First molecular detection of Borrelia sp. in tapirs (Tapirus terrestris)

Author(s)

Mongruel, Anna Claudia Baumel ; Medici, Emilia Patricia ; Canena, Ariel da Costa ; Machado, Rosangela Zacarias ; Clay, Keith ; Labruna, Marcelo Bahia ; Andre, Marcos Rogerio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: VETERINARY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS; v. 48, n. 4, p. 8-pg., 2024-05-07.

Abstract

Borrelia theileri is a tick-borne spirochete causative agent of fever, apathy and reduced food consumption in cattle. Molecular diagnosis has expanded the understanding of Borrelia theileri with new hosts and geographical locations being described. The present study aimed to describe the first molecular detection of B. theileri in wild tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) from South America. Blood DNA samples obtained from 99 tapirs sampled in Pantanal (n = 61) and Cerrado (n = 38) biomes were screened using a qPCR assay based on the 16 S rRNA gene of Borrelia sp. Positive samples in the qPCR assay were subjected to PCR assays to allow characterization of fragments from 16 S rRNA and flaB genes. Two (2/99; 2.0%) animals from Pantanal biome were positive in the qPCR and one sample presented bands of expected size for the flaB protocol. Amplicons from this sample were successfully cloned and sequenced. In the phylogenetic analysis, Borrelia sp. from T. terrestris grouped together with B. theileri sequences previously detected in Rhipicephalus microplus ticks and cattle from Minas Gerais State in Brazil, Rhipicephalus geigyi from Mali, and R. microplus and Haemaphysalis sulcata from Pakistan. This finding contributes to our knowledge regarding susceptible hosts species for B. theileri. More studies are necessary to understand the potential effects of B. theileri on tapir's health. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/08543-2 - Looking for the diversity of Bartonella spp. in mammals, birds and hematophagous dipterans in Brazil
• Grantee: Marcos Rogério André
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/12037-0 - Diversity of piroplasmids in wild birds and mammals from Brazil
• Grantee: Marcos Rogério André
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/26403-0 - Detection and molecular characterization of Anaplasmataceae, Bartonellaceae, Mycoplasmataceae, Coxiellaceae, Babesiidae and Theileriidae agents in free-ranging tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) in Brazil
• Grantee: Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate