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Pardinilla LM, Aljaberi S, Procter M, Hamdan L, Pasha SK, Al Aiyan A, Qablan MA. The prevalence of selected vector-borne diseases in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the United Arab Emirates. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101006. [PMID: 38644035 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101006] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) affecting dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) have considerable importance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because of the consequences associated with production decline and economic losses. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of selected VBDs in camels in the UAE and identify risk factors. This research is currently affected by the low number of epidemiological molecular surveys addressing this issue. Blood samples were obtained from 425 dromedary camels from different locations across the UAE. Whole genomic DNA was isolated, and PCR screening was done to detect piroplasmids (Babesia/Theileria spp.), Trypanosoma spp., and Anaplasmataceae spp. (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neorickettsia and Wolbachia spp.). Amplicons were sequenced, and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Trypanosoma sequences were identified as T. brucei evansi, whereas Anaplasmataceae sequences were identified as A. platys-like. All camels were negative for Babesia/Theileria spp. (0%); however, 18 camels were positive for T. b. evansi (4%) and 52 were positive for A. platys-like (12%). Mixed infection with T. b. evansi and A. platys-like was found in one camel. Statistical analyses revealed that camels with a brown coat colour were significantly more prone to acquire the A. platys-like strain compared with those having a clearer coat. A similar finding was observed when comparing urban moving camels with desert indoor and urban indoor camels. Continuous disease surveillance is required to ensure and maintain the good health status of the camels in the UAE. Nonetheless, the risk of disease outbreak remains if the misuse of drugs continues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia-M Pardinilla
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; ASPIRE Research Institute for Food Security in the Drylands (ARIFSID), United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saeed Aljaberi
- Veterinary Services Section, Public Health Services Department, Dubai Municipality, P.O. Box 67, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Miranda Procter
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Layaly Hamdan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Syed Kamaal Pasha
- Emirates Camel Center, P.O. Box 7660, Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Al Aiyan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moneeb A Qablan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; ASPIRE Research Institute for Food Security in the Drylands (ARIFSID), United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Soliman AM, Mahmoud HYAH, Amer MM, Hifumi T, Tanaka T. Molecular detection and diversity of tick-borne rickettsial pathogens in ticks collected from camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Upper Egypt. Acta Trop 2024; 253:107172. [PMID: 38447703 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107172] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsial pathogens pose significant threats to public and animal health. In Upper Egypt, limited information exists regarding the prevalence and diversity of such tick-borne pathogens. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation to elucidate the presence and variety of tick-borne rickettsial pathogens in Upper Egyptian camels. Our results revealed a prevalence of 2.96 % for Anaplasma marginale and 0.34 % for Candidatus Anaplasma camelii among Hyalomma ticks. However, Ehrlichia spp. weren't detected in our study. The identification of Ca. A. camelii in H. dromedari ticks was documented for the first time, suggesting a potential mode of transmission in camels. Notably, this study marks the first documentation of Rickettsia aeschlimannii with a prevalence of 6.06 % in the study area. Furthermore, we detected Coxiella burnetii in a prevalence of 8.08 % in Hyalomma ticks, indicating a potential risk of Q fever transmission. Molecular techniques results were confirmed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis and provided valuable insights into the epidemiology of these pathogens, revealing their diversity. This study is vital in understanding tick-borne rickettsial pathogens' prevalence, distribution, and transmission dynamics in Upper Egypt. In conclusion, our findings emphasize the importance of continued research to enhance our understanding of the epidemiology and impact of these pathogens on both animal and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Soliman
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Biotechnology Department, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki 12618, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hassan Y A H Mahmoud
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Animal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Moaz M Amer
- Biotechnology Department, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki 12618, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tatsuro Hifumi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Histopathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.
