Serological detection and molecular characterization of agents transmitted by arthropod vectors in wild and domestic animals in the region of the southern Mato Grosso Pantanal

Abstract

The diseases transmitted by arthropods have been recently studied in Brazilian wildlife, which can act as hosts for both as vectors for pathogens, many of which have zoonotic potential. The presence of domestic animals in the wild and, vice versa, results in greater human exposure to agents transmitted by arthropods circulating in wild animals. The present study aims to conduct research through serological and molecular agents of the order Rickettsiales (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma and Rickettsia), mycoplasmas hemotróficos, Bartonella spp., Cytauxzoon spp., Hepatozoon and Babesia sp sp. in blood samples from wild and domestic animals (and their ectoparasites) cohabiting the same area of southern Mato Grosso Pantanal. Positive samples in PCR are molecularly characterized by cloning and sequencing to validate the same, compared to sequences already deposited in GenBank and construction of phylogenetic trees. It will also be performed to detect antibodies anti-E. canis, E. chaffeensis, A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. by Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) and antibodies anti-B. vogeli by Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA-test). Additionally will be performed the direct detection of agents through stained blood smears from peripheral capillary puncture tip ear. Thus, the results will contribute to the diagnosis and molecular characterization of the agents which are transmitted by arthropods in southern Mato Grosso Pantanal. (AU)