Molecular characterization of novel Ehrlichia genotypes in Ixodes auritulus from Uruguay

FÉLIX, MARÍA L.; MUÑOZ-LEAL, SEBASTIÁN; CARVALHO, LUIS A.; QUEIROLO, DIEGO; REMESAR ALONSO, SUSANA; NAVA, SANTIAGO; ARMÚA-FERNÁNDEZ, MARÍA T.; VENZAL, JOSÉ M.

Current Research in Parasitology & Vector-Borne Diseases

Elsevier

Año: 2021 vol. 1

2667-114X

Ehrlichia are small intracellular Gram-negative bacteria transmitted by ticks. These microorganisms cause ehrlichiosis,a complex of life-threatening emerging zoonoses and diseases of global veterinary relevance. The aim ofthis study was to investigate the presence of Ehrlichia in free-living Ixodes auritulus collected in Uruguay. Tickswere collected from vegetation in five localities from the southeast and northeast of the country between 2014and 2017. Detection of Ehrlichia DNA was performed in pools of adults or nymphs grouped according to thecollection site and date. A total of 1,548 I. auritulus ticks were collected in four of the five locations sampled.Fragments of three loci (16S rRNA, dsb and groEL) were obtained by PCR, and phylogenies inferred using Bayesianinference analysis for each gene independently. DNA of Ehrlichia spp. was found in 15 out of 42 tick pools. Basedon the topology of the phylogenetic trees, our sequences represent two novel genotypes for the genus named asEhrlichia sp. Serrana and Ehrlichia sp. Laguna Negra. Both genotypes were closely related to Ehrlichia sp.Magellanica, a species detected in Ixodes uriae and Magellanic penguins. Considering that all stages of I. auritulusand I. uriae are parasites of birds, their phylogenetic relationships, and common eco?epidemiological profiles, it isreasonable to state that these genotypes of Ehrlichia spp. may represent a natural group likely associated withbirds. Our results constitute the first characterization of Ehrlichia spp. in Uruguay. Future studies on birds reportedas hosts for I. auritulus are needed to further understand the epidemiological cycles of both Ehrlichia genotypes inthe country. Finally, I. auritulus does not feed on humans, so the two Ehrlichia species reported herein might haveno implications in human health.