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Marwaha S, Ranjan R, Nath K, Singh M, Sawal RK, Sahoo A. Molecular epidemiology of anaplasmosis in Indian dromedary camels. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10373-5. [PMID: 38589771 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10373-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology, risk factors, and haemato-biochemical changes in anaplasmosis in Indian dromedary camels. Blood samples collected from 103 camels were analysed using blood smear examination and semi-nested PCR based on the 16s rRNA gene to diagnose anaplasmosis. The prevalence of anaplasmosis was estimated to be 42.72% (95% CI: 33.59-52.37) by PCR assay and 16.5% (95% CI: 10.47-24.95%) by blood smear examination. Phylogenetic analysis of six partial sequences of 16s rRNA gene obtained in the present study indicated the involvement of multiple Anaplasma species, including A. marginale and A. platys, showing genetic similarity with cattle strains. A novel genotype related to A. camelii/A. cinensis/A. platys group was also identified. Hemato-biochemical examination revealed mild anaemia, increased serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, and decreased total protein and albumin levels in Anaplasma-positive animals. The infections were largely subclinical in nature, except in one camel that revealed fever, inappetence, and pale mucous membrane and responded well to treatment with oxytetracycline. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular study on camel anaplasmosis in India, indicating a high prevalence of infection and involvement of multiple Anaplasma species with potential risk for interspecies transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumnil Marwaha
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
| | - Rakesh Ranjan
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India.
| | - Kashi Nath
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
| | - Meetpal Singh
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
| | - R K Sawal
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
| | - Artabandhu Sahoo
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
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Abdelbaset AE, Kwak ML, Nonaka N, Nakao R. Human-biting ticks and zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in North Africa: diversity, distribution, and trans-Mediterranean public health challenges. One Health 2023; 16:100547. [PMID: 37363219 PMCID: PMC10288109 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
North Africa is home to more than 200 million people living across five developing economies (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco) and two Spanish exclaves (Ceuta and Melilla), many of whom are impacted by ticks and tick-borne zoonoses. Populations in Europe are also increasingly vulnerable to North African ticks and tick-borne zoonoses due to a combination of climate change and the movement of ticks across the Mediterranean on migratory birds, human travellers, and trafficked wildlife. The human-biting ticks and tick-borne zoonoses in North Africa are reviewed along with their distribution in the region. We also assess present and future challenges associated with ticks and tick-borne zoonoses in North African and highlight opportunities for collaboration and coordination between governments in Europe and North Africa to address public health challenges posed by North African ticks and tick-borne zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelbaset Eweda Abdelbaset
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Mackenzie L. Kwak
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
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Mahmoud HYAH, Ali AO, Tanaka T. Molecular detection and characterization of Anaplasma marginale infecting cattle, buffalo, and camel populations in southern Egypt. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1169323. [PMID: 37252392 PMCID: PMC10213943 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1169323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis is a severe tickborne disease of ruminants caused by Anaplasma marginale. A. marginale is distributed worldwide and attacks erythrocytes, resulting in an increased body temperature, anemia, jaundice, abortion, and, in some cases, death. Animals infected with this pathogen become lifelong carriers. In this study, we aimed to detect and characterize A. marginale isolated from cattle, buffalo, and camel populations using novel molecular techniques in southern Egypt. In total, 250 samples (from 100 cattle, 75 water buffaloes, and 75 camels) were analyzed by PCR for the presence of Anaplasmataceae, specifically A. marginale. The animals varied in breed, age, and gender, with most showing no signs of severe disease. By species, A. marginale was found in 61 out of 100 (61%) cattle, 9 out of 75 (12%) buffaloes, and only 5 out of 75 (6.66%) camels. All A. marginale-positive samples were examined for the heat-shock protein groEL gene and, additionally, for major surface protein 4 (msp4) and major surface protein 5 (msp5) genes to enhance specificity. Phylogenetic analysis of A. marginale targeted three genes (groEL, msp4, and msp5). This study provides the first report on using three genes for A. marginale detection in Camelus dromedarius in southern Egypt and generated new phylogenetic data for A. marginale infections in camels. A. marginale infection is endemic in different animal species in southern Egypt. Screening herds for A. marginale is recommended even when the signs of anaplasmosis are absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Y. A. H. Mahmoud
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Alsagher O. Ali
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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MALDI-TOF MS Identification of Dromedary Camel Ticks and Detection of Associated Microorganisms, Southern Algeria. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112178. [DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This study used MALDI-TOF MS and molecular tools to identify tick species infesting camels from Tamanrasset in southern Algeria and to investigate their associated microorganisms. Ninety-one adult ticks were collected from nine camels and were morphologically identified as Hyalomma spp., Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma impeltatum and Hyalomma anatolicum. Next, the legs of all ticks were subjected to MALDI-TOF MS, and 88/91 specimens provided good-quality MS spectra. Our homemade MALDI-TOF MS arthropod spectra database was then updated with the new MS spectra of 14 specimens of molecularly confirmed species in this study. The spectra of the remaining tick specimens not included in the MS database were queried against the upgraded database. All 74 specimens were correctly identified by MALDI-TOF MS, with logarithmic score values ranging from 1.701 to 2.507, with median and mean values of 2.199 and 2.172 ± 0.169, respectively. One H. impeltatum and one H. dromedarii (2/91; 2.20%) tested positive by qPCR for Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever. We also report the first detection of an Anaplasma sp. close to A. platys in H. dromedarii in Algeria and a potentially new Ehrlichia sp. in H. impeltatum.
