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Riaz M, Chang SC, Tasawar Z, Sajid M, Nasreen N, Amaro-Estrada I, Cossío-Bayúgar R, de la Fuente J, Alanazi AD, Chen CC, Khan A, Ben Said M. Molecular Epidemiology and Phylogeny of Theileria ovis and Theileria lestoquardi in Sheep and Goats from Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024. [PMID: 38743635 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Theileria spp. are responsible for ovine and caprine theileriosis, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in small ruminants. The present study aims to investigate Theileria spp. infections in small ruminants from Southern Punjab in Pakistan, and genetic characterize revealed Theileria spp. isolates. Methods: A total of 93 sheep and 107 goats were sampled between May and August 2022. Blood smears were examined microscopically, and PCR amplification targeting the 18S rRNA gene was performed to detect Theileria spp. Additionally, specific PCR assays targeting 18S rRNA and ms1 partial sequences were used to identify Theileria ovis and T. lestoquardi, respectively. Results: The prevalence of Theileria spp. was significantly higher using PCR (13.5%) compared to microscopic screening (5%). Sheep showed a higher prevalence rate (19.4%) compared to goats (8.4%) (p = 0.024). Young sheep aged ≤ 1 year were more commonly infected with Theileria spp. (41%) compared to older sheep (p = 0.006). The prevalence of Theileria spp. was higher in sheep-only herds (37.3%) compared to goat-only herds (18%) or mixed-species herds (8.1%) (p = 0.015). The prevalence rates of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi were 9% and 2.5%, respectively, with four animals (2 goats and 2 sheep) showing co-infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that our T. ovis 18S rRNA sequence clustered with previously reported sequences from sheep in Turkey, China, Spain, and goats in Tanzania. The obtained T. lestoquardi ms1 partial sequence formed a distinct cluster from other T. lestoquardi isolates in Pakistan and neighboring countries. Conclusion: Theileria spp. co-circulation in Pakistani small ruminants, particularly the presence of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi, highlights the need for attention from animal health decision-makers due to their financial and health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Riaz
- Zoology Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Shun-Chung Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Zahida Tasawar
- Zoology Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sajid
- Zoology Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Nasreen Nasreen
- Department of Botany & Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Pakistan
| | - Itzel Amaro-Estrada
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP. Carretera Federal Cuernavaca- Cuautla No. 8534,Progreso, Jiutepec, Morelos, México
| | - Raquel Cossío-Bayúgar
- Departamento de Artropodología, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Disciplinarias en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Boulevard Cuauhnahuac No. 8534,Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12,Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Abdullah D Alanazi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences and Humanities, Shaqra University 11911Ad-Dawadimi 1040,Saudi Arabia
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Department of Biology, Mountain Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick Canada
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
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Nawaz M, Ullah R, Rehman ZU, Naeem M, Khan A, Bourhia M, Sohail MM, Ali T, Khan A, Hussain T, Iqbal F. Leading report of molecular prevalence of tick borne Anaplasma marginale and Theileria ovis in yaks (Bos grunniens) from Pakistan. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:149. [PMID: 38466437 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03916-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Domestic yak (Bos grunniens) is an economically important feature of the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan where agriculture is restricted and yaks play multiple roles which includes being a source of milk, meat, hides, fuel and power. However little is known about the parasitic infections in Pakistani yaks. Aim of this research was to report the prevalence and genetic diversity of protozoa parasite (Theileria ovis, 18 S rDNA gene was targeted) and an obligate bacterium (Anaplasma marginale, msp-1 gene was amplified) in the blood that was sampled from 202 yaks collected from four districts in Gilgit-Baltistan during January 2023 till January 2024. Results revealed that 6/202 (3%) yaks were of Theileria ovis while 8/202 (4%) were Anaplasma marginale infected. Positive PCR products of both parasites were confirmed by DNA sequencing and their similarity with previously available pathogen sequences was determined by BLAST analysis. Phylogenetic tree indicated that isolates of both parasites displayed genetic. Anaplasma marginale infection varied with the sampling districts and Shigar district had the highest rate of bacterial infection. Cows were significantly more prone to Theileria ovis infection than bulls. Calf and hybrid yaks were more prone to Anaplasma marginale infection. In conclusion, this is the first report that yaks residing the Gilgit-Baltistan region in Pakistan are infected with Theileria ovis and Anaplasma marginale. Similar larger scales studies are recommended in various regions of Gilgit-Baltistan to document the infection rates of these parasites to formulate strategies that will lead to the effective control of these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muqaddas Nawaz
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Rehmat Ullah
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
- Department of Biology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zia Ur Rehman
- Department of Physiology, Islamia University Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Naeem
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Afshan Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mohammed Bourhia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Laayoune, 70000, Morocco
| | | | - Takbir Ali
- Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 24420, Pakistan.
| | - Tanveer Hussain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virtual University of Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan.
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Nangru A, Maharana BR, Vohra S, Kumar B, Ganguly A, Sahu S, Singh H, Ruhil S, Khichar V. Identification, molecular characterization and risk factors of Theileria infection among sheep: a first comprehensive report from North India. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:3658-3670. [PMID: 36946877 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2189928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The present study was aimed at the identification, molecular characterization, and risk factor assessment of Theileria infection among sheep of Haryana province, north India. A total of 402 blood samples were collected from three different climatic zones of Haryana from March 2020 to September 2021. Light microscopy of blood smears revealed Theileria spp. infection in 47.26% (n = 190), while 60.94% (n = 245) of blood samples were positive using nested PCR. Extensive molecular characterization of Theileria infection using four pairs of species-specific primers indicated the dominance of T. ovis (29.1%) followed by T. lestoquardi (12.69%), T. luwenshuni (5.97%) and T. annulata (1.49%). Mixed infection was detected in 11.69% of cases. Bidirectional sequencing and phylogeny further confirmed the presence of these four Theileria spp. in the investigated area under study. Hematology indicated a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in various haematological indices of animals infected with T. luwenshuni and T. lestoquardi compared to the healthy control group. Risk factors like age, sex, and zone were significantly associated with Theileria infection in sheep. The present investigation depicts the first comprehensive molecular report of ovine Theileria spp., which warrants further study to develop suitable control strategies against these haemoparasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Nangru
- Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, India
| | | | - Sukhdeep Vohra
- Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, India
| | - Binod Kumar
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Junagadh, India
| | - Anita Ganguly
- Referral Veterinary Diagnostic and Extension Centre, LUVAS, Karnal, India
| | - Subhasish Sahu
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Harpreet Singh
- Referral Veterinary Diagnostic and Extension Centre, LUVAS, Karnal, India
| | - Swati Ruhil
- Referral Veterinary Diagnostic and Extension Centre, LUVAS, Karnal, India
| | - Vikas Khichar
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of Haryana, Chandigarh, India
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Sheraz M, Ud Din F, Saad Un Nabi M, Rao S, Shafiq B, Murtaza G, Farooq M, Iqbal F. Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in heat stress protein 70 ( HSP70) and 90 ( HSP90) with the susceptibility of Pakistani sheep breeds to hemoparasitic infections. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:4608-4615. [PMID: 36756989 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2174878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to report the genotypic and allelic frequency of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at 222 G > A in HSP70 and at ex6-7390T22G in the HSP90 gene of 204 sheep (Baluchi = 11, Kajli = 29, Latti = 06 and Mundri = 158) enrolled from District Rajanpur in Punjab and to report the susceptibility of these sheep to the blood-borne parasitic infection. The tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) approach revealed a significant variation (p < 0.001) in the genotype frequency of four enrolled sheep breeds at SNP 222 G > A in the HSP70 gene while the allelic frequency remained unaffected (p = 0.08). In all sheep breeds, GG (wild) genotype was most common. T-ARMS-PCR analysis revealed a similar trend for ex6-7390T22G in the HSP90 gene and it was observed that sheep had significantly higher wild-type (GG) (p < 0.05) at the studied SNPs. Studied epidemiological factors (sex and sampling sites) were not found associated with both SNPs. Chi-square test revealed that no specific genotype and allelic frequency at 222 G > A in HSP70 and at ex6-7390T22G in the HSP90 gene of the enrolled sheep breed was associated with the susceptibility to blood-borne parasitic infection (p > 0.05). In conclusion, we are reporting that Pakistan is blessed to have majority of sheep, from all breeds, having wild genotype at analyzed SNPs in heat stress genes. We highly recommend the genotypic screening of sheep before their selection as breeders to reduce the possibility of having sheep with polymorphic genotypes at 222 G > A in HSP70 and at 7390T22G in HSP90 genes that will improve the profitability and sustainability of animal production systems in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Sheraz
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Fakhur Ud Din
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | | | - Sana Rao
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Bisma Shafiq
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Farooq
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
