loading page

Molecular evidence of Bartonella spp. in free-living opossums (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) from peri-urban Atlantic Forest fragments of Brazil
  • +5
  • Amanda Alcantara,
  • Helena Thoma,
  • Sabrina Campos,
  • Rosemeri Teixeira,
  • Hans Lima,
  • Jeferson Pires,
  • Renata Moraes,
  • Aline Souza
Amanda Alcantara
Universidade Federal Fluminense

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Helena Thoma
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
Author Profile
Sabrina Campos
Universidade Federal Fluminense
Author Profile
Rosemeri Teixeira
Universidade Federal Fluminense
Author Profile
Hans Lima
Universidade Federal Fluminense
Author Profile
Jeferson Pires
Universidade Estacio de Sa - Campus Reboucas-Rio Comprido
Author Profile
Renata Moraes
Universidade de Vassouras
Author Profile
Aline Souza
Universidade Federal Fluminense
Author Profile

Abstract

Many emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic and transmitted by an arthropod vector; thus, the Global One Health perspective is necessary for a better understanding of these diseases. Bartonellosis, one of those emerging infectious diseases, is caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella, and can have different clinical manifestations in humans and animals. Opossums and their ectoparasites have been linked to human-wildlife conflicts. Knowing this, we aimed to evaluate infection by Bartonella spp. in free-living opossums seized or rescued from Atlantic Forest biome of Rio de Janeiro (southeastern Brazil). Whole blood was obtained from seven Didelphis aurita and eight D. albiventris, and DNA was assessed by conventional and quantitative polymerase chain reactions (PCR and qPCR). Positivity was achieved in 40.0% (PCR) and 46.7% (qPCR) of the samples, revealing, possibly for the first time, the presence of Bartonella spp. DNA in opossums from peri-urban areas of Atlantic Forest biome. Studies should continue, in order to elucidate synanthropic mammals importance in bartonellosis epidemiology.