Molecular detection and characterization of Anaplasmataceae agents in Xenarthra in Brazil

Abstract

The Anaplasmataceae family comprises obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria, parasites of blood cells and most of which are transmitted by ticks. Although animals of the Xenarthra Order are considered as reservoirs of a wide range of zoonotic agents, few studies have investigated the possible role of these animals as hosts for the highlighted pathogens. The present study aims to verify, using molecular techniques, the occurrence and genetic diversity of Anaplasmataceae agents in Xenarthra in Brazil. To this purpose, 355 blood / tissue samples from wild sloths, anteaters and armadillos from the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará, Rondônia and São Paulo will be analyzed. The biological samples will be submitted to real-time and conventional PCR assays based on the 16S rRNA, groESL, dsb, gltA, omp-1, mpa-1, sodB, msp-2 and vlpt genes. The phylogenetic positioning of the sequences obtained will be performed through the construction of dendograms. Finally, the sequence alignment will be used to calculate the nucleotide diversity and the level of polymorphisms for the analysis of the genetic diversity of the Anaplasmataceae agents. The genealogy of the nucleotide sequences will be performed using the Splitstree program. This study will contribute to the study of the diversity of tick-borne agents among Brazilian wildlife.