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Arif M, Saeed S, Bashir A, Farooq M, Nasreen N, Khan A, Asif M, Khalil MA, Ijaz M, Muqaddas H, Mehmood N, Iqbal F, Chen CC. Molecular prevalence and phylogeny of Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma ovis and Theileria ovis in goats and sheep enrolled from a hill station in Punjab, Pakistan. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291302. [PMID: 37939034 PMCID: PMC10631641 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma marginale (A. marginale), Anaplasma ovis (A. ovis) and Theileria ovis (T. ovis) are among the most commonly reported intracellular tick borne pathogens that infect ruminants across the globe causing huge economic losses. This study aims to report the prevalence and phylogenetic evaluation of these three pathogens infecting sheep and goats (n = 333) that were enrolled from Fort Munro region in Pakistan by using msp1b, msp4 and 18S rRNA genes for A. marginale, A. ovis and T. ovis respectively. Results revealed almost similar infection rates in sheep and goats with an overall prevalence of 11% for A. marginale, 28% for A. ovis and 3% for T. ovis. Concurrent infection was also recorded, however, the number of animals infected with two pathogens (n = 24; 7.2%) was higher than infection with three pathogens (n = 2; 0.6%). Risk factor analysis revealed that sheep reared in small herds had higher A. marginale (P = 0.03) and A. ovis (P = 0.04) infection rates compared to those from large herds. In addition, it was observed that bucks (P ≤ 0.05) and tick-free goats (P ≤ 0.05) exhibited higher A. ovis infection rates than nannies. Phylogenetic analysis of all three pathogens showed that Pakistani isolates were clustered together and were closely related to previously deposited Pakistani isolates as well as with those that were reported from worldwide countries. In conclusion, we are reporting that Pakistani sheep and goats have A. marginale, A. ovis and T. ovis mediated infections and control measures should be taken against them to improve the productivity of the livestock sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Arif
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Suleman Saeed
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Ahsan Bashir
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Farooq
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Nasreen Nasreen
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | - Maryam Ijaz
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Hira Muqaddas
- Department of Zoology, The Women University Multan, Pakistan
| | - Naunain Mehmood
- Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, Pakistan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Taqadus A, Chiou CC, Amaro-Estrada I, Asif M, Nasreen N, Ahmad G, Iqbal J, Ali M, Khan A, Iqbal F, Chen CC. Epidemiology and Phylogeny of Anaplasma ovis with a Note on Hematological and Biochemical Changes in Asymptomatic Goats Enrolled from Four Districts in Punjab, Pakistan. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:495-506. [PMID: 37527189 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Anaplasma ovis is an intra-erythrocytic gram negative rickettsial bacterium that infects small ruminants, resulting in huge economic losses worldwide. Materials and Methods: The present investigation aims at reporting the molecular prevalence of A. ovis in 1200 asymptomatic goats that were enrolled from 4 districts (Layyah, Lohdran, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rajanpur) in Punjab, Pakistan by targeting the msp4 gene of bacterium. Risk factors associated with the prevalence of A. ovis and phylogeny of bacterium were also documented. Results: 184 out of 1200 (15%) goat blood samples were infected with A. ovis. The prevalence of the pathogen varied with the sampling sites (p = 0.005), and the highest prevalence was detected in goats from Layyah (19%) followed by Rajanpur (17%), Dera Ghazi Khan (15%), and Lohdran district (9%). The represented partial msp4 gene amplicon was confirmed by Sanger sequencing and deposited to GenBank (OP225957-59). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the amplified isolates resembled the msp4 sequences reported from Iran, Mangolia, Sudan, and the United States. Sex and age of goats, herd composition and size, and the presence of ticks on goats and dogs associated with herds were the rick factors associated with the prevalence of A. ovis. Red blood cells, lymphocytes (%), neutrophils (%), hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels in blood and Aspartate amino transferase, urea, and creatinine levels in serum were disturbed in A. ovis infected goats when compared with uninfected animals. Conclusion: We are reporting the prevalence of A. ovis in Pakistani goats from four districts of Punjab and these data will help in developing the integrated control policies against this tick-borne pathogen that is infecting our goat breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asia Taqadus
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Chien-Chun Chiou
- Department of Dermatology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Itzel Amaro-Estrada
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Jiutepec, México
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Nasreen Nasreen
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Ghafoor Ahmad
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Javaid Iqbal
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Zoology, Islamia University Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Pakistan
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
