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

A groundbreaking study identifies the presence of two Bartonella species, B. coopersplainsensis and B. henselae, in rats from Tongariro National Park, New Zealand. The research detected these bacteria in 15.4% (22/143) and 2.1% (3/143) of black rats, respectively, with one rat showing co-occurrence of both species. This marks the first molecular detection of Bartonella spp. DNA in New Zealand rodents and the first identification of B. henselae in rats globally. The study employed PCR to amplify and sequence bacterial genes from rat spleen samples, comparing results against NCBI databases. While B. coopersplainsensis's public health significance remains undefined, B. henselae is known to cause cat scratch disease, posing potential public health risks. The findings highlight the need for further research, including bacterial culture, to better understand Bartonella prevalence and diversity in this ecosystem.

Nesaraj, J., Grinberg, A., Gedye, K., Potter, M., & Harrus, S. (2018). Molecular detection of Bartonella coopersplainsensis and B. henselae in rats from New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 66(5), 257–260. https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2018.1483781