Browsing by Author "Gartner, F."
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Molecular detection of Rickettsia spp. in ticks and feas collected from rescued hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in PortugalPublication . Barradas, P. F.; Mesquita, J. R.; Mateus, T. L.; Ferreira, P.; Amorim, I.; Gartner, F.; Sousa, R.Hedgehogs (e.g., Erinaceus europaeus, E. roumanicus) are wild mammals that frequently are observed near residential areas. The aim of this study was to investigate ticks and feas collected from European hedgehogs in Portugal and to evaluate the prevalence of Rickettsia in those ectoparasites. Ticks and feas were identifed by morphological and molecular methods, and molecular detection by PCR and genotypic characterization of Rickettsia spp. was performed targeting ompB, ompA and gltA gene fragments. In total, 1892 ticks and 213 feas were collected from 33 rescued European hedgehogs captured in seven districts of the north and centre of Portugal. Two tick species were identifed – Rhipicephalus sanguineus accounted for 91% (n=1719) of the total ticks collected and 9% (n=173) were Ixodes hexagonus. All feas were identifed as Archaeopsylla erinacei. Regarding pathogen detection, Rickettsia massiliae DNA was found in 22 of the 212 tested Rh. sanguineus. None of the 48 I. hexagonus tested showed to be positive for rickettsiae. Rickettsia asembonensis DNA was identifed in 55 A. erinacei feas tested (n=117). These results show that European hedgehogs are exposed to R. massiliae transmitted by ticks and to R. asembonensis via feas suggesting that these mammals might be involved in the natural transmission cycle of these Rickettsia species. This study is the frst report of R. asembonensis in feas in Portugal.
- Schistosoma mansoni infection impairs reproduction in micePublication . Botelho, M.; Lopes, G.; Gartner, F.; Alves, H.; Richter, J.AIM: To study the effect of S. mansoni infection in fertility using a mouse model. BACKGROUND: - Our group is listed in the Top 10 most publishing authors in the field of schistosomiasis as a cause of infertility; - Estrogen-like molecules produced by schistosomes haematobia and mansoni induce hormonal imbalances in infected persons; - These estrogenic metabolites down-regulate Estrogen Receptor in an in vitro model; - We have identified these estrogenic metabolites as catechol-estrogens (oxidative metabolites derived from estrogens); - These catechol-estrogens were found to be associated with infertility in women infected with S. haematobium.
- Seroprevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae among a group of pet dogs from Luanda, AngolaPublication . Barradas, P.F.; Sousa, R.; Amorim, I.; Vilhena, H.; Gartner, F.; Cardoso, L.; Oliveira, A.; Granada, S.; Silva, P.Tick-transmitted spotted fever group Rickettsiae (SFGR) are considered emerging disease. This study aims to assess the seroprevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae among a group of pet dogs from Luanda, Angola.