Pathogenic Microorganism Surveillance and Genetic Sequence Analysis of Small Mammals in Xinjiang Border Port Areas,China,2024

Abstract

Background:

Small mammals can carry and transmit various virulent pathogens. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang), with its rich diversity of small mammal species, represents a high-risk region for pathogen transmission. Epidemiological analysis and genetic sequencing of these pathogens are crucial for strengthening public health interventions.

Methods: This study examined the analysis of effects of region, habitat, host genus, and climatic factors on pathogen infection rates in small mammals using spleen and lung tissue samples collected between May and September 2024. Categorical variables were assessed using Pearson ${\chi }^2$ test/Monte Carlo ${\chi }^2$ test, while continuous variables were analyzed with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Principal component analysis was applied to extract key influence factors, followed by binary logistic regression modeling. Pathogens were detected in 43 host animals, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum (n = 27) and Spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR; n = 15), with infection rate comparisons conducted under different conditions (α = 0.05). Positive samples were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis.

Results:

The overall pathogen infection rate in small mammals from Xinjiang border ports was 40.19%, comprising A. phagocytophilum (25.23%) and SFGR (14.02%). High temperature, low relative humidity, the Huoerguosi Port, and grassland habitats were associated with a reduced infection rate of pathogenic microorganisms (odds ratio = 0.71, 95% confidence interval = 0.51–0.93, p = 0.021). Spatially, A. phagocytophilum showed the highest infection rate in the Dulata Port, desert habitats, and Meriones spp., whereas SFGR predominated in the Takeshiken Port, alpine meadow steppes, and Marmota spp. Genetic homology analysis revealed maximum sequence similarities of 99.15% for A. phagocytophilum and 98.35% for SFGR.

Conclusion:

Xinjiang border ports have a high diversity of small mammal species with elevated pathogen infection rates. These findings underscore the necessity for sustained and enhanced surveillance of small mammal-borne diseases in this region.