Detection and phylogenetic analysis of , the causative agent of rat-bite fever and Haverhill fever, in free-living greater bandicoot rats in Northeastern India.

Background And Aim: is the causative agent of zoonotic diseases such as rat-bite fever (RBF) and Haverhill fever (HF). While human infections are well-documented, limited studies have explored its presence in rodents in India. This study aimed to detect in free-living bandicoots ( and ) in Northeastern India and perform a phylogenetic analysis to assess its genetic relationship with global isolates.

Materials And Methods: A total of 106 bandicoots (, n = 76; , n = 30) were captured from various environments in Meghalaya, India. Fecal and tissue samples were collected and subjected to DNA extraction. Molecular detection of was conducted using species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Positive amplicons were sequenced, analyzed using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, and subjected to phylogenetic analysis.

Results: PCR-based detection revealed a fecal prevalence of 3.3% (1/30) in and 0% in . No tissue samples tested positive for . The detected isolate exhibited 100% sequence identity with previously reported strains and 99.63% similarity to . Phylogenetic analysis clustered the recovered isolate with human and rodent-derived strains from multiple global regions, suggesting potential zoonotic transmission.

Conclusion: This study presents the first molecular detection of in bandicoots from India, highlighting its zoonotic potential. Given its transmission risks through rodent bites and excreta contamination, public health surveillance is essential. Clinicians should consider RBF and HF in patients presenting with prolonged fever, particularly in rodent-endemic areas.