First detection of Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi in the State of Meta, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: Rickettsia is a genus of Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacteria that cause several epidemics around the world and are transmitted mainly by ticks, fleas, lice and mites. Rickettsiosis is a re-emergent infectious disease without epidemiological surveillance in Colombia. Until few years ago, Rickettsia rickettsi was the only tick-borne Rickettsioses in America; however, new species are being described, and although their pathogenicity has not been confirmed, they should be considered as potential pathogens.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the presence of rickettsial agents in ticks in the state of Meta, Colombia.Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted; ticks were collected and, after their taxonomic identification, gltA, ompA and ompB genes were amplified and sequenced.Results: A total of 169 pools were obtained to which PCR were carried out, of which 2 PCR were amplified for the gltA, ompA and ompB genes. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the presence of Rickettsia spp in ticks in the State of Meta.Keywords: Rickettsiosis, IFI, PCR, Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi, Ticks, Colombia

Keywords

• rickettsiosis, ifi, pcr, candidatus rickettsia colombianensi, garrapatas, colombia