Detection of spotted fever group rickettsiae andin long-tailed ground squirrels () and their ectoparasites.

Abstract

Long-tailed ground squirrels (LTGRs,) are known as reservoirs of multiple arthropod-borne pathogens, such asand. However, data on the prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) andin LTGRs and its ectoparasites are limited. In two alpine regions of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR, northwestern China), a total of 346 samples were collected from 142 LTGRs, including 142 livers and 204 pooled ectoparasites (: 120 pools of 484 fleas;: 19 pools of 71 fleas;: 1 pool of 4 fleas; and: 64 pools of 865 lice). From these samples, the DNA was extracted, followed by PCR amplification of different genetic markers. Particularly, genes encoding the outer membrane protein A and B (,), citrate synthase (), and surface cell antigen 1 () were used to identify the SFGR. Additionly, the capsular outer membrane protein () gene and insertion sequence () genes were used to detect.subsp.,, andwere detected in LTGRs, as well as in flea and louse pools.was found in LTGRs and flea pools. Furthermore,was also identified in the flea pools. This study provides molecular evidence for the occurrence of SFGR andin LTGRs and their ectoparasites. These findings suggest that,,,andare transmitted between LTGRs (as potential reservoirs) and their fleas and lice (as potential vectors).