of Yuxi city,Yunnan province were tested by the new PCR methods.Results:The result of the study showed that the new PCR methods could identify most members of genera -Rickettsia and Orientia simultaneously with 100%specificity and its sensitivity could test one copy per microliter.The results of detection prevalence of rickettsioses in mouse,flea and mites DNA samples showed that the total rickettsia infection rate in mouse was 34.78%(120/345).The total infection rates in R.typhi,O.t Karp and R.sibirica of mouse samples were 28.12%(97/345),19.71%(68/345) and O. 29%(1/345) respectively.Co-infection rates in R.typhi and 0.t Karp of mouse samples were 13.33%(46/ 345).O.t Karp type has been the main epidemic strain in these areas.Conclusion:We concluded that this PCR method could be used to detect multi-genera rickettsia simultaneously.Molecular evidences provided in this and previous studies strongly support that Hongta areas of Yuxi city are a natural focus for typhus and scrub typhus with the common occurrence of their confection.展开更多
The death which occurred in juvenile population was a severe problem in the course ofPinctada maxima artificial culture. With the methods of field investigation, histological study and statistic analyses, the epidemio...The death which occurred in juvenile population was a severe problem in the course ofPinctada maxima artificial culture. With the methods of field investigation, histological study and statistic analyses, the epidemiological study was carried out on the disease and death in juvenile populations of Pinctada maxima in the Xinying Pearl Oyster Mariculture Farm of Lingao County (for the A, B and C batches of cultured juveniles hanged in the sea) and the Xincun Pearl Oyster Mariculture Farm of Lingshui County (for the D batch of cultured juvenile hanged in the pond), Hainan Province from November 1993 to April 1995.The results show that the deaths which occurred in juvenile populations of Pinctada maxima presented an outbreak pattern. The peak of mortality rates, in general, occurred in 4-to 6-month old pearl oyster juveniles, and the mortality rates gradully declined with the extention of pearl oyster age after cul-turing 8 months. The correlation between the mortality rates of juvenile populations and mean body lengths of juvenile populations show that the mortality rate become higher under 4 cm of mean body lengths of juvenile population and become obvious declined over 5 cm of mean body lengths. The peak of mortality rate occurred in 1-3 cm of mean body lengths. The results of histological observation showed that rickettsia-like organism inclusions were common, histological widespread infective agent among every batches (A, B, C and D) of cultured juvenile populations. The mean severity indices (SI) of rickettsia-like organism (RLO) infection were positively correlated with mortality rates of juvenile populations. After or within every peaks of RLO infection were all accompanied with the peaks of mortality rates of host populations and the mortality rates declined with decreased RLO infection. So the evidences of histological observation and epidemiology in this study indicated that rickettsia-like organism (RLO) may be as an important pathogenic organism of disease and death of cultured Pinctada maxima. In addition, a few ciliates were discovered only in part of batch A of cultured juvenile population. The mortality rates in juvenile populations were not correlated with the weekly mean temperature and salinity of sea water.展开更多
The epidemiological investigations on the disease and death in mature eggs, embryonic de- velopmental periods and larvae populations [including oocytes, fertilized ovum, early embryonic phase larvae (6 h), D-shaped ph...The epidemiological investigations on the disease and death in mature eggs, embryonic de- velopmental periods and larvae populations [including oocytes, fertilized ovum, early embryonic phase larvae (6 h), D-shaped phase larvae (24 h), early umbo phase larvae, umbo phase larvae, post um- bo phase larvae and eyespot phase larvae] in the Luhuitou Pearl Oyster Mariculture Farm of Sanya City, Hainan Province in April 1995 showed that there were two peaks of mortality rates which occurred in early umbo phase or umbo phase and post umbo phase (Figs 3-5 and Table 1) respectively from pre- embryonic developmental periods to larvae phases. It indicated that the onset and death of Pinctada maxima larvae populations followed a pattem of outbreak. Between the prevalence, intensity of RLO infection and the mortality rates of