Browsing by Author "De Sousa, R."
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- Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp., Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp. in questing ticks from a recreational park, PortugalPublication . Santos, A.S.; de Bruin, A.; Veloso, A.R.; Marques, C.; Pereira da Fonseca, I.; De Sousa, R.; Sprong, H.; Santos-Silva, M.M.Tick-borne agents with medical relevance have been recorded in Portugal but little is known about their oc-currence in urban outdoor leisure areas. This study aimed to investigate ticks and tick-borne agents in threepublic parks of Lisbon’s metropolitan area. A total of 234 questing ticks belonging to eight species were found inParque Florestal de Monsanto (PFM). Ixodes ventalloi represented 40% of collections. Mitochondrial genesconfirmed Ixodes morphological identification, evidencing the intraspecific variability of I. ricinus and particu-larly I. frontalis populations. Regarding tick-borne agents, Rickettsia massiliae DNA were found in 21 (9.0%) ticks,Coxiella burnetii in 15 (6.4%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum in five (2.1%), an agent closely related to CandidatusNeoehrlichia mikurensis in two (0.9%), Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae and Rickettsia monacensis each in one(0.4%). Active enzootic cycles were suggested for these agents by the detection of positives in different timeperiods. Five tick species were founded with C. burnetii, including I. ventalloi which seems to be a new associationrecord. This tick was also the only species found positive for A. phagocytophilum and the Candidatus Neoehrlichiamikurensis-like agent. Two A. phagocytophilum variants were detected in PFM, one of them representing a po-tentially new ecotype already found in I. ventalloi from another Portuguese area. To the authors´ knowledge, thisis also the first report of such a Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis-like microorganism. These data show aninteresting diversity of ticks and tick-borne agents with potential public health relevance in PFM, an urbanrecreational area commonly frequented by humans and their pets.
- Detection of Borrelia lusitaniae, Rickettsia sp. IRS3, Rickettsia monacensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes ricinus collected in Madeira Island, PortugalPublication . Lopes de Carvalho, Isabel; Milhano, N.; Santos, A.S.; Almeida, V.; Barros, S.C.; De Sousa, R.; Núncio, M.S.A total of 300 Ixodes ricinus ticks were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Sequence analysis demonstrated 8 (2.7%) ticks infected with B. lusitaniae, 60 (20%) with Rickettsia spp., and 1 (0.3%) with A. phagocytophilum. Seven (2.3%) ticks were coinfected with B. lusitaniae and Rickettsia spp., 2 (0.6%) with R. monacensis, and 5 (1.7%) with Rickettsia sp. IRS3. The results of this study suggest simultaneous transmission of multiple tick-borne agents on Madeira Island, Portugal.
- Diagnóstico imunológico de doenças associadas a vectores existentes em PortugalPublication . Alves, M.J.; Luz, T.; Santos, A.S.; De Sousa, R.; Lopes de Carvalho, I.; Zé-Zé, Líbia; Amaro, F.; Parreira, P.; Núncio, M.S.
- Hepatitis A outbreak disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) in the European Union and European Economic Area, June 2016 to May 2017Publication . Ndumbi, P.; Freidl, G.S.; Williams, C.J.; Mårdh, O.; Varela, C.; Avellón, A.; Friesema, I.; Vennema, H.; Beebeejaun, K.; Ngui, S.L.; Edelstein, M.; Smith-Palmer, A.; Murphy, N.; Dean, J.; Faber, M.; Wenzel, J.; Kontio, M.; Müller, L.; Midgley, S.E.; Sundqvist, L.; Ederth, J.L.; Roque-Afonso, A.M.; Couturier, E.; Klamer, S.; Rebolledo, J.; Suin, V.; Aberle, S.W.; Schmid, D.; De Sousa, R.; Augusto, G.F.; Alfonsi, V.; Del Manso, M.; Ciccaglione, A.R.; Mellou, K.; Hadjichristodoulou, C.; Donachie, A.; Borg, M.L.; Sočan, M.; Poljak, M.; Severi, E.; Members Of The European Hepatitis A Outbreak Investigation TeamBetween 1 June 2016 and 31 May 2017, 17 European Union (EU) and European Economic Area countries reported 4,096 cases associated with a multi-country hepatitis A (HA) outbreak. Molecular analysis identified three co-circulating hepatitis A virus (HAV) strains of genotype IA: VRD_521_2016, V16-25801 and RIVM-HAV16-090. We categorised cases as confirmed, probable or possible, according to the EU outbreak case definitions. Confirmed cases were infected with one of the three outbreak strains. We investigated case characteristics and strain-specific risk factors for transmission. A total of 1,400 (34%) cases were confirmed; VRD_521_2016 and RIVM-HAV16-090 accounted for 92% of these. Among confirmed cases with available epidemiological data, 92% (361/393) were unvaccinated, 43% (83/195) travelled to Spain during the incubation period and 84% (565/676) identified as men who have sex with men (MSM). Results depict an HA outbreak of multiple HAV strains, within a cross-European population, that was particularly driven by transmission between non-immune MSM engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour. The most effective preventive measure to curb this outbreak is HAV vaccination of MSM, supplemented by primary prevention campaigns that target the MSM population and promote protective sexual behaviour.