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Selmi R, Belkahia H, Sazmand A, Ben Said M, Messadi L. Epidemiology and genetic characteristics of tick-borne bacteria in dromedary camels of the world. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106599. [PMID: 35810831 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
This review presents updated knowledge on the main tick-borne bacteria infecting one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) around the world. Camels are increasingly the subject of several scientific investigations, showing that they are receptive and carriers of several zoonotic bacteria. An appraisal is also given of the relative public health importance of these bacterial infections according to One Health concept. Microscopic, serologic and molecular findings are appropriately generated in order to exploit epidemiological data, and phylogeographic specificities associated to each vector-borne bacterium. Indeed, camels and their ticks harbour similar species and genotypes of pathogenic bacteria commonly identified in other animals, e.g., Anaplasma spp.,Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Bartonella spp. and hemotrophic mycoplasmas. This evidence suggests an epidemiological role of camels in the spread of these pathogens in their natural habitats. However, these infections are commonly asymptomatic in camels resulting in underestimation of the impact of these infections. Furthermore, camels have recently been proven to have their own specific unclassified strains, such as Candidatus Anaplasma camelii and Candidatus Bartonella camelii, implying that possible interactions may lead to the emergence of pathogenic and zoonotic bacteria. In camel-rearing areas of the world, spatial and temporal spread of these infections, due to climatic and ecological changes and human activities such as development projects and urbanization, is expected. Hence the data presented herein provides a basis for strategic frameworks for the research and the development of novel diagnosis and control strategies worldwide, which are needed to protect camels, other livestock, and people in contact with dromedaries from threats that arthropod-borne pathogens can pose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Selmi
- Laboratory of Microbiology at the National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia; Ministry of National Defense, General Directorate of Military Health, Military center of Veterinary Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Hanène Belkahia
- Laboratory of Microbiology at the National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan 6517658978, Iran
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratory of Microbiology at the National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia; Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
| | - Lilia Messadi
- Laboratory of Microbiology at the National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia.
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Seroprevalence of Antibodies Against Anaplasma Phagocytophilum and Borrelia Burgdorferi in Horses (Equus Caballus) from Northern Algeria. J Vet Res 2020; 64:413-419. [PMID: 32984632 PMCID: PMC7497754 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2020-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Horses (Equus caballus) are susceptible to tick-borne diseases. Two of them, Lyme borreliosis due to Borrelia burgdorferi and granulocytic anaplasmosis due to Anaplasma phagocytophilum were investigated in Algerian horses. The diseases have been less extensively studied in horses and results pertinent to Algeria have not been published. Material and Methods Blood samples were obtained from 128 horses. IgG antibodies directed against Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi were detected by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and ELISA. The potential effects of age, gender, breed, and health status on seropositivity were also evaluated. Results Using IFAT, 28 (21.8%) and 25 (19.5%) animals were positive for B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum, respectively. Using ELISA, 19 (14.8%) and 33 (25.9%) animals were positive for these bacteria. Conclusion The study shows that horses in Algeria are exposed or co-exposed to tick-transmitted zoonotic bacterial species.