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Atif FA, Ullah S, Cossío-Bayúgar R, Kashif M, Khan AU, Wu WF. Molecular Epidemiology, Seasonality and Phylogenetic Investigations of Anaplasma ovis in Small Ruminants from Diverse Agro-Climatic Regions of Punjab, Pakistan. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2430. [PMID: 37894088 PMCID: PMC10608874 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma (A.) ovis is the most important cause of anaplasmosis in small ruminants. The current study was planned to estimate the molecular prevalence, risk factors, and phylogenetic analysis of A. ovis infection in sheep and goats from different agro-climatic regions of Central and Southern Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 400 jugular blood samples were collected from asymptomatic goats (n = 200) and sheep (n = 200) from the Jhang and Dera Ghazi Khan districts from January 2021 to February, 2023. Two hundred blood samples were collected from each district. Ten union councils (UC) were randomly chosen from each district, and 20 samples were collected from each UC based on the multistage cluster sampling technique. The samples were analyzed with PCR targeting the major surface protein (msp4) gene of A. ovis. The overall molecular prevalence of anaplasmosis was 57.5%. The disease occurrence was higher in Dera Ghazi Khan (61.5%) than in the Jhang district (53.5%). Infection positivity was greater in goats (65.5%) than in sheep (49.5%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that host species [sheep; Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.212; p = 0.000, Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.968-5.242], age (adult; OR = 2.606; p = 0.003, CI = 1.398-4.858), and acaricide use (never; OR = 13.671; p = 0.000, CI = 6.414-26.283) were significantly higher risk for A. ovis in small ruminants (p< 0.05; OR > 1). The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of four representative isolates in the current study (Genbank numbers; Goats: OQ302202, OQ302203; Sheep: OQ319592, OQ319593) revealed novel strains of A. ovis with 97-100% similarity from different countries. The msp4-based goat isolates showed greater genetic diversity, while sheep genotypes showed homology with isolates from Italy, Spain, Hungary, Cyprus, Spain, Iran, and China. The current surveillance study will help in devising prevention and control strategies regarding anaplasmosis in small ruminants. However, there is a need for further study on the clinicopathological and vector competence aspects of these genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Ahmad Atif
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.U.); (M.K.)
| | - Sami Ullah
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.U.); (M.K.)
| | - Raquel Cossío-Bayúgar
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Jiutepec 62550, Morelos, Mexico;
| | - Muhammad Kashif
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.U.); (M.K.)
| | - Aman Ullah Khan
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan;
| | - Wen-Feng Wu
- Department of Radiology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 600, Taiwan
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Irfan M, Chang SC, Iqbal RK, Tanveer M, Asif M, Khan A, Nasreen N, Atif FA, Shaikh RS, Aktas M, Ben Said M, Iqbal F, Chen CC. Seasonality, epidemiology and phylogeny of Theileria ovis with a note on hematological and biochemical changes in asymptomatic infected goats from Pakistan. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290620. [PMID: 37643200 PMCID: PMC10464961 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Caprine theileriosis, caused by Theileria ovis is a serious production issue, especially in the areas that depend on goats and sheep for milk, meat, and other economic benefits. Pakistan has a large goat population, but few reports have been documented from this country regarding PCR-based detection of T. ovis. The molecular prevalence of T. ovis, on a seasonal basis, in various goat breeds enrolled from Muzaffar Garh district of Punjab in Pakistan was determined from October 2018 to September 2019. In this study, 1084 goat blood samples were screened for the detection of T. ovis DNA through PCR-based amplification of 18S rRNA gene. Out of 1084 goats, 12 (1.11%) were infected with T. ovis. The parasite prevalence varied with the sampling seasons (Chi square test, P = 0.008), and the parasite prevalence was highest in goat blood samples collected in summer (2.39%) followed by winter (1.88%). DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of T. ovis, and the amplified isolates from the 18S rRNA gene of T. ovis were found to be highly conserved during phylogenetic analysis. Young goats (Fischer exact test, P = 0.022) were found more infected with T. ovis during the winter season. Infected goats had elevated white blood cell counts (Two-sample t-test, P = 0.04), blood urea nitrogen to Creatinine ratio (Two-sample t-test, P = 0.02) and decreased serum Creatinine (Two-sample t-test, P = 0.001) as compared to T. ovis negative goats. We report a relatively low molecular prevalence of T. ovis in goats from the Muzaffar Garh district. However, it is recommended that control measures to eradicate T. ovis infection in goats in this area should be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Irfan
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Shun-Chung Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Rana Khalid Iqbal
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tanveer
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Nasreen Nasreen
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Farhan Ahmad Atif
