Molecular detection of Bartonella coopersplainsensis and B. henselae in rats from New Zealand

AbstractAIMTo identify Bartonella spp. in rats from New Zealand using molecular methods.METHODSDNA was extracted from the spleens of 143 black rats (Rattus rattus) captured in the Tongariro National Park, New Zealand. PCR was performed using Bartonella genus-specific primers amplifying segments of the 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer and citrate synthase (gltA) and beta subunit of the RNA polymerase (rpoB) genes. PCR products were sequenced and compared online with sequences stored in the database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information of the United States of America.RESULTSDNA sequences matching Bartonella coopersplainsensis and B. henselae were detected in samples from 22/143 (15.4%) and 3/143 (2.1%) rats, respectively. Co-occurrence of B. coopersplainsensis and B. henselae sequences was observed in the sample from one rat.CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCEGram-negative fastidious bacteria belonging to the genus Bartonella are associated with a range of human diseases. Rodents play...