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Background <p>This research aimed to investigate the prevalence and diversity of <i>Bartonella</i> in small mammals and their ectoparasites from the Central Highlands of Madagascar and to refine existing information on potential associated zoonotic diseases.</p> Methods <p>A retrospective analysis was performed on mammals and their ectoparasites collected in the Fandriana and Ankazobe districts, including 253 spleen samples from seven small mammal species and 183 individual ectoparasites (132 fleas and 51 ticks). Genomic DNA was extracted and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the <i>nuoG</i> gene (346&#xa0;bp). Sanger sequencing of the PCR products was performed to assess <i>Bartonella</i> diversity using phylogenetic analysis.</p> Results <p>In total, 60.1% (152/253) of small mammals and 15.9% (21/132) of fleas tested positive for <i>Bartonella</i>, with <i>Rattus rattus</i> (69.1%, 137/198) and the associated flea <i>Synopsyllus fonquerniei</i> (21.2%, 14/66) having the highest infection rates. At the same sampled locations, adult <i>R. rattus</i> were more frequently infected with <i>Bartonella</i> than juveniles. Phylogenetic analysis revealed five associated clades of <i>Bartonella</i> with two clades recognized as a potential zoonotic species (<i>B. elizabethae</i> and <i>B. kosoyi</i>).</p> Conclusions <p>Using molecular tools, we report a high prevalence of <i>Bartonella</i> in small mammals and their fleas in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. Two potential <i>Bartonella</i> zoonotic species were identified in <i>R. rattus</i> and their fleas. As these bacteria are generally vector-borne, they could have a significant impact on public health in the vicinity of our study areas and, in general, in Madagascar, and merit further investigation.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Bartonella infection in small mammals and their ectoparasites from the Central Highlands of Madagascar: diversity and implication in future zoonotic surveillance

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月6日

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  • Lanto Andrianarijaona Maminirina,
  • Mamionah N. J. Parany,
  • Fanohinjanaharinirina Rasoamalala,
  • Angelo Andrianiaina,
  • Lalatiana O. Randriamiharisoa,
  • Mercia Rasoanoro,
  • Soloandry Rahajandraibe,
  • Voahangy Soarimalala,
  • Milijaona Randrianarivelojosia,
  • Dina Ratahiriarisoa,
  • Minoarisoa Rajerison,
  • Steven M. Goodman,
  • Beza Ramasindrazana

摘要

Background

This research aimed to investigate the prevalence and diversity of Bartonella in small mammals and their ectoparasites from the Central Highlands of Madagascar and to refine existing information on potential associated zoonotic diseases.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on mammals and their ectoparasites collected in the Fandriana and Ankazobe districts, including 253 spleen samples from seven small mammal species and 183 individual ectoparasites (132 fleas and 51 ticks). Genomic DNA was extracted and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the nuoG gene (346 bp). Sanger sequencing of the PCR products was performed to assess Bartonella diversity using phylogenetic analysis.

Results

In total, 60.1% (152/253) of small mammals and 15.9% (21/132) of fleas tested positive for Bartonella, with Rattus rattus (69.1%, 137/198) and the associated flea Synopsyllus fonquerniei (21.2%, 14/66) having the highest infection rates. At the same sampled locations, adult R. rattus were more frequently infected with Bartonella than juveniles. Phylogenetic analysis revealed five associated clades of Bartonella with two clades recognized as a potential zoonotic species (B. elizabethae and B. kosoyi).

Conclusions

Using molecular tools, we report a high prevalence of Bartonella in small mammals and their fleas in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. Two potential Bartonella zoonotic species were identified in R. rattus and their fleas. As these bacteria are generally vector-borne, they could have a significant impact on public health in the vicinity of our study areas and, in general, in Madagascar, and merit further investigation.

Graphical Abstract