larvae populations were of obvious positively correlations. Generally, every peak of RLO infection is always follwed by a peak of mortality rate of larvae hosts, and the mor- tality rates of larvae hosts declined with the decreased RLO infection (see Figs 3-5 ). Under the trans- mission electron microscopy (TEM), no rickettsia-like organisms were discovered in oocytes, fertilized ovum and early embryonic phase larvae (6 h). The RLO inclusions occurred first in the D-shaped phase larvae (24 h) under histological examination. Absences of RLO in transmission electron exami- nation of oocytes of RLO-infected adult females, ferilized ovum and early embryonic phase larvae (6 h) indicated that RLO may not be transmitted transovarially. But RLO for host infection may be trans- mitted by contact transmission since RLO inclusions were first identified regularly in D-shaped phase larvae (24 h), while these D-shaped phase larvae were still unable to take food during hatching 24 hours. In addition, the result of epidemiological investigation showed that no odservable death occurred in D-shaped larvae populations, but early obvious death occurred in larvae populations in the seventh day after fertilization, in a rate of about 21. 8%. It indicated that there was a incubation peried from RLO infection for host (D-shaped phase larvae) to host onset and death occurred clinically.展开更多
A molecular survey of 230 serum samples from cattle was studied by PCR-amplification of the citrate synthase gene gltA, the gene coding for protein 190 kDa—ompA—and the gene ompB. The study was carried out in the Ju...A molecular survey of 230 serum samples from cattle was studied by PCR-amplification of the citrate synthase gene gltA, the gene coding for protein 190 kDa—ompA—and the gene ompB. The study was carried out in the Junta of Castilla y León (northern Spain). The results suggest that the molecular study of the serum cattle would not make a good method in epidemiological studies on rickettsiae in this region. But it is necessary to continue and expand the work with more sensitive molecular methods.展开更多
Tick-Borne Rickettsial Diseases (TBRD) are emerging zoonotic diseases, and a problem of human health and veterinary medication. The distribution of these diseases is related to the distribution of vector. The presence...Tick-Borne Rickettsial Diseases (TBRD) are emerging zoonotic diseases, and a problem of human health and veterinary medication. The distribution of these diseases is related to the distribution of vector. The presence of pathogens in the host is a risk indicator of population exposure to these areas. A total of 478 tissues samples from rodents, A. phagocytophilum 18 (3.7%), E. canis 47 (9.8%), Rickettsia rickettsii 18 (3.7%) and E. chaffeensis 19 (3.9%) were detected using species-specific PCR assay. It is the first report in Mexico the presence of rodents infected with A. phagocytophilum and E. chaffeensis. The rodent Peromyscus spp. were the most commonly prevalent host of infection for all the bacteria’s. We have to consider as host of TBRD transmitter and provide a useful contribution to understanding their epidemiology. The health sector should be considered all the fevers of unknown causes in humans and animals in Mexico as infections by these vector-borne rickettsial pathogens.展开更多
A series of mass mortalities of the cultured blood clam, Tegillarca granosa, occurred in the Yueqing Bay of China from 2005 to 2009. An obligate intracellular prokaryote, designated as rickettsia-like organism (RLO)...A series of mass mortalities of the cultured blood clam, Tegillarca granosa, occurred in the Yueqing Bay of China from 2005 to 2009. An obligate intracellular prokaryote, designated as rickettsia-like organism (RLO), was frequently found in the moribund or dead blood clam sample during ultra- structural examination. These organisms were usually round, ellipsoid or occasionally dumbbell- shaped, ranged from approximately 0.28 to 0.71 #m in size and had a trilaminar cell wall. Two reproductive modes of organisms, transverse binary fission and budding, were observed. The or- ganisms were able to form eosinophilic inclusions. Most inclusions were found within epithelial and connective tissues of the mantle, gills and digestive tube. The biological and morphological char- acteristics indicate that these organisms may belong to the family Rickettsiaceae. RLOs exhibited significant pathogenicity. Cytopathological examinations revealed extensive necrosis and destruc- tion in the infected cell. The degree of tissue destruction was positively related to the number of RLO inclusions in the tissues, and the cytopathological effects were positively related to the number of intracellular RLO. RLOs and their inclusions were discovered throughout different disease areas and in different time periods. The infection intensity of the RLOs was positively correlated with the mortality rate of clams. Therefore, RLO infection might be associated with mass mortalities of cultured blood clams in the Yueqing Bay.展开更多
