Publications

4982

ABSTRACT We report the draft 3.675-Mbp genome sequence of “ Candidatus Halobonum tyrrellensis” strain G22, a novel halophilic archaeon isolated from the surface hypersaline waters of Lake Tyrrell, Australia. The availability of the first genome from the “ Candidatus Halobonum” genus provides a new genomic resource for the comparative genomic analysis of halophilic Archaea .

ABSTRACTThe genomic DNA of ixodid ticks from western Canada was tested by PCR for the presence ofRickettsia. No rickettsiae were detected inIxodes sculptus, whereas 18% of theI. angustusand 42% of theDermacentor andersoniorganisms examined were PCR positive forRickettsia. The rickettsiae from each tick species were characterized genetically using multiple genes. Rickettsiae within theD. andersoniorganisms had sequences at four genes that matched those ofR. peacockii. In contrast, theRickettsiapresent within the larvae, nymphs, and adults ofI. angustushad novel DNA sequences at four of the genes characterized compared to the sequences available from GenBank for all recognized species ofRickettsiaand all other putative species within the genus. Phylogenetic analyses of the sequence data revealed that the rickettsiae inI. angustusdo not belong to the spotted fever, transitional, or typhus groups of rickettsiae but are most closely related to “CandidatusRickettsia kingi” and belong to a clade that also includesR. canadensis, “CandidatusRickettsia tarasevichiae,” and “CandidatusRickettsia monteiroi.”

AbstractBackgroundDuring a two year period, a 27-year-old female veterinarian experienced migraine headaches, seizures, including status epilepticus, and other neurological and neurocognitive abnormalities. Prior to and during her illness, she had been actively involved in hospital-based work treating domestic animals, primarily cats and dogs, in Grenada and Ireland and anatomical research requiring the dissection of wild animals (including lions, giraffe, rabbits, mongoose, and other animals), mostly in South Africa. The woman reported contact with fleas, ticks, lice, biting flies, mosquitoes, spiders and mites and had also been scratched or bitten by dogs, cats, birds, horses, reptiles, rabbits and rodents. Prior diagnostic testing resulted in findings that were inconclusive or within normal reference ranges and no etiological diagnosis had been obtained to explain the patient’s symptoms.MethodsPCR assays targetingAnaplasmaspp.Bartonellaspp. and hemotopicMycoplasmaspp. were used to test patient blood samples. PCR positive amplicons were sequenced directly and compared to GenBank sequences. In addition,Bartonellaalpha Proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) enrichment blood culture was used to facilitate bacterial growth andBartonellaspp. serology was performed by indirect fluorescent antibody testing.ResultsAnaplasma platys, Bartonella henselaeandCandidatusMycoplasma haematoparvum DNA was amplified and sequenced from the woman’s blood, serum or blood culture samples. Her serum was variably seroreactive to severalBartonellasp. antigens. Despite symptomatic improvement, six months of doxycycline most likely failed to eliminate theB. henselaeinfection, whereasA. platysandCandidatusM. haematoparvum DNA was no longer amplified from post-treatment samples.ConclusionsAs is typical of many veterinary professionals, this individual had frequent exposure to arthropod vectors and near daily contact with persistently bacteremic reservoir hosts, including cats, the primary reservoir host forB. henselae,and dogs, the presumed primary reservoir host forA. platysandCandidatusMycoplasma haematoparvum. Physicians caring for veterinarians should be aware of the occupational zoonotic risks associated with the daily activities of these animal health professionals.