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Alanazi AD, Nguyen VL, Alyousif MS, Manoj RRS, Alouffi AS, Donato R, Sazmand A, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Ticks and associated pathogens in camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:110. [PMID: 32111251 PMCID: PMC7048137 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3973-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Camel production in Saudi Arabia is severely affected by various diseases and by inadequate veterinary services. Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) affect the health and wellbeing of camels consequently diminishing their productivity and performances. In addition, camels may act as hosts for TBPs (e.g. Anaplasma phagocytophilum) causing diseases in humans. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of ixodid ticks and molecularly investigate the associated pathogens in camels from Saudi Arabia. METHODS Blood and tick samples were collected from camels (n = 170) in Riyad Province of Saudi Arabia. Ticks were morphologically identified, and blood of camels were molecularly screened for apicomplexan (i.e. Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp.) and rickettsial parasites (i.e. Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp.). RESULTS Of the 170 camels examined, 116 (68.2%; 95% CI: 60.9-75.1%) were infested by ticks with a mean intensity of 2.53 (95% CI: 2.4-2.6). In total of 296 ticks collected, Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent (76.4%), followed by Hyalomma impeltatum (23.3%) and Hyalomma excavatum (0.3%). Of the tested animals, 13 (7.6%; 95% CI: 4.3-12.8%) scored positive to at least one TBP, with Anaplasma platys (5.3%; 95% CI: 2.7-9.9%) being the most prevalent species, followed by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis (0.6% each; 95% CI: 0.04-3.4%). None of the camels were found to be co-infected with more than one pathogen. All samples tested negative for Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. CONCLUSIONS The present study reveals the occurrence of different tick species and TBPs in camels from Saudi Arabia. Importantly, these camels may carry A. phagocytophilum and A. platys, representing a potential risk to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah D Alanazi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, Ad-Dawadimi, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Viet Linh Nguyen
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Mohamed S Alyousif
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ranju R S Manoj
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Abdulaziz S Alouffi
- Life Science and Environment Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ridolfi Donato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Puglia e della Basilicata, Bari, Italy
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy.,Department of Immunology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy. .,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Vector-borne bacteria in blood of camels in Iran: New data and literature review. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 65:48-53. [PMID: 31300125 PMCID: PMC7112553 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Information about vector-borne bacteria of camels is scarce. Anaplasmataceae, SFG rickettsiae, Bartonella and Borrelia were investigated in blood of 200 dromedary camels of Iran. PCR results revealed 30 animals (15%) to be infected with Anaplasmataceae bacteria. BlastN® analysis of positive samples revealed identity with “Candidatus Anaplasma camelii” isolates. This paper reviews the current knowledge on camels’ tick-borne bacteria including microscopy, serology and molecular studies.
Despite close association between camels and humans, molecular based studies on vector-borne pathogens infecting camels are scarce compared to other animals in Iran. The current study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of vector-borne bacteria in the blood of dromedaries by molecular tools. A total of 200 peripheral blood samples were collected from apparently healthy animals. Microscopic examination was performed on Giemsa-stained blood smears, and drops of blood were spotted on Whatman FTA® cards for molecular analyses. Genomic DNA was extracted from the cards, and PCR amplification followed by sequencing of positive samples was carried out for the detection of Anaplasmataceae, spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, Bartonella spp. and Borrelia spp. Intra-cytic forms of any blood pathogens could not be detected by light microscopy. PCR results revealed 30 animals (15%) to be infected with Anaplasmataceae bacteria. Analyses of sequences revealed a strain of Anaplasma sp. identical to Candidatus Anaplasma camelii isolated from camels, cattle and deer in Asia and Africa. Neither SFG rickettsiae, nor Borrelia or Bartonella species were found. Further studies for determining epidemiological role of camels and its zoonotic potential are recommended. This paper reviews the current knowledge on camels’ tickborne bacteria including microscopy, serology and molecular studies.
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Ben Said M, Belkahia H, Messadi L. Anaplasma spp. in North Africa: A review on molecular epidemiology, associated risk factors and genetic characteristics. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:543-555. [PMID: 29398602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The genus Anaplasma belonging to the Anaplasmataceae family (order Rickettsiales) comprises obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria of veterinary and public health importance. Six species and five types of strains genetically related are currently assigned to the genus Anaplasma including Anaplasma marginale, A. centrale, A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. platys as classified species, and "A. capra", A. odocolei sp. nov., A. phagocytophilum-like 1 (Anaplasma sp.-Japan), A. phagocytophilum-like 2 (Anaplasma sp.-China) and A. platys-like (also named Candidatus Anaplasma camelii) as unclassified strains. Most of these Anaplasma species and strains have been molecularly identified in several animal and/or tick species in the north of Africa. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about molecular epidemiology, associated risk factors and genetic diversity of Anaplasma species and related strains infecting animals and/or their incriminated tick vectors in North Africa. All these data should be considered when establishing of common management and control programs for anaplasmosis infecting humans and different animal species in North African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad Ben Said
