First Report of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Galapagos: High Prevalence in Dogs and Circumstantial Evidence for the Role of Rhipicephalus linnaei as Vector
Carla Andreea Culda, Luciana Cătălina Panait, Cristina Daniela Cazan, Hein Sprong, Rommel Lenin Vinueza, Diego Páez-Rosas, Renato Leon, Andrei Daniel Mihalca
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Abstract
The current study investigates the presence and prevalence of Anaplasma species in dogs from the Galapagos Islands, focusing on the potential vectorial role of Rhipicephalus linnaei in the transmission of these pathogens. Blood samples were collected from 1221 dogs across four islands, with tick collections for morphological and genetic identification. The results revealed a significant molecular prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum (20.3%), predominantly in Santa Cruz (35.16%) and Isabela (18.9%), while A. platys was identified in 2.9% of samples. Genetic analysis identified the presence of A. phagocytophilum ecotype I, aligning more closely with European strains. Furthermore, R. linnaei was confirmed as the only tick species associated with dogs, suggesting its role as a vector for both A. phagocytophilum and A. platys. This study marks the first molecular confirmation of these pathogens in the Galapagos, contributing with important insights into the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases in this ecosystem. The findings highlight the need for improved surveillance and control to reduce the risk and further spread of these tick-borne diseases.
期刊介绍：
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases brings together in one place the latest research on infectious diseases considered to hold the greatest economic threat to animals and humans worldwide. The journal provides a venue for global research on their diagnosis, prevention and management, and for papers on public health, pathogenesis, epidemiology, statistical modeling, diagnostics, biosecurity issues, genomics, vaccine development and rapid communication of new outbreaks. Papers should include timely research approaches using state-of-the-art technologies. The editors encourage papers adopting a science-based approach on socio-economic and environmental factors influencing the management of the bio-security threat posed by these diseases, including risk analysis and disease spread modeling. Preference will be given to communications focusing on novel science-based approaches to controlling transboundary and emerging diseases. The following topics are generally considered out-of-scope, but decisions are made on a case-by-case basis (for example, studies on cryptic wildlife populations, and those on potential species extinctions):
Pathogen discovery: a common pathogen newly recognised in a specific country, or a new pathogen or genetic sequence for which there is little context about — or insights regarding — its emergence or spread.
Prevalence estimation surveys and risk factor studies based on survey (rather than longitudinal) methodology, except when such studies are unique. Surveys of knowledge, attitudes and practices are within scope.
Diagnostic test development if not accompanied by robust sensitivity and specificity estimation from field studies.
Studies focused only on laboratory methods in which relevance to disease emergence and spread is not obvious or can not be inferred (“pure research” type studies).
Narrative literature reviews which do not generate new knowledge. Systematic and scoping reviews, and meta-analyses are within scope.
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