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Valente D, Dutra AP, Carolino N, Gomes J, Coelho AC, Espadinha P, Pais J, Carolino I. Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Theileria annulata Infection in Two Bovine Portuguese Autochthonous Breeds. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050669. [PMID: 37242339 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropical Bovine Theileriosis is an important tick-borne disease. This study aims to assess the occurrence of Theileria annulata infection in two indigenous Portuguese cattle breeds. A total of 843 blood samples collected from animals of Alentejana (n = 420) and Mertolenga (n = 423) breeds were analyzed. The detection of Theileria annulata was determined by amplification of a fragment of the merozoite-pyroplasm surface antigen gene with 319 base pairs (bp). The prevalence found (10.8%) is lower than that reported in previous studies (21.3%). A statistically significant difference was found for positivity between breeds (p < 0.05). There is also a higher probability of older animals being positive compared to younger ones (p < 0.05). The region where Mertolenga animals are located is shown to have a significant impact on positivity (p < 0.05). Thus, the development of sustainable T. annulata control strategies and their implementation, adapted to the epidemiological conditions of higher risk, will be extremely important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Valente
- CIVG-Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG-Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Animal and Veterinary Research Center, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Dutra
- Unidade Estratégica de Investigação e Serviços-Produção e Saúde Animal (UEIS-PSA), Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Av. Da República, Quinta do Marquês (edifício sede), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Nuno Carolino
- CIVG-Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG-Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Polo de Inovação da Fonte Boa-Estação Zootécnica Nacional, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, 2005-424 Santarém, Portugal
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Escola Superior Agrária de Elvas, Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre, 7350-092 Elvas, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Animal and Veterinary Research Center, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Espadinha
- Associação de Criadores de Bovinos da Raça Alentejana, Herdade da Coutada Real-Assumar, 7450-051 Assumar, Portugal
| | - José Pais
- Associação de Criadores de Bovinos Mertolengos, 7006-806 Évora, Portugal
| | - Inês Carolino
- CIVG-Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG-Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Polo de Inovação da Fonte Boa-Estação Zootécnica Nacional, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, 2005-424 Santarém, Portugal
- ISA-Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
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2
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Valente D, Gomes J, Coelho AC, Carolino I. Genetic Resistance of Bovines to Theileriosis. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2903. [PMID: 36359026 PMCID: PMC9657666 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by ticks have a high impact on the health, welfare, and productivity of livestock species. They are also an important cause of economic losses in farms worldwide. An example of such diseases is theileriosis, which can be controlled by drugs or vaccines, although these are not fully efficient. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative and more sustainable and efficient complementary strategies. These may involve the identification and selection of animals more resistant to the disease. Several previous studies have identified significant differences in resistance between different breeds, with resistant breeds typically identified as those native to the region where they are being studied, and susceptible as those from exotic breeds. These studies have indicated that resistance traits are intrinsically related to the modulation of the immune response to infection. This review aims to systematize the general knowledge about theileriosis, emphasize resistance to this disease as a sustainable control strategy, and identify which traits of resistance to the disease are already known in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Valente
- CIVG—Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG—Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- Escola Superior Agrária de Elvas, Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre, 7350-092 Elvas, Portugal
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Carolino
- CIVG—Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG—Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Polo de Inovação da Fonte Boa—Estação Zootécnica Nacional, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, 2005-424 Santarém, Portugal
- ISA—Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
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3