- Service de Microbiologie et d'Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
| | - Hanène Belkahia
- Service de Microbiologie et d'Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Lilia Messadi
- Service de Microbiologie et d'Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Elhamiani Khatat S, Daminet S, Kachani M, Leutenegger CM, Duchateau L, El Amri H, Hing M, Azrib R, Sahibi H. Anaplasma spp. in dogs and owners in north-western Morocco. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:202. [PMID: 28438220 PMCID: PMC5404288 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2148-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic pathogen of increased interest worldwide which has been detected in northern Africa. Anaplasma platys is also present in this region and could possibly have a zoonotic potential. However, only one recent article reports on the human esposure to A. phagocytophilum in Morocco and no data are available on canine exposure to both bacteria. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological study aiming to assess both canine and human exposure to Anaplasma spp. in Morocco. A total of 425 dogs (95 urban, 160 rural and 175 working dogs) and 11 dog owners were sampled from four cities of Morocco. Canine blood samples were screened for Anaplasma spp. antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and for A. phagocytophilum and A. platys DNA by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the msp2 gene. Human sera were tested for specific A. phagocytophilum immunoglobulin G (IgG) using a commercial immunofluorescence assay (IFA) kit. RESULTS Anaplasma spp. antibodies and A. platys DNA were detected in 21.9 and 7.5% of the dogs, respectively. Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was not amplified. Anaplasma platys DNA was significantly more frequently amplified for working dogs. No statistically significant differences in the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. antibodies or A. platys DNA detection were observed between sexes, age classes or in relation to exposure to ticks. A total of 348 Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) ticks were removed from 35 urban and working dogs. The majority of dog owners (7/10) were seroreactive to A. phagoyctophilum IgG (one sample was excluded because of hemolysis). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the occurrence of Anaplasma spp. exposure and A. platys infection in dogs, and A. phagocytophilum exposure in humans in Morocco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Elhamiani Khatat
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University, Ghent, Merelbeke Belgium
| | - Sylvie Daminet
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University, Ghent, Merelbeke Belgium
| | - Malika Kachani
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA USA
| | | | - Luc Duchateau
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University, Ghent, Merelbeke Belgium
| | | | - Mony Hing
- National Reference Laboratory for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Laboratory of Clinical Biology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rahma Azrib
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Hamid Sahibi
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
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Ait Lbacha H, Zouagui Z, Alali S, Rhalem A, Petit E, Ducrotoy MJ, Boulouis HJ, Maillard R. "Candidatus anaplasma camelii" in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Morocco: a novel and emerging anaplasma species? Infect Dis Poverty 2017; 6:1. [PMID: 28160773 PMCID: PMC5292149 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-016-0216-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There has been a growing interest in camel anaplasmosis due to its recent emergence in this reservoir species and concerns for its zoonotic potential. The epidemiology of anaplasmosis in camels therefore remains poorly understood mostly because camels belong to marginalised poor and often transhumant populations whose interests are largely neglected. Most studies of anaplasmosis in camels have relied on microscopy and serology for diagnosis and only three studies, undertaken in Tunisia, Saudia Arabia and China, have used molecular diagnostics. The present work characterises Anaplasmataceae strains circulating in the Camelus dromedarius reservoir in Morocco using PCR. Methods Camels (n = 106) were randomly sampled from 6 regions representing different agro-ecological areas in southern Morocco. Whole blood was collected and screened using PCR methods targeting the gene groEL. Anaplasmataceae strains were characterised by sequence analysis of the gene groEL. Results A total of 39.62% (42/106) camels screened were positive for Anaplasmataceae spp. GenBank BLAST analysis of five positive sequenced samples revealed that all strains were 100% identical to “Candidatus Anaplasma camelii”. Phylogenetic investigation and genetic characterisation of the aligned segment (650 bp) of the gene groEL confirmed high similarity with A. platys. Conclusion This study demonstrates the circulation of a previously unidentified species of the genus Anaplasma in Morocco which is genetically close to the agent causing canine anaplasmosis but whose main reservoir is thought to be Camelus dromedarius. Trial registration number This study is not a clinical trial and therefore a trial registration number does not apply. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-016-0216-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hicham Ait Lbacha
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco. .,Département de médecine, chirurgie et reproduction, Madinat Al Irfane, Rabat Instituts, IAV Hassan II, BP 6202, Rabat, 10101, Morocco.