Mediterranean spotted fever(MSF)has been diagnosed clinically in the Crimean Peninsula since the 1930s.We describe the recent illness of an elderly patient from Crimea who had developed a classic triad of MSF symptoms...Mediterranean spotted fever(MSF)has been diagnosed clinically in the Crimean Peninsula since the 1930s.We describe the recent illness of an elderly patient from Crimea who had developed a classic triad of MSF symptoms consisting of fever,maculopapular rash,and eschar.Clinical diagnosis of rickettsiosis was confirmed using real-time PCR and sequencing of 4 Rickettsia protein genes.The strain causing clinical illness was characterized as Rickettsia conorii subspecies conorii Malish 7.This report corroborates the utility of eschar swab material as a source of DNA for PCR-based diagnostics that enables timely patient treatment and management.展开更多
China is not considered as an endemic area of Rickettsia conorii,so there is no routine clinical way to diagnose this infection.This study aims to determine whether 2 febrile patients who had a tick bite in East China...China is not considered as an endemic area of Rickettsia conorii,so there is no routine clinical way to diagnose this infection.This study aims to determine whether 2 febrile patients who had a tick bite in East China were indeed infected with R.conorii.The citrate synthase gene(gltA)was amplified with universal rickettsial primers by real-time fluorescent PCR from the patients’blood samples.Nested PCR was used to amplify the outer membrane protein A gene(ompA)for positive specimens.PCR products were further identified and analyzed through nucleic acid sequencing.Positive amplification of the gltA and ompA genes was found in both patients.The nucleotide sequences(303 bp)of the ompA gene of the 2 patients had high homology(99%)with the R.conorii Indian tick typhus strain in GenBank.A more than 4-fold increase in IgG against R.conorii provided supportive evidence of SFG Rickettsia infection.And the rapid recovery after doxycycline treatment also supported a rickettsial cause for the disease.Physicians in East China should be aware of human infections with R.conorii.PCR-based diagnostic methods offer a rapid and precise way to diagnose rickettsiosis,improving patient identification and management.展开更多
【目的】检测Q型烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius)体内Rickettsia的感染情况,研究分析Rickettsia共生菌经烟粉虱传入豇豆植物后的分布、转移效率等。【方法】以Q型烟粉虱为实验材料,利用常规PCR及荧光原位杂交技术(FISH),检测了烟粉虱体...【目的】检测Q型烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius)体内Rickettsia的感染情况,研究分析Rickettsia共生菌经烟粉虱传入豇豆植物后的分布、转移效率等。【方法】以Q型烟粉虱为实验材料,利用常规PCR及荧光原位杂交技术(FISH),检测了烟粉虱体内Rickettsia的感染率,以及Rickettsia传入豇豆植物体内后的存留情况。【结果】Q型烟粉虱可以通过取食将Rickettsia传至豇豆植株内;接虫数量与Rickettsia传入效率及其在取食部位相邻的下部叶片中检测到的起始时间呈负相关;Rickettsia经烟粉虱取食传入豇豆叶片后,集中分布在叶片的韧皮部筛管中;基于16S r RNA的系统发育分析结果表明,Q型烟粉虱体内的Rickettsia与经取食传入豇豆叶片的Rickettsia高度同源。【结论】Rickettsia可以通过烟粉虱的取食传入植物体内,并且可以在相邻叶片之间转移传播,Rickettsia在由寄主昆虫向植株传播过程中高度保守。展开更多
The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, harbors the primary symbiont 'Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum' and a variety of secondary symbionts. Among these secondary symbionts, Rickettsia is the only one that can be detected b...The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, harbors the primary symbiont 'Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum' and a variety of secondary symbionts. Among these secondary symbionts, Rickettsia is the only one that can be detected both inside and outside the bacteriomes. Infection with Rickettsia has been reported to influence several aspects of the whitefly biology, such as fitness, sex ratio, virus transmission and resistance to pesticides. However, mechanisms underlying these differences remain unclear, largely due to the lack of genomic information of Rickettsia. In this study, we sequenced the genome of two Rickettsia strains isolated from the Middle East Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) species of the B. tabaci complex in China and Israel. Both Rickettsia genomes were of high coding den- sity and