Infection status of pathogens in Citellus undulatus in Guertu, Xinjiang

ObjectiveTo investigate the infection status of Bartonella henselae, Borrelia burgdoferi sense lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Citellus undulatus in Guertu of Xinjiang, analyze its transmission risk and provide evidence for control measures.

MethodsA total of 86 Citellus undulatus were captured with 24 hours-bow-shaped clip method in Chagangguole, Bulanlulake and Baishitou of Guertu during May-September, 2017, the kidneys of mouse were removed under aseptic condition, genome DNA was extracted and ssrA of Bartonella henselae, recA of Borrelia burgdoferi sense lato and Msp2 of Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.

ResultsAmong the 86 samples of Citellus undulatus detected, the infection rates of Bartonella henselae, Borrelia burgdoferi sense lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were 48.84% (42/86), 6.98% (6/82) and 3.49% (3/86), respectively. The infection rate of Bartonella henselae in Bulanlulake was higher than that in Chagangguole and in Baishitou, the infection rates of Borrelia burgdoferi sense lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Baishitou were higher than those in other two areas.

ConclusionNatural infections of Bartonell henselae, Borrelia burgdoferi sense lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected in Citellus undulatus in Guertu.