- Molecular characterization of a new isolate of Borrelia lusitaniae derived from Apodemus sylvaticus in PortugalPublication . de Carvalho, Isabel Lopes; Zeidner, N.; Ullmann, A.; Hojgaard, A.; Amaro, F.; Zé-Zé, Líbia; Alves, M.J.; De Sousa, R.; Piesman, J.; Núncio, M.S.A total of 196 small mammals were collected in Portugal and tested for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Tissue samples were taken from each animal and cultured in Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly (BSK)-II medium. The single strain of spirochete isolated was confirmed as Borrelia lusitaniae by genetic analyses. This is the first report of B. lusitaniae isolated from Apodemus sylvaticus.
- Neglected vector-borne zoonoses in Europe: Into the wildPublication . Tomassone, L.; Berriatua, E; De Sousa, R.; Duscher, G.G.; Mihalca, A.D.; Silaghi, C.; Sprong, H.; Zintl, A.Wild vertebrates are involved in the transmission cycles of numerous pathogens. Additionally, they can affect the abundance of arthropod vectors. Urbanization, landscape and climate changes, and the adaptation of vectors and wildlife to human habitats represent complex and evolving scenarios, which affect the interface of vector, wildlife and human populations, frequently with a consequent increase in zoonotic risk. While considerable attention has focused on these interrelations with regard to certain major vector-borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and tick-borne encephalitis virus, information regarding many other zoonotic pathogens is more dispersed. In this review, we discuss the possible role of wildlife in the maintenance and spread of some of these neglected zoonoses in Europe. We present case studies on the role of rodents in the cycles of Bartonella spp., of wild ungulates in the cycle of Babesia spp., and of various wildlife species in the life cycle of Leishmania infantum, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. These examples highlight the usefulness of surveillance strategies focused on neglected zoonotic agents in wildlife as a source of valuable information for health professionals, nature managers and (local) decision-makers. These benefits could be further enhanced by increased collaboration between researchers and stakeholders across Europe and a more harmonised and coordinated approach for data collection.
- Pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks of spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo Graeca) sold in a Qatar live animal marketPublication . Barradas, P.F.; Mesquita, J.R.; Lima, C.; Cardoso, L.; Alho, A.M.; Ferreira, P.; Amorim, I.; De Sousa, R.; Gärtner, F.The dissemination of vector arthropods harbouring zoonotic pathogens through the uncontrolled transboundary trade of exotic and pet animals poses an important threat to Public Health. In the present report, we describe the introduction of pathogenic Rickettsia africae and R. aeschlimanni in ticks removed from imported tortoises in Qatar. A total of 21 ticks were collected from pet spur‐thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) from Doha, May 2018, and studied for species identification and characterization of Rickettsia spp. Morphological and molecular analysis of ticks allowed their identification as Hyalomma aegyptium. Molecular analysis of partial ompA and gltA genes showed that Rickettsia sequences found on these ticks clustered with sequences classified as R. aeschilimanii and R. africae. Since pre‐adult stages of H. aegyptium also feed on humans, this tick species may play a role in the transmission of R. aeschilimanii and R. africae. We alert for the introduction of non‐native pets as vehicles for tick importation, known vectors for animal and human pathogenic agents. Importation of exotic species into non‐autochthonous countries deserves strict control to enforce robust surveillance and mitigate potential exotic diseases epidemics.
- Primeiro caso de Tularémia de importação em PortugalPublication . Nascimento, P.; Rico, M.T.; Roque, R.; De Sousa, R.; Núncio, M.S.; Lopes de Carvalho, I.A tularémia é uma zoonose causada pela bactéria Francisella tularensis, que se transmite ao homem por contacto directo com animais infectados, artrópodes, ar, água ou alimentos contaminados. Apesar de ser pouco frequente na Europa, têm sido notificados surtos recentes (Espanha,França,Escandinávia,Balcãs e Hungria) e casos esporádicos (Áustria,Itália e Reino Unido). Em Portugal, F. tularensis subsp. holarctica foi detectada pela primeira vez em 2007. A F. tularensis pode infetar o homem através da pele, inalação, mucosas e via gastrointestinal. O estabelecimento desta infeção depende da porta de entrada e do número de organismos. As principais apresentações de doença incluem as formas ulceroglandular, glandular, oculoglandular, orofaríngea, pneumónica e tífica.