AT-rich, containing more than 1000 coding sequences, much larger than that of the coexisted primary symbiont, Portiera. Moreover, the two Rickettsia strains isolated from China and Israel shared most of the genes with 100% identity and only nine genes showed sequence differences. The phylogenetic analysis using orthologs shared in the genus, inferred the proximity of Rickettsia in MEAM1 and Rickettsia bellii. Functional analysis revealed that Rickettsia was unable to synthesize amino acids required for complementing the whitefly nutrition. Besides, a type IV secretion system and a number of virulence- related genes were detected in the Rickettsia genome. The presence of virulence-related genes might benefit the symbiotic life of the bacteria, and hint on potential effects of Rickettsia on whiteflies. The genome sequences of Rickettsia provided a basis for further understanding the function of Rickettsia in whiteflies.展开更多
基金funded by SAMRC with grant number RDG2017/18 and the APC was funded by SMU.
文摘Objective:To determine the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens with a particular focus on Rickettsia spp.in ticks collected from cattle in Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces,South Africa.Methods:A total of 200 ticks were collected from cattle within the Madala livestock,Pretoria,Gauteng Province and in Mankweng Township,Polokwane,Limpopo Province in 2019.The ticks were morphologically identified and processed individually for a total genomic DNA extraction.Specific primers targetting ompA,ompB,and the 17KDa genes were used for a molecular screening and delineation of Rickettsia from the extracted genetic materials using polymerase chain reaction(PCR)technique.PCR amplicons of positive samples were sequenced bidirectionally using the Sanger sequencing method.Sequences generated were processed and analysed using appropriate bioinformatics software.Results:The ticks were morphologically identified as Amblyomma spp.PCR profiling of the genomic DNA samples revealed the presence of the Rickettsia pathogen in 42(21%)of the ticks collected from both Provinces.Out of the genes profiled,14(7%)were positive for 17KDa,42(21%)for ompA and 32(16%)were positive for ompB genes respectively.The nucleotide blast of the sequenced genomes showed high similarity,as high as 100% with other reference Rickettsia(R.)africae in the GenBank.The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences further validated them as R.africae with their characteristic clustering pattern with related reference sequences.Conclusions:There is an abundance of R.africae in Amblyomma ticks collected from cattle in the study areas.This has serious public health implications as individuals who accidentally get infested with the ticks could acquire R.africae.Hence,adequate precautions in terms of sensitization of farmers about the risk and mass mobilization drive to control the vectors in the areas are highly recommended to safeguard public health.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No. 30771854)China-U.S.Collaborative Program on Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases(No. 1U2GGH000018-01)
文摘Objective:To identify members of genera of rickettsia and O.tsutsugammhi simultaneously.Methods:Rapid and duplex and nested PCR methods have been established by designing primers based on the conserved regions of heat shock protein GroEL gene.345 mouse viscera samples including liver,spleen and kidney,96 Xenopsylla cheopis and 32 chiggers collected from Hongta areas of Yuxi city,Yunnan province were tested by the new PCR methods.Results:The result of the study showed that the new PCR methods could identify most members of genera -Rickettsia and Orientia simultaneously with 100%specificity and its sensitivity could test one copy per microliter.The results of detection prevalence of rickettsioses in mouse,flea and mites DNA samples showed that the total rickettsia infection rate in mouse was 34.78%(120/345).The total infection rates in R.typhi,O.t Karp and R.sibirica of mouse samples were 28.12%(97/345),19.71%(68/345) and O. 29%(1/345) respectively.Co-infection rates in R.typhi and 0.t Karp of mouse samples were 13.33%(46/ 345).O.t Karp type has been the main epidemic strain in these areas.Conclusion:We concluded that this PCR method could be used to detect multi-genera rickettsia simultaneously.Molecular evidences provided in this and previous studies strongly support that Hongta areas of Yuxi city are a natural focus for typhus and scrub typhus with the common occurrence of their confection.
