Temporal and spatial variation in Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in Swedish moose (Alces alces)

Sammanfattning

The occurrence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum was investigated in spleen and serum samples from Swedish moose (Alces alces) in southern Sweden (island and mainland). Samples were analysed for presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA by real-time PCR (n=263), and for Anaplasma antibodies with ELISA serology (n=234). All serum samples had antibodies against A. phagocytophilum. The mean DNA-based prevalence was 26 center dot 3%, and significant (P<0 center dot 01) temporal, and spatial variation was found. Island moose had significantly (P<0 center dot 001) higher prevalence of A. phagocytophilum DNA than moose from the mainland areas. Two samples were sequenced to determine genetic variation in the 16S rRNA and groESL genes. Genetic sequence similarity with the human granulocytic anaplasmosis agent, equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent, and different wildlife-associated A. phagocytophilum variants were observed in the 16S rRNA and groESL genes. Our study shows that moose are exposed to A. phagocytophilum in Sweden, and represent a potential wildlife reservoir of the pathogen.

Nyckelord

Ehrlichia; epidemiology; PCR; moose; HGA; serology; tick-borne fever

Publicerad i

Epidemiology and Infection
2014, volym: 142, nummer: 6, sidor: 1205-1213

SLU författare

• Malmsten, Jonas

  • Institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    
  • Sveriges Veterinärmedicinska Anstalt (SVA)

• Gavier Widén, Dolores

  • Institutionen för husdjurens biovetenskaper, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    
  • Sveriges Veterinärmedicinska Anstalt (SVA)

• Thulin, Carl-Gustaf

  • Institutionen för vilt, fisk och miljö, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

• Söderquist, Lennart

  • Institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

• Aspán, Anna

  • Sveriges Veterinärmedicinska Anstalt (SVA)

• Dalin, Anne-Marie

  • Institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

UKÄ forskningsämne

Annan veterinärmedicin
Skogsvetenskap
Ekologi

Publikationens identifierare

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268813002094

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/57212