Detection of Bacteria of the Genera Ehrlichia, Anaplasma and Rickettsia in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l Ticks in the City of Pergamino, Argentina

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Rickettsiosis, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are caused by obligate intracellular gram-negative bacteria and transmitted by arthropods emerging vector borne diseases. The aim of this work was to determine the species of ticks present in canines of the city of Pergamino and to detect the presence of pathogens from the genera Ehrlichia, Anaplasma and Rickettsia. METHODS: A total of 21 Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l ticks were studied, obtained from canines from different environments of the city of Pergamino. The samples were analyzed by PCR for Rickettsia spp. (gene gltA) and for the genera Ehrlichia/Anaplasma (gene 16sRNA). RESULTS: Positivity was detected for Rickettsia spp. in 4.76% of the ticks, being identified by sequencing as Rickettsia massiliae. For the Anaplasmataceae family, positivity was detected for Ehrlichia canis (23.8%) and Anaplasma platys (19.04%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on pathogens of zoonotic/veterinary interest belonging to the genera Ehrlichia, Anaplasma and Rickettsia, on Rh. sanguineus s.l ticks in the north of the province of Buenos Aires