| | - Zaid Zouagui
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Said Alali
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | | | | | - Marie Julie Ducrotoy
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Ceva Santé Animale, Libourne, France
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Molecular typing and diagnosis of Anaplasma spp. closely related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ruminants from Tunisia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:412-422. [PMID: 28109769 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis of animal and zoonotic diseases, such as granulocytic anaplasmosis, is crucial to estimate risk during control programs. In this study, 16S rRNA nested PCR and RFLP assay were combined to investigate the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and genetically related strains (namely A. phagocytophilum-like 1 and 2) in 936 Tunisian ruminants. By using this method, A. phagocytophilum was not detected in any of the tested animals, while A. phagocytophilum-like 1 and A. phagocytophilum-like 2 were detected at variable prevalence rates in sheep, goats and cattle at coinfection rates respectively of 3.9, 2.5 and 0.5%. Sequence analysis validated RFLP data, and confirmed the co-occurrence of two potentially novel species closely related to A. phagocytophilum in Tunisian ruminants. Phylogeny indicated the presence of genetic variants shared by different ruminant species for each type of A. phagocytophilum-like strains. Results raise concern on the use and interpretation of indirect and direct tests traditionally employed for detecting pathogenic A. phagocytophilum strains in ruminants and in other vertebrates' species, and provide additional background to improve classification of bacterial species closely related to A. phagocytophilum, and to reconstruct their evolutionary history.
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15
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Canine and ovine tick-borne pathogens in camels, Nigeria. Vet Parasitol 2016; 228:90-92. [PMID: 27692338 PMCID: PMC5061551 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
First molecular survey on tick-borne pathogens in dromedary camels from Nigeria. First detection of Anaplasma platys and Theileria ovis in camels in Africa. Results suggest camels may be carriers of Anaplasma platys in Nigeria.
In April 2008, whole blood samples were collected from 36 dromedary camels in Sokoto, North-western Nigeria. Following PCR and reverse line blotting, twenty-two samples (61%) resulted positive for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. and three (8%) for Theileria/Babesia spp., with three (8%) cases of co-infections being found. Both sequence and BLAST analyses identified Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. and Theileria/Babesia spp. positive cases as Anaplasma platys and Theileria ovis, respectively. This is the first report of the detection of A. platys and T. ovis in camels from sub-Saharan Africa. The epidemiological relevance of this finding is enhanced by the close living of these animals with both dogs and small ruminants. The high prevalence detected for A. platys suggests a possible role of camels as carriers of this infection.
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Ben Said M, Belkahia H, Alberti A, Zobba R, Bousrih M, Yahiaoui M, Daaloul-Jedidi M, Mamlouk A, Gharbi M, Messadi L. Molecular Survey of Anaplasma Species in Small Ruminants Reveals the Presence of Novel Strains Closely Related to A. phagocytophilum in Tunisia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2015; 15:580-90. [PMID: 26394065 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A survey of Anaplasma species in small ruminants is still lacking in North African countries. In this study, the presence of A. phagocytophilum, A. phagocytophilum-related species, and A. ovis was investigated in a total of 563 healthy small ruminants (303 goats and 260 sheep), from 25 randomly selected flocks sampled in Tunisia. Anaplasma spp. and A. ovis overall infection rates were 95.0% and 93.8% in sheep and 69.6% and 65.3% in goats, respectively. A. phagocytophilum was not detected in any of tested animals. A total of 20 sheep (7.7%) and 144 goats (47.5%) were infected by Anaplasma strains genetically related to A. phagocytophilum. Both in sheep and goats A. ovis prevalence was higher in adults (≥2 years) than in young (<2 years) subjects (p = 0.001 and 0.002 for goats and sheep, respectively). In sheep, A. ovis prevalence was higher in ewes with respect to rams (p = 0.010). The A. ovis infection rate was significantly lower in goats of the local breed (p = 0.049) and it was higher in goats infested by ticks than in not infested animals (p = 0.005). Genetic analysis of the msp4 gene of A. ovis indicated the presence of strains shared by Tunisian sheep and goats. Sequence analysis and phylogenetic studies on the basis of the 16S rRNA gene provided evidence for the circulation of at least two different potentially novel species genetically related to A. phagocytophilum in Tunisian small ruminants. These findings cause concern about specificity of serological tests used for detection of A. phagocytophilum in ruminants and provide additional information for elucidating pathogenesis and molecular epidemiology of A. phagocytophilum and related species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad Ben Said
- 1 Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba , Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Hanène Belkahia
- 1 Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba , Sidi Thabet, Tunisia .,2 Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage , Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Alberto Alberti
- 3 Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari , Sassari, Italy
| | - Rosanna Zobba
- 3 Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari , Sassari, Italy
| | - Maha Bousrih
- 1 Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba , Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mouna Yahiaoui
- 1 Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba , Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Monia Daaloul-Jedidi
- 1 Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba , Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Aymen Mamlouk
