Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. in an Austrian fox is distinct from Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, but closer related to Candidatus Neoehrlichia lotoris. Issue 1 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hodžić, Adnan; Cézanne, Rita; Duscher, Georg; Harl, Josef; Glawischnig, Walter; Fuehrer, Hans-Peter
• Is Part Of: Parasites & vectors. Volume 8:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 4
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp -- 16S rRNA -- GroEL -- Red fox -- Austria -- Phylogenetic analysis; Parasitism -- Periodicals; Parasites -- Periodicals; Vector-pathogen relationships -- Periodicals; Animals as carriers of disease -- Periodicals; Insects as carriers of disease -- Periodicals; 616.96
• DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1163-0
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-3305

Abstract

Abstract Background Candidatus Neoehrlichia came under the focus of recent research in terms of human and pet relevance.Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis seems to be relatively abundant in animals and humans from Central European countries, whereasCandidatus Neoehrlichia lotoris was found solely in raccoons from the USA. Findings Spleen samples from a total of 164 red foxes, originating from two western provinces in Austria (Tyrol and Vorarlberg), were collected and examined for the presence of tick-borne bacteria of the familyAnaplasmataceae by PCR and sequencing. In a fox sample originating from VorarlbergCandidatus Neoehrlichia sp. was found, which is genetically (16S rRNA, groEL ) closely related toCandidatus Neoehrlichia lotoris but clearly distinct fromCandidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis. Conclusions The present study revealed, for the first time, the occurrence ofCandidatus Neoehrlichia sp. in a red fox worldwide. A continuing screening of wild carnivores, especially foxes, and ticks for this potential pathogen is required to evaluate the actual occurrence and distribution of these bacteria. Further research is needed to elucidate the relationships of Neoehrlichia, as well as their reservoir and impact on wildlife, pets and humans.