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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

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

Published in

Epidemiology and Infection
2014, Volume: 142, number: 6, pages: 1205-1213

SLU Authors

• Malmsten, Jonas

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • National Veterinary Institute (SVA)

• Gavier Widén, Dolores

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • National Veterinary Institute (SVA)

• Thulin, Carl-Gustaf

  • Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Söderquist, Lennart

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Dalin, Anne-Marie

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Other Veterinary Science
Forest Science
Ecology


Publication identifier

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

Permanent link to this page (URI)

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