基金Major State Basic Research Development Program of China under contract No. G1999012001Key Science Foundation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences contract KS85-121.
文摘The death which occurred in juvenile population was a severe problem in the course ofPinctada maxima artificial culture. With the methods of field investigation, histological study and statistic analyses, the epidemiological study was carried out on the disease and death in juvenile populations of Pinctada maxima in the Xinying Pearl Oyster Mariculture Farm of Lingao County (for the A, B and C batches of cultured juveniles hanged in the sea) and the Xincun Pearl Oyster Mariculture Farm of Lingshui County (for the D batch of cultured juvenile hanged in the pond), Hainan Province from November 1993 to April 1995.The results show that the deaths which occurred in juvenile populations of Pinctada maxima presented an outbreak pattern. The peak of mortality rates, in general, occurred in 4-to 6-month old pearl oyster juveniles, and the mortality rates gradully declined with the extention of pearl oyster age after cul-turing 8 months. The correlation between the mortality rates of juvenile populations and mean body lengths of juvenile populations show that the mortality rate become higher under 4 cm of mean body lengths of juvenile population and become obvious declined over 5 cm of mean body lengths. The peak of mortality rate occurred in 1-3 cm of mean body lengths. The results of histological observation showed that rickettsia-like organism inclusions were common, histological widespread infective agent among every batches (A, B, C and D) of cultured juvenile populations. The mean severity indices (SI) of rickettsia-like organism (RLO) infection were positively correlated with mortality rates of juvenile populations. After or within every peaks of RLO infection were all accompanied with the peaks of mortality rates of host populations and the mortality rates declined with decreased RLO infection. So the evidences of histological observation and epidemiology in this study indicated that rickettsia-like organism (RLO) may be as an important pathogenic organism of disease and death of cultured Pinctada maxima. In addition, a few ciliates were discovered only in part of batch A of cultured juvenile population. The mortality rates in juvenile populations were not correlated with the weekly mean temperature and salinity of sea water.
基金This study was supported by the Projects under the Major State Basic Research Development Program under contractNo.G199012001,
文摘The epidemiological investigations on the disease and death in mature eggs, embryonic de- velopmental periods and larvae populations [including oocytes, fertilized ovum, early embryonic phase larvae (6 h), D-shaped phase larvae (24 h), early umbo phase larvae, umbo phase larvae, post um- bo phase larvae and eyespot phase larvae] in the Luhuitou Pearl Oyster Mariculture Farm of Sanya City, Hainan Province in April 1995 showed that there were two peaks of mortality rates which occurred in early umbo phase or umbo phase and post umbo phase (Figs 3-5 and Table 1) respectively from pre- embryonic developmental periods to larvae phases. It indicated that the onset and death of Pinctada maxima larvae populations followed a pattem of outbreak. Between the prevalence, intensity of RLO infection and the mortality rates of larvae populations were of obvious positively correlations. Generally, every peak of RLO infection is always follwed by a peak of mortality rate of larvae hosts, and the mor- tality rates of larvae hosts declined with the decreased RLO infection (see Figs 3-5 ). Under the trans- mission electron microscopy (TEM), no rickettsia-like organisms were discovered in oocytes, fertilized ovum and early embryonic phase larvae (6 h). The RLO inclusions occurred first in the D-shaped phase larvae (24 h) under histological examination. Absences of RLO in transmission electron exami- nation of oocytes of RLO-infected adult females, ferilized ovum and early embryonic phase larvae (6 h) indicated that RLO may not be transmitted transovarially. But RLO for host infection may be trans- mitted by contact transmission since RLO inclusions were first identified regularly in D-shaped phase larvae (24 h), while these D-shaped phase larvae were still unable to take food during hatching 24 hours. In addition, the result of epidemiological investigation showed that no odservable death occurred in D-shaped larvae populations, but early obvious death occurred in larvae populations in the seventh day after fertilization, in a rate of about 21. 8%. It indicated that there was a incubation peried from RLO infection for host (D-shaped phase larvae) to host onset and death occurred clinically.