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-campus of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Munir Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Taina, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Naeem M, Amaro-Estrada I, Taqadus A, Swelum AA, Alqhtani AH, Asif M, Sajid M, Khan AU, Tariq A, Anjum S, Khan A, Iqbal F. Molecular prevalence and associated risk factors of Anaplasma ovis in Pakistani sheep. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1096418. [PMID: 37065244 PMCID: PMC10095557 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1096418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMajority of Pakistani population lives in rural areas and raising animals, especially the small ruminants, is their primary source of income. Anaplasma ovis is known to infect small ruminants globally and causing significant economic losses to livestock owners, however prevalence of Anaplasma ovis has been least investigated from Pakistan despite having a huge sheep population.MethodsThe present study was conducted from June 2021 till December 2021 to report the PCR based prevalence of Anaplasma ovis in the blood samples of sheep (n = 239) that were collected from District Dera Ghazi Khan in Pakistan.ResultsOut of 239 samples, 30 (12.5%) amplified a 347 bp fragment specific for the msp4 gene of Anaplasma ovis. Represented partial msp4 gene sequences were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and deposited to GenBank (OP620757-59). None of the studied epidemiological factors (age, sex, breed, size of herd, dogs with herd, and composition of herd) showed an association (P > 0.05) with the Anaplasma ovis infection in enrolled sheep. Analysis of the amplified partial mSP4 sequence of Anaplasma ovis revealed that this gene is highly conserved as all three sequences were identical and phylogenetically resembled with the msp4 sequences amplified from small ruminants in China, Kenya, and Germany, Turkey, Portugal, Tunisia and India. In conclusion, for the first time, we are reporting a moderate prevalence of Anaplasma ovis prevalence in Pakistani sheep and this data will help in developing the integrated control policies against this newly reported tick-borne disease that is infecting our sheep breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naeem
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Itzel Amaro-Estrada
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Asia Taqadus
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Ayman A. Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmohsen H. Alqhtani
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sajid
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Asmat Ullah Khan
- Shaheed Benazir Bhuto University Sheringal, District Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Aliza Tariq
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Summaya Anjum
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Adil Khan
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Furhan Iqbal
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Yasmeen N, Kashif M, Arif T, Khan A, Ali M, Khan MA, Farooq M, Said MB, Iqbal F. Distribution, prevalence and diversity of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting one-humped camels from Southwest Punjab, Pakistan. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 37:100825. [PMID: 36623905 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In tropical countries like Pakistan, ticks are the most prevalent vectors for transmitting diseases to wild and domestic animals leading to their morbidity and mortality. In the present study, a total of 593 ticks infesting one-humped camels (n = 244) were collected during April till June 2021 from two tehsils of Layyah district located in Punjab (Pakistan) in order to investigate their diversity, prevalence and distribution. Data analysis revealed that camels located in Tehsil Choubara were significantly more tick infested than camels from Tehsil Layyah (P = 0.02). It was observed that the older camels were more prone to tick infestation that younger ones. Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus were the two tick genera identified during the present study and tick specimens of Hyalomma genus were the most prevalent (n = 590, 99.5%). In particular, Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent tick species (n = 559, 94.3%), followed by Hyalomma anatolicum (n = 24, 4%), Hyalomma marginatum (n = 7, 1.2%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (n = 3, 0.5%). The overall abundance of male ticks was higher than the female ticks with a ratio of 1:2.1. Neck was the most preferred site for the tick infestation followed by ventral, sternum, under tail, head, udder and back of analyzed camels. To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding tick diversity on camels from Layyah district and based on our finding, we recommend large-scale tick control strategies to be implemented in this district to uplift the livestock sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Yasmeen
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan 32200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Kashif
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan 32200, Pakistan
| | - Tehreem Arif
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda 24420, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali
- College of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Bahadur Sub Campus Layyah, 31200, Pakistan
| | - Muzaffar Ali Khan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Farooq
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan 32200, Pakistan
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia; Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia.
