Molecular detection of Bartonella rochalimae and Hepatozoon canis in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from China

Shiyi Wang; Nannan Cui; Ziman Lv; Nan Wang; Gang Liu; Shanshan Zhao; Changqing Liu; Yuanzhi Wang

doi:10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100925

Molecular detection of Bartonella rochalimae and Hepatozoon canis in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from China

Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl. 2024 Mar 16:23:100925. doi: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100925. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Authors

Shiyi Wang¹, Nannan Cui¹, Ziman Lv¹, Nan Wang¹, Gang Liu¹, Shanshan Zhao¹, Changqing Liu², Yuanzhi Wang¹

Affiliations

¹ Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
² Forestry and grassland Resources Monitoring Center of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China.

Abstract

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been recognized as natural reservoirs for multiple pathogens and a source of infection for domestic animals, wildlife and humans. To date, no reports are available on the Bartonella rochalimae and Hepatozoon canis infection in red foxes from China. In 2018-2022, a total of 16 red foxes were sampled in two counties and a city in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in northwest China. Subsequently analyzed by DNA extraction amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the present study, based on nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic tree analyses, B. rochalimae and H. canis were molecularly identified in red foxes. Our findings provide the first molecular evidence of B. rochalimae and H. canis in red foxes from China.

Keywords: Bartonella rochalimae; China; Hepatozoon canis; Red fox.