- 1 Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba , Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- 4 Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba , Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Lilia Messadi
- 1 Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de La Manouba , Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Ben Said M, Belkahia H, Karaoud M, Bousrih M, Yahiaoui M, Daaloul-Jedidi M, Messadi L. First molecular survey of Anaplasma bovis in small ruminants from Tunisia. Vet Microbiol 2015; 179:322-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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18
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Belkahia H, Ben Said M, Alberti A, Abdi K, Issaoui Z, Hattab D, Gharbi M, Messadi L. First molecular survey and novel genetic variants' identification of Anaplasma marginale, A. centrale and A. bovis in cattle from Tunisia. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 34:361-71. [PMID: 26117444 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Few data are available about the presence and distribution of Anaplasma species in cattle in North African countries. In this study prevalence, co-infections, risk factors and genetic diversity of Anaplasma species were evaluated in bovines from Northern Tunisia. A total of 232 cattle from 36 randomly selected farms in three Tunisian localities were investigated for the presence of Anaplasma species in blood by Real-time PCR and/or nested PCR. Overall infection rates of Anaplasma spp., Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale and Anaplasma bovis were 34.9%, 25.4%, 15.1%, and 3.9%, respectively. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was not detected in cattle. The most common co-infection pattern was an association of A. marginale and A. centrale (11.2%). Five cattle (2.1%) all reared in the sub-humid bioclimatic area, were co-infected by the three Anaplasma species. Molecular prevalence of Anaplasma infection varied significantly according to locality, bioclimatic area, tick infestation and type of breeding. Animals of the Holstein breed were less infected by A. marginale and A. centrale than other breeds. Genetic analysis of A. marginale msp4 gene indicated a high sequence diversity of Tunisian strains, suggesting a multiple introduction of infected cattle from different origins. Phylogenetic studies based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that the most prevalent A. centrale strains were closely related to the A. centrale vaccine strain. Moreover, all A. bovis variants clustered with other A. bovis sequences obtained from domestic and wild ruminant strains. This is the first molecular investigation on Anaplasma species in Tunisian cattle providing pivotal background for designing epidemiological studies and to develop control strategies in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanène Belkahia
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Université de La Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia; Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, 7021 Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Université de La Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Alberto Alberti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Khaoula Abdi
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie et Valorisation des Bio-Géo Ressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Sidi Thabet, Université de La Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Zakia Issaoui
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Université de La Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Dorra Hattab
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Université de La Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Université de La Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Lilia Messadi
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Université de La Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
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Li Y, Yang J, Chen Z, Qin G, Li Y, Li Q, Liu J, Liu Z, Guan G, Yin H, Luo J, Zhang L. Anaplasma infection of Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) and ticks in Xinjiang, China. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:313. [PMID: 26055661 PMCID: PMC4464610 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0931-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, anaplasmosis has been reported to be a subclinical disease in Indian and Arabian one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) and llamas (Lama glama). However, no information on Anaplasma infection in two-humped Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) in China has been published to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in domestic Bactrian camels and ticks in Xinjiang, China. Findings A total of 382 ticks were collected from the Bactrian camels and from environmental sources. Of these, 84 were morphologically identified as belonging to the Rhipicephalus sanguineus group and genetically identified (12S rDNA, 16S rDNA and the cytochrome c oxidase 1 genes) as R. sanguineus group ticks (temporally designated as Rhipicephalus sp. Xinjiang). PCR testing showed that 7.2 % (20/279) of the camels harbored Anaplasma platys DNA. However, microscopic examination revealed no A. platys inclusions in blood smears from the camels. The PCR prevalence of A. platys DNA was 9.5 % (6/63) in Rhipicephalus sp. Xinjiang from the Bactrian camels and 14.3 % (3/21) in Rhipicephalus sp. Xinjiang from the vegetation. A. platys DNA was not detected by PCR in other tick species (Hyalomma asiaticum, Dermacentor niveus and Hyalomma dromedarii), and no other Anaplasma species were detected in these samples. Conclusions This is the first report of A. platys in Bactrian camels in Xinjiang, China. The moderate positivity observed indicates that these animals might be a natural host for this pathogen in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youquan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China.
| | - Jifei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China.
| | - Ze Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China.
| | - Gege Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China.
| | - Yaqiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China.
| | - Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China.
| | - Junlong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China.
| | - Zhijie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China.