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan.
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11
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Molecular Characterization and Assessment of Risk Factors Associated with Theileria annulata Infection. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081614. [PMID: 36014032 PMCID: PMC9412660 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Theileria annulata is a tick-associated parasite that causes tropical theileriosis in livestock and is responsible for huge economic losses. Studies have been neglected on the effect of Theileria spp. on cattle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The present study was designed to determine the genetic diversity and assess the risk factors associated with Theileria infection in selected districts of KP. Information on the risk factors related to the Theileria infection was collected through a questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from symptomatic cattle from January 2019 to February 2020, identified morphologically through microscopic examination, and processed for molecular characterization using the 18S rRNA gene as a genetic marker. Of the 555 cattle examined (136, 24.5%) and (294, 53%) were found positive for Theileria spp. by microscopic examination and a PCR test, respectively. Based on the PCR test, the highest prevalence of infection was found in district Upper Dir (46/75, 61.3%), followed by Lower Dir (54/90, 60%); Malakand (51/88, 57.9%); Peshawar (40/80, 50%); and Charsadda (52/112, 46.4%), with the lowest in Bajaur (51/110, 46.34%). A BLAST analysis of the 18S rDNA sequences showed 99.5% identity with T. annulata. In a phylogenetic tree, the 18S rDNA sequence of T. annulata clustered with sequences from Pakistan, China, and Italy. A significant association was observed between the prevalence of infection and different host characteristics. The highest infection was found in adult cattle (216/360, 60%); females (218/377, 57.8%); and Holstein Friesian (120/180, 66.6%). Theileria infection was significantly associated with management practices. Higher infection rates were observed in free-grazing cattle (190/412, 42.2%); those kept in unhygienic conditions (246/405, 60.7%); cattle in combined farming systems (165/255, 64.8%); and those in congested stall systems (150/218, 68.8%). Seasonal patterns were found to be significantly associated with infection, and a higher infection rate was observed in summer (215/350, 61.4%) than in winter (79/205, 38.5%). Identified risk factors should be considered in designing practical control approaches to reduce the burden of Theileria infection. Large scale studies are required to explore the diversity of Theileria species in KP, Pakistan.
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Molecular prevalence, associated risk factors and phylogeny of Anaplasma marginale, Theileria ovis and T. lestoquardi in sheep from Pakistan. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 86:101822. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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13
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Aziz MN, Iqbal RK, Irfan M, Parveen A, Asif M, Ozubek S, Aktas M, Said MB, Iqbal F. First report on molecular epidemiology, seasonality and phylogeny of Toxoplasma gondii infecting goats from Khanewal district in Punjab, Pakistan. Acta Trop 2022; 228:106304. [PMID: 34998999 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Raising small ruminants is the main source of income for farmers in Pakistan. Economic losses caused by Toxoplasma gondii to small ruminants have been reported worldwide, however reports on molecular detection of T. gondii are lacking in Pakistan despite a large goat population. The current study was carried out from March 2019 till February 2020 to report the seasonal and molecular prevalence of T. gondii in different breeds of goats located in Khanewal district of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 898 blood goat samples were collected during the four seasons and screened for T. gondii DNA by using PCR based on the amplification of ITS-1 partial sequence. Out of 898 goats, 48 (5.3%) were found positive to T. gondii. The prevalence of T. gondii varied according to season (Chi square test,P = 0.016) and the highest prevalence was observed in goats tested during the summer (8.8%) followed by the spring (5.7%), the winter (4.4%) and the autumn season (2.2%). PCR products positive to T. gondii were confirmed by DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis. Phylogenetic study based on ITS 1 gene provided evidence that the amplified isolates of T. gondii were highly conserved in Pakistani goats. Buck (Fischer exact test, P = 0.002) and farms containing other dairy animals next to goats (Fischer exact test, P = 0.001) and farms with a water supply from pools (Fischer exact test, P = 0.001) were more infected with T. gondii. Infected goats had a reduction on red blood cell count (Two-sample t test, P = 0.01) and hemoglobin concentration (Two-sample t test, P = 0.03) and an increase in the number of monocytes (%) (Two-sample t test, P = 0.05), mean cell hemoglobin (Two-sample t test, P = 0.01) and serum creatinine (Two-sample t test, P = 0.01) as compared to T. gondii uninfected goats. In conclusion, we report a relatively low PCR based prevalence of T. gondii in goats from Khanewal district as previously the serum ELISA test based prevalence of T. gondii in Pakistani goats varied between 19-52%. Control measures should be taken to eradicate T. gondii infection in goats of the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naveed Aziz
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Rana Khalid Iqbal
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Asia Parveen
- Zoology Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Sezayi Ozubek
- Veterinary Faculty, Department of Parasitology, University of Firat, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Munir Aktas
- Veterinary Faculty, Department of Parasitology, University of Firat, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia; Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Sidi Thabet, Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Université de La Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Zoology Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, 60800, Pakistan.
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Khan A, Ahmed Muhammed A, Nasreen N, Iqbal F, Cossio-Bayugar R, ali Sha SS, Alanazi AD, Zajac Z. Tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases in small ruminants in Pakistan: Current knowledge and future perspectives. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:2014-2025. [PMID: 35531246 PMCID: PMC9072882 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.12.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Livestock industry is an essential part of Pakistan’s economy, and a variety of ruminants (including sheep and goats) are reared for the increasing demand of milk, meat and hide products. Haemoparasitic illnesses such as theileriosis, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis are a significant health risk for small ruminants in our country. Information regarding distribution patterns, the tick species involved and effective strategies to control tick-borne diseases (TBD) in goats and sheep of Pakistan is limited. To this end, it is required to assess the present rank of TBDs in small ruminants of Pakistan with a note on their vector ticks in order to control and identify the gaps in the knowledge of TBDs. This will recommend areas for future research and will add to the understanding of these diseases and will draw attention to the need for better-quality tools for the diagnosis and control of TBDs in small ruminants of Pakistan.
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Zafar SNUA, Khan A, Niaz S, Aktas M, Ozubek S, Farooq M, Adil MM, Zając Z, Iqbal F, Alhimaidi AR, Swelum AA. Prevalence of Anaplasma marginale in cattle blood samples collected from two important livestock regions in Punjab (Pakistan) with a note on epidemiology and phylogeny of parasite. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:1515-1520. [PMID: 35280590 PMCID: PMC8913547 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis, caused by intracellular gram-negative bacteria Anaplasma marginale is one of the most frequently reported tick-borne disease (TBDs) in tropical and sub-tropical countries, including Pakistan. In the present study, a total of 428 cattle blood samples were collected to examine the prevalence and phylogenetic origin of A. marginale in two important livestock regions of Punjab Province in Pakistan, i.e. Lodhran and Dera Ghazi Khan Districts. In addition, association between occurrence of A. marginale in cattle blood and selected epidemiological factors has been also investigated. The presence of A. marginale genetic material was confirmed in 9% of the tested blood samples taken from cattle in Lodhran and in 17% from Dera Ghazi Khan. Prevalence of A. marginale was significantly higher in cattle from Dera Ghazi Khan. All the cattle breeds from both districts were equally susceptible to A. marginale infection. We reported higher prevalence of A. marginale in cattle living indoors or with other dairy animals in Dera Ghazi Khan district. However, no such relationship was observed in the Lodhran district. Sequencing of the msp1b gene shows 96–99% similarity of A. marginale in the study area to those reported from other parts of Pakistan, South Africa, and Israel. We recommend that large scale tick and tick-borne disease control strategies must be implemented in both districts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzadi Noor Ul Ain Zafar
- Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Zoology Division. Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Pakistan
| | - Sadaf Niaz
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Munir Aktas
- University of Firat, Veterinary Faculty, Department of Parasitology, 23119, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Sezayi Ozubek
- University of Firat, Veterinary Faculty, Department of Parasitology, 23119, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Muhammad Farooq
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | | | - Zbigniew Zając
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Zoology Division. Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad R Alhimaidi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman A Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Aziz MN, Irfan M, Parveen A, Asif M, Ijaz M, Mumtaz S, Ozubek S, Aktas M, Iqbal RK, Iqbal F. Prevalence, epidemiology, seasonality, and phylogeny of Anaplasma marginale in blood samples of goats collected from Punjab, Pakistan. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:74. [PMID: 35075555 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03080-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In Pakistan, a major constrain to goat farming is the tick and tick-borne diseases that results in financial losses to livestock farmers. This study was conducted to report the molecular prevalence of Anaplasma (A.) marginale in goat blood samples collected during four seasons from Khanewal district in Punjab (Pakistan). METHODS AND RESULTS The mps1 gene of A. marginale was targeted in 900 blood samples that were collected on seasonal basis (n = 225 per season) and 6.6% (61/900) goats were found positive with A. marginale. Anaplasma marginale positive PCR products were sequenced and submitted to the GenBank. Prevalence of A. marginale varied with sampling season (P = 0.002) and it was highest in the summer (11.5%) followed by the autumn (7.6%), spring (5.3%), and winter seasons (2.7%) respectively. Anaplasma marginale prevalence varied significantly between goat breeds during the autumn (p = 0.01) and summer seasons (p = 0.02). Goats more than 2 years old and livestock farms where only goats were kept and dogs were associated with herds were risk factors for ovine anaplasmosis during different seasons. White and red blood cell counts and parameters associated with their counts were affected in A. marginale infected goats while studied serum parameters remained unaffected. CONCLUSION PCR is a reliable tool for the detection of A. marginale in goat blood samples. A relatively low prevalence of A. marginale in goats of Khanewal district was observed and the parasite prevalence in goats was higher in the summer (May until September) and autumn (October and November) seasons. Control measures are required to prevent tick-borne diseases in ruminants from Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naveed Aziz
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Asia Parveen
- Zoology Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Ijaz
- Zoology Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Mumtaz
- Zoology Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Sezayi Ozubek
- Department of Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Firat, 23119, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Munir Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Firat, 23119, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Rana Khalid Iqbal
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan.
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Zoology Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan.
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Molecular Epidemiology of Theileria annulata in Cattle from Two Districts in Punjab (Pakistan). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123443. [PMID: 34944220 PMCID: PMC8697919 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pakistan is a tropical country where climate is favourable for tick growth and hence its incidence of tick-borne diseases is high, affecting the output of the livestock sector. In the present study the infection rate of Theileria annulata, the causative agent of bovine theileriosis, was compared in apparently healthy cattle enrolled from two different regions in Pakistan. Parasite prevalence was found to be higher in Dera Ghazi Khan District than in Lodhran. The infection rate was higher in cattle that were infested with ticks and in those animals that were housed indoors at dairy farms with other animals. This prophylactic detection of parasite will help to design strategies to control tick and tick-borne diseases in study areas. Abstract The present study was designed to report the molecular prevalence of T. annulata in cattle blood samples collected from Punjab in Pakistan. A total of 428 cattle blood samples were collected from Districts Lodhran (n = 218) and Dera Ghazi Khan (n = 210). The prevalence of T. annulata was determined by the amplification of a fragment from its cytochrome b gene and parasite prevalence was significantly higher (p = 0.03) in the blood samples of cattle collected from Dera Ghazi Khan (70/210; 33%) as compared to Lodhran (52/218; 24%). Presence of T. annulata was also confirmed by the amplification of a fragment from their 30 kDa gene. The amplified PCR products of both genes were confirmed by DNA sequencing and these partial DNA sequences were submitted to GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that amplified partial gene sequences resembled previously reported T. annulata sequences in cattle from India, China, Iran, Tunisia, Turkey and Egypt. The incidence of T. annulata infection was higher in Sahiwal cattle (p = 0.04) than the other enrolled cattle breed from Dera Ghazi Khan. Female cattle from Lodhran (p = 0.02), while males (p = 0.02), animals housed in close compounds (p = 0.04), animals with a tick burden (p = 0.005) and farms with only cattle (p = 0.01) in Dear Ghazi Khan were found to be more susceptible to T. annulata infection. We recommend that large-scale tick and tick-borne disease control strategies be implemented in both districts under investigation, especially in Dera Ghazi Khan.
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