Molecular Detection of Bartonella spp. in Rodents in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine

PURPOSE: Bacteria of the genus Bartonella are obligate parasites of vertebrates. Their distribution range covers almost the entire world, from the Americas to Europe and Asia. Many Bartonella species use rodents as reservoirs, and while much is known about Bartonella infection of rodents in central Europe, its extent is poorly understood in Eastern Europe. METHODS: The present study examines five rodent species (Apodemus flavicollis, Myodes glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus sylvaticus) in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine. Total of 36 small mammals were captured in September 2017. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of Bartonella spp. was 38.9% (14/36) in rodents. Obtained four sequences from Apodemus flavicollis, were identical to Bartonella grahamii and B. taylorii. CONCLUSION: This is the first report to confirm the presence of Bartonella spp. in rodents in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine by molecular methods. The sequences show similarity to Bartonella strains occurring in Europe.