- REVIVE, a surveillance program on vectors and vector-borne pathogens in Portugal - four year experience on ticksPublication . Santos, A.S.; Santos Silva, M.; Lopes de Carvalho, I.; Milhano, N.; Chaínho, L.; Luz, T.; Parreira, P.; Gomes, S.; De Sousa, R.; Núncio, M.S.; REVIVE WorkgrupREVIVE is a national wide surveillance program on vector and vector-borne agents implement and coordinate by the National Institute of Health (CEVDI/INSA) in collaboration with other institutions of the Health Ministry. The programme started in 2008 with the surveillance of mosquitoes and later in 2011 was extended to ticks. The main goals of this project are to collect and identify vectors, updating our knowledge in the distribution, hostassociations, seasonality and abundance of the Portuguese species. Additionally this project contributes for monitoring the introduction of exotic vector species. This work regards the 4-year REVIVE studies on ticks and Borrelia/Rickettsia surveillance, among other tick-borne agents, discussing the established circuits, obtained results and practical interventions. Over 29.000 ticks were collected on hosts or by flagging vegetation from 168 (60.4%) municipalities of mainland Portugal. Collection in humans reached the 583 specimens. In total, 13 autochthonous tick species were identified, including Dermacentor marginatus; D. reticulatus; Haemaphysalis punctata; Hyalomma lusitanicum; H. marginatum; Ixodes canisuga; I. hexagonus; I. ricinus; I. ventalloi; Rhipicephalus annulatus; R. bursa; R. pusillus; R. sanguineus. Of note is the identification of an exotic species, Amblyomma sp., attached to a Portuguese emigrant arriving from USA. The top three species collected during this surveillance program were R. sanguineus (69%), followed by R. pusillus (16.4%) and H. marginatum (9.7%). However regarding antropofilic behaviour, from the 11 species found in humans the most prevalent were I. ricinus (35%), followed by R. sanguineus (34%), and H. marginatum (14%). The abundance, distribution, host association and other relevant patterns are compared with previous existing records. Regarding the tick-borne agents, all ticks collected from humans and about 10% of the questing/host-attached ticks were tested for Borrelia and Rickettsia spp., among other agents. Ten bacteria were identified so far in single or multiple infection, including Borrelia afzelii, B. garinii, B. lusitaniae, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, R. conorii, R. helvetica, R. massiliae, R. monacensis, R. raoulti, and R. slovaca. The importance of including other tick-borne agents in routine screening is also discussed. The presented data reinforces the importance of the REVIVE. The program has contributed to call attention to tick-borne diseases not only among healthcare providers but also in the populations. The workflow established, has also enabled timely screeningof ticks removed from humans, animals or in a given environment, allowing the implementation of informed prevention/control strategies and directly contributing to improve Public Health in Portugal.
- Serological and molecular evidence of Bartonella henselae in cats from Luanda city, AngolaPublication . Barradas, P.F.; De Sousa, R.; Vilhena, H.; Oliveira, A.C.; Luz, M.F.; Granada, S.; Cardoso, L.; Lopes, A.P.; Gonçalves, H.; Mesquita, J.R.; Ferreira, P.; Amorim, I.; Gärtner, F.A total of 100 domestic cats from Luanda (Angola) were tested for the presence of antibodies against Bartonella henselae and spotted fever group of Rickettsia (SFGR) using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Molecular screening targeting the riboflavin synthase (ribC) gene for Bartonella and outer membrane protein B (ompB) gene for Rickettsia, using conventional PCR and sequencing was also performed in cat´s blood samples. Sixty-six percent of the cats from Luanda had IgG antibodies against Bartonella species but none of them had antibodies against SFGR. Of the total seroreactive cats for Bartonella henselae, 4.5% had an IgG titre of 64 (cut-off), 60.6% a titre of 128, 28.8% a titre of 256 and 6.1% a titre of 512. A statistically significant association was observed between seropositivity for Bartonella henselae and the lack of access to prophylaxis against ectoparasites (p = 0.018). Molecular detection and further sequence analysis of the positive amplicons allowed identification of Bartonella henselae in a 2-year old male cat. To the best of our knowledge this study confirms for the first time, the presence of Bartonela henselae circulating in domestic cats from Luanda. This fact call the attention for the possible cases of cat-scratch disease in humans.