文摘A molecular survey of 230 serum samples from cattle was studied by PCR-amplification of the citrate synthase gene gltA, the gene coding for protein 190 kDa—ompA—and the gene ompB. The study was carried out in the Junta of Castilla y León (northern Spain). The results suggest that the molecular study of the serum cattle would not make a good method in epidemiological studies on rickettsiae in this region. But it is necessary to continue and expand the work with more sensitive molecular methods.
文摘Tick-Borne Rickettsial Diseases (TBRD) are emerging zoonotic diseases, and a problem of human health and veterinary medication. The distribution of these diseases is related to the distribution of vector. The presence of pathogens in the host is a risk indicator of population exposure to these areas. A total of 478 tissues samples from rodents, A. phagocytophilum 18 (3.7%), E. canis 47 (9.8%), Rickettsia rickettsii 18 (3.7%) and E. chaffeensis 19 (3.9%) were detected using species-specific PCR assay. It is the first report in Mexico the presence of rodents infected with A. phagocytophilum and E. chaffeensis. The rodent Peromyscus spp. were the most commonly prevalent host of infection for all the bacteria’s. We have to consider as host of TBRD transmitter and provide a useful contribution to understanding their epidemiology. The health sector should be considered all the fevers of unknown causes in humans and animals in Mexico as infections by these vector-borne rickettsial pathogens.
基金Scientific Projects of Zhejiang Province,China under contract Nos 2004C23041 and 20080123
文摘A series of mass mortalities of the cultured blood clam, Tegillarca granosa, occurred in the Yueqing Bay of China from 2005 to 2009. An obligate intracellular prokaryote, designated as rickettsia-like organism (RLO), was frequently found in the moribund or dead blood clam sample during ultra- structural examination. These organisms were usually round, ellipsoid or occasionally dumbbell- shaped, ranged from approximately 0.28 to 0.71 #m in size and had a trilaminar cell wall. Two reproductive modes of organisms, transverse binary fission and budding, were observed. The or- ganisms were able to form eosinophilic inclusions. Most inclusions were found within epithelial and connective tissues of the mantle, gills and digestive tube. The biological and morphological char- acteristics indicate that these organisms may belong to the family Rickettsiaceae. RLOs exhibited significant pathogenicity. Cytopathological examinations revealed extensive necrosis and destruc- tion in the infected cell. The degree of tissue destruction was positively related to the number of RLO inclusions in the tissues, and the cytopathological effects were positively related to the number of intracellular RLO. RLOs and their inclusions were discovered throughout different disease areas and in different time periods. The infection intensity of the RLOs was positively correlated with the mortality rate of clams. Therefore, RLO infection might be associated with mass mortalities of cultured blood clams in the Yueqing Bay.
文摘Mediterranean spotted fever(MSF)has been diagnosed clinically in the Crimean Peninsula since the 1930s.We describe the recent illness of an elderly patient from Crimea who had developed a classic triad of MSF symptoms consisting of fever,maculopapular rash,and eschar.Clinical diagnosis of rickettsiosis was confirmed using real-time PCR and sequencing of 4 Rickettsia protein genes.The strain causing clinical illness was characterized as Rickettsia conorii subspecies conorii Malish 7.This report corroborates the utility of eschar swab material as a source of DNA for PCR-based diagnostics that enables timely patient treatment and management.
文摘China is not considered as an endemic area of Rickettsia conorii,so there is no routine clinical way to diagnose this infection.This study aims to determine whether 2 febrile patients who had a tick bite in East China were indeed infected with R.conorii.The citrate synthase gene(gltA)was amplified with universal rickettsial primers by real-time fluorescent PCR from the patients’blood samples.Nested PCR was used to amplify the outer membrane protein A gene(ompA)for positive specimens.PCR products were further identified and analyzed through nucleic acid sequencing.Positive amplification of the gltA and ompA genes was found in both patients.The nucleotide sequences(303 bp)of the ompA gene of the 2 patients had high homology(99%)with the R.conorii Indian tick typhus strain in GenBank.A more than 4-fold increase in IgG against R.conorii provided supportive evidence of SFG Rickettsia infection.And the rapid recovery after doxycycline treatment also supported a rickettsial cause for the disease.Physicians in East China should be aware of human infections with R.conorii.PCR-based diagnostic methods offer a rapid and precise way to diagnose rickettsiosis,improving patient identification and management.
文摘【目的】检测Q型烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius)体内Rickettsia的感染情况,研究分析Rickettsia共生菌经烟粉虱传入豇豆植物后的分布、转移效率等。【方法】以Q型烟粉虱为实验材料,利用常规PCR及荧光原位杂交技术(FISH),检测了烟粉虱体内Rickettsia的感染率,以及Rickettsia传入豇豆植物体内后的存留情况。【结果】Q型烟粉虱可以通过取食将Rickettsia传至豇豆植株内;接虫数量与Rickettsia传入效率及其在取食部位相邻的下部叶片中检测到的起始时间呈负相关;Rickettsia经烟粉虱取食传入豇豆叶片后,集中分布在叶片的韧皮部筛管中;基于16S r RNA的系统发育分析结果表明,Q型烟粉虱体内的Rickettsia与经取食传入豇豆叶片的Rickettsia高度同源。【结论】Rickettsia可以通过烟粉虱的取食传入植物体内,并且可以在相邻叶片之间转移传播,Rickettsia在由寄主昆虫向植株传播过程中高度保守。
基金Financial support for this study was provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project number: 31390421 and 31321063).
文摘The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, harbors the primary symbiont 'Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum' and a variety of secondary symbionts. Among these secondary symbionts, Rickettsia is the only one that can be detected both inside and outside the bacteriomes. Infection with Rickettsia has been reported to influence several aspects of the whitefly biology, such as fitness, sex ratio, virus transmission and resistance to pesticides. However, mechanisms underlying these differences remain unclear, largely due to the lack of genomic information of Rickettsia. In this study, we sequenced the genome of two Rickettsia strains isolated from the Middle East Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) species of the B. tabaci complex in China and Israel. Both Rickettsia genomes were of high coding den- sity and AT-rich, containing more than 1000 coding sequences, much larger than that of the coexisted primary symbiont, Portiera. Moreover, the two Rickettsia strains isolated from China and Israel shared most of the genes with 100% identity and only nine genes showed sequence differences. The phylogenetic analysis using orthologs shared in the genus, inferred the proximity of Rickettsia in MEAM1 and Rickettsia bellii. Functional analysis revealed that Rickettsia was unable to synthesize amino acids required for complementing the whitefly nutrition. Besides, a type IV secretion system and a number of virulence- related genes were detected in the Rickettsia genome. The presence of virulence-related genes might benefit the symbiotic life of the bacteria, and hint on potential effects of Rickettsia on whiteflies. The genome sequences of Rickettsia provided a basis for further understanding the function of Rickettsia in whiteflies.