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Athanasiou LV, Katsogiannou EG, Tsokana CN, Boutsini SG, Bisia MG, Papatsiros VG. Wild Rabbit Exposure to Leishmania infantum, Toxoplasma gondii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia caballi Evidenced by Serum and Aqueous Humor Antibody Detection. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122616. [PMID: 34946216 PMCID: PMC8706172 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) can be important sentinel species for the presence of zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, we collected blood samples from wild rabbits harvested by hunters during the hunting season 2019–2020 on the island of Lemnos, to determine exposure of wild rabbits to the zoonotic pathogens Leishmania infantum, Toxoplasma gondii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia caballi, as well as aqueous humor to assess its diagnostic performance in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios. Antibodies against these pathogens were detected by Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody (IFA) assay. Out of the 72 wild rabbits included in the study, 4.2%, 5.5%, 18% and 9.7% were seropositive to L. infantum, T. gondii, A. phagocytophilum and B. caballi, respectively. Although less frequently, antibodies were also detected in aqueous humor of wild rabbits. The antibody detection in aqueous humor presented 100% specificity but decreased sensitivity compared to serum suggesting that aqueous humor could be successfully used in epidemiological studies to confirm exposure at the population level but has little diagnostic value at the individual level. This is the first report on the seropositivity of wild rabbits to A. phagocytophilum and B. caballi and the detection of antibodies against A. phagocytopylum, L. infantum, T. gondii and B. caballi in the aqueous humor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Labrini V. Athanasiou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-244-106-6009; Fax: +30-244-106-6053
| | - Eleni G. Katsogiannou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
| | - Constantina N. Tsokana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
| | - Sofia G. Boutsini
- Veterinary Centre of Athens, General Directorate of Veterinary Services, Parasitology—Parasitic Diseases, Entomology and Bee Health Department, 15341 Athens, Greece;
| | - Marina G. Bisia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
| | - Vasileios G. Papatsiros
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (C.N.T.); (M.G.B.); (V.G.P.)
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Efstratiou A, Karanis G, Karanis P. Tick-Borne Pathogens and Diseases in Greece. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081732. [PMID: 34442811 PMCID: PMC8399993 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are recognized as a serious and growing public health epidemic in Europe, and are a cause of major losses in livestock production worldwide. This review is an attempt to present a summary of results from studies conducted over the last century until the end of the year 2020 regarding ticks, tick-borne pathogens, and tick-borne diseases in Greece. We provide an overview of the tick species found in Greece, as well as the most important tick-borne pathogens (viruses, bacteria, protozoa) and corresponding diseases in circulation. We also consider prevalence data, as well as geographic and climatic conditions. Knowledge of past and current situations of TBDs, as well as an awareness of (risk) factors affecting future developments will help to find approaches to integrated tick management as part of the ‘One Health Concept’; it will assist in avoiding the possibility of hotspot disease emergencies and intra- and intercontinental transmission. Increased surveillance in Greece is required to ensure clear and effective policies for TBD control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artemis Efstratiou
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan;
| | - Gabriele Karanis
- Orthopädische Rehabilitationsklinik, Eisenmoorbad Bad Schmiedeberg Kur GmbH, 06905 Bad Schmiedeberg, Germany;
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, The University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi. P.O. Box 24005, Nicosia CY-1700, Cyprus
- Correspondence:
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5
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Karshima SN, Karshima MN, Ahmed MI. Animal reservoirs of zoonotic Babesia species: A global systematic review and meta-analysis of their prevalence, distribution and species diversity. Vet Parasitol 2021; 298:109539. [PMID: 34375806 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic babesiosis caused by Babesia divergens, B. microti and B. venatorum is a vector-borne protozoan zoonosis of increasing public health importance worldwide. A complex system of animal reservoirs including a wide range of mammals and a limited number of birds play a central role in maintaining the infection. Governed by the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the global prevalence, distribution and the diversity of zoonotic Babesia species in animal reservoirs. We pooled data using the random-effects model and determined quality of individual studies, heterogeneity and across study bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal instrument for prevalence studies, Cochran's Q-test and Egger's regression test respectively. Seventy nine studies from 29 countries reported a total 9311 positive cases of zoonotic Babesia infections from 46,649 animal reservoirs, yielding an overall estimated prevalence of 12.45% (95% CI: 10.09-15.27). Continental prevalence ranged between 8.55 (95% CI: 1.90-31.11) in Africa and 27.81% (95% CI: 21.25-35.48) in North America. Estimated prevalence in relation to country income levels, methods of diagnosis, study periods, sample sizes and reservoir categories ranged between 4.97 (95% CI: 1.80-13.00) and 30.12% (95% CI: 22.49-39.04). B. divergens was the most prevalent