Bartonella-like DNA detected in Ixodes tasmani ticks (Acari: Ixodida) infesting Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in Victoria, Australia.
A total of 42 ticks comprising Ixodes tasmani (n = 41) and Ixodes trichosuri (n = 1) were collected from wild koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) at the Koala Convention Centre, Philip Island, Victoria, Australia and screened for the presence of Bartonella using the target gene gltA. Bartonella-like DNA was detected in 4 of the 19 pooled tick samples (21%). All positive ticks were male. Analysis of partial sequences for the gltA gene indicated the presence of a Bartonella-related species similar to that reported in another Ixodid species. This is the first report of Bartonella-like organisms in a native Australian marsupial.
Vilcins
Inger-Marie E
IM
1 Department of Biological Sciences, Division of Environmental and Life Sciences Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia.
Kosoy
Michael
M
Old
Julie M
JM
Deane
Elizabeth M
EM
D000818:Animals; D001473:Bartonella / Q000235:genetics*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D018884:Ixodes / Q000382:microbiology*; D008297:Male; D048368:Phascolarctidae; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology
D004269:DNA, Bacterial