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China.
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China.
| | - Jianxun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China.
| | - Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China.
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Bastos ADS, Mohammed OB, Bennett NC, Petevinos C, Alagaili AN. Molecular detection of novel Anaplasmataceae closely related to Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius). Vet Microbiol 2015; 179:310-4. [PMID: 26096752 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Serological surveys have confirmed Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections in dromedary camels, but molecular surveys and genetic characterisation of camel-associated Anaplasma species are lacking. In this study, we detected tick-borne Anaplasmataceae in 30 of 100 (30%) healthy dromedary camels screened using a combined 16S rRNA-groEL PCR-sequencing approach. Nucleotide sequencing confirmed Anaplasmataceae genome presence in 28 of the 33 16S rRNA PCR-positive samples, with two additional positive samples, for which 16S rRNA sequence data were ambiguous, being identified by groEL gene characterisation. Phylogenetic analyses of a 1289 nt segment of the 16S rRNA gene confirmed the presence of a unique Ehrlichia lineage and a discrete Anaplasma lineage, comprising three variants, occurring at an overall prevalence of 4% and 26%, respectively. Genetic characterisation of an aligned 559 nt groEL gene region revealed the camel-associated Anaplasma and Ehrlichia lineages to be novel and most closely related to Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis. Based on the confirmed monophyly, minimum pairwise genetic distances between each novel lineage and its closest sister taxon, and the inability to isolate the bacteria, we propose that Candidatus status be assigned to each. This first genetic characterisation of Anaplasmataceae from naturally infected, asymptomatic dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia confirms the presence of two novel lineages that are phylogenetically linked to two pathogenic canid species of increasing zoonotic concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armanda D S Bastos
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Osama B Mohammed
- KSU Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nigel C Bennett
- KSU Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; NRF-DST SARChI Chair of Mammal Behavioural Ecology & Physiology, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Charalambos Petevinos
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Abdulaziz N Alagaili
- KSU Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Ait Lbacha H, Alali S, Zouagui Z, El Mamoun L, Rhalem A, Petit E, Haddad N, Gandoin C, Boulouis HJ, Maillard R. High Prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in Small Ruminants in Morocco. Transbound Emerg Dis 2015; 64:250-263. [PMID: 25916245 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of infection by Anaplasma spp. (including Anaplasma phagocytophilum) was determined using blood smear microscopy and PCR through screening of small ruminant blood samples collected from seven regions of Morocco. Co-infections of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp, Theileria spp. and Mycoplasma spp. were investigated and risk factors for Anaplasma spp. infection assessed. A total of 422 small ruminant blood samples were randomly collected from 70 flocks. Individual animal (breed, age, tick burden and previous treatment) and flock data (GPS coordinate of farm, size of flock and livestock production system) were collected. Upon examination of blood smears, 375 blood samples (88.9%) were found to contain Anaplasma-like erythrocytic inclusion bodies. Upon screening with a large spectrum PCR targeting the Anaplasma 16S rRNA region, 303 (71%) samples were found to be positive. All 303 samples screened with the A. phagocytophilum-specific PCR, which targets the msp2 region, were found to be negative. Differences in prevalence were found to be statistically significant with regard to region, altitude, flock size, livestock production system, grazing system, presence of clinical cases and application of tick and tick-borne diseases prophylactic measures. Kappa analysis revealed a poor concordance between microscopy and PCR (k = 0.14). Agreement with PCR is improved by considering microscopy and packed cell volume (PCV) in parallel. The prevalence of double infections was found to be 1.7, 2.5 and 24% for Anaplasma-Babesia, Anaplasma-Mycoplasma and Anaplasma-Theileria, respectively. Co-infection with three or more haemoparasites was found in 1.6% of animals examined. In conclusion, we demonstrate the high burden of anaplasmosis in small ruminants in Morocco and the high prevalence of co-infections of tick-borne diseases. There is an urgent need to improve the control of this neglected group of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ait Lbacha
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | - S Alali
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Z Zouagui
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | - L El Mamoun
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | - A Rhalem
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | - E Petit
- Anses, ENVA, INRA, BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - N Haddad
- Anses, ENVA, INRA, BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - C Gandoin
- Anses, ENVA, INRA, BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - H-J Boulouis
- Anses, ENVA, INRA, BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - R Maillard
- Anses, ENVA, INRA, BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France.,INP-ENVT, Toulouse, France
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