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. 2014 Jun;142(6):1205-13.
doi: 10.1017/S0950268813002094. Epub 2013 Sep 4.

Temporal and spatial variation in Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in Swedish moose (Alces alces)

J Malmsten  1 , D Gavier Widén  2 , G Rydevik  3 , L Yon  4 , M R Hutchings  5 , C-G Thulin  6 , L Söderquist  1 , A Aspan  7 , S Stuen  8 , A-M Dalin  1
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Temporal and spatial variation in Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in Swedish moose (Alces alces)

J Malmsten et al. Epidemiol Infect. 2014 Jun.

Abstract

The occurrence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum was investigated in spleen and serum samples from Swedish moose (Alces alces) in southern Sweden (island and mainland). Samples were analysed for presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA by real-time PCR (n = 263), and for Anaplasma antibodies with ELISA serology (n = 234). All serum samples had antibodies against A. phagocytophilum. The mean DNA-based prevalence was 26·3%, and significant (P < 0·01) temporal, and spatial variation was found. Island moose had significantly (P < 0·001) higher prevalence of A. phagocytophilum DNA than moose from the mainland areas. Two samples were sequenced to determine genetic variation in the 16S rRNA and groESL genes. Genetic sequence similarity with the human granulocytic anaplasmosis agent, equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent, and different wildlife-associated A. phagocytophilum variants were observed in the 16S rRNA and groESL genes. Our study shows that moose are exposed to A. phagocytophilum in Sweden, and represent a potential wildlife reservoir of the pathogen.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Map showing sampling areas (highlighted) in Sweden. A represents the island of Öland; B, C, and D represent sampling areas in three different mainland populations.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
An overview of numbers of samples with antibody titres and DNA presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Swedish moose (Alces alces) sampled in 2009 and 2010. n.a., Not available.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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