Transmission of ‘ < i > Candidatus < /i > Anaplasma camelii ’ to mice and rabbits by camel-specific keds, < i > Hippobosca camelina < /i >

This study investigated the presence ofAnaplasma spp. in camels in northern Kenya and whether the hematophagous camel ked,Hippobosca camelina, acts as a vector. Camels (n = 976) and> 10,000 keds were sampled over a three-year study period and the presence ofAnaplasma species was determined by PCR-based assays targeting theAnaplasmataceae 16S rRNA gene. Camels were infected by a single species ofAnaplasma,‘Candidatus Anaplasma camelii’, with infection rates ranging from 63 –78% during the dry (September 2017), wet (June-July 2018), and late wet seasons (July-August 2019). 10–29% of camel keds harbored ‘Ca. Anaplasma camelii ’ acquired from infected camels during blood feeding. We determined thatAnaplasma-positive camel keds could transmit ‘Ca. Anaplasma camelii ’ to mice and rabbits via blood-feeding. We show competence in pathogen transmission and subsequent infection in mice and rabbits by microscopic observation in blood smears and by PCR. Transmission of ‘Ca. Anaplasma camelii ’ to mice (8–47%) and rabbits (25%) occurred readily after ked bites. Hence, we demonstrate, for the first time, the potential ofH.camelina as a vector of anaplasmosis. This key finding provides the rationale for establishing ked control programmes for improvement of livestock and human health.
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research