Diverse Anaplasmataceae Lineages Circulating in Wild Mammals and Ticks From the Cerrado Biome, Midwestern Brazil: Evidence of Novel Genotypes and Host Associations

The Anaplasmataceae family comprises vector-borne alpha-proteobacteria that are globally recognized for their significant impact on animal and human health. In Brazil, data indicate that the diversity and circulation of these agents in wild mammals require further exploration. This study aimed to investigate, using molecular techniques, the presence of Anaplasmataceae agents in wild mammals, unconventional pets, and ticks from Goiás state, located in the Cerrado biome, midwestern region of Brazil. In total, 105 blood samples, 22 tissue samples, and 69 ticks from 21 mammalian species were assessed. Conventional PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene revealed Anaplasmataceae DNA in 10.5% (11/105) of mammal samples and 2.9% of tick specimens. Positive hosts included Subulo gouazoubira , Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris , Cerdocyon thous , Chrysocyon brachyurus , Tapirus terrestris , and Myrmecophaga tridactyla . Additionally, two Amblyomma sculptum ticks were found to be positive. Phylogenetic analysis of the near-complete 16S rRNA gene from an Anaplasma sequence obtained from a blood sample of a S. gouazoubira placed it within a clade related to “ Candidatus Anaplasma boleense”. Sequencing of the 23S-5S rRNA intergenic spacer (ITS) region further supported the presence of a potentially undescribed Anaplasmataceae agent. A short 16S rRNA sequence showing high identity to “ C. A. boleense” was detected for the first time in H. hydrochaeris (capybaras). These findings expand the current knowledge of the diversity and host range of Anaplasmataceae agents in Brazil, highlighting the role of wild mammals in maintaining these bacteria within the Cerrado biome.