The Coinfection of Bartonella spp. and Hantavirus in Wild Rodent and Shrew Species in Eastern China.

BACKGROUND

Bartonella spp. are Gram-negative bacteria that cause diseases including endocarditis, lymphadenopathy, and neuroretinitis. Hantavirus (HV), belonging to the family Hantaviridae, induces illnesses such as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Both pathogens exhibit host specificity-defined as a preference or restriction to specific host species or ranges. Rodents and shrews are primary hosts for these pathogens, and their high coinfection rates often indicate elevated risk of human exposure. To our knowledge, however, data on Bartonella spp.-HV coinfection in rodents and shrews from Eastern China remain limited.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Between 2020 and 2023, rodents (n = 311) and shrews (n = 16) were investigated for coinfection with Bartonella spp. and HV in Qingdao, eastern China. Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used for the detection of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of HV and the Internal Transcribed Spacer, citrate synthase (gltA) and RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoB) genes of Bartonella spp.

RESULTS

The overall infection rates of Bartonella spp., HV, and coinfection were 21.4%, 6.7%, and 4.0%, respectively. The highest rates were observed in Apodemus agrarius (53.8%, 21.3%, and 15.0%). Coinfection rates differed significantly by species (p < 0.05), with A. agrarius exhibiting the highest rate (15.0%). Notably, the coinfection rate was significantly higher in male (28.9%) than female A. agrarius (7.1%) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the coinfection of Bartonella spp. and HV in rodents in the eastern region of China. Enhanced monitoring of rodent and shrew densities, as well as their carried pathogens, is essential. Additionally, timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment should be conducted for high-risk populations in the region to reduce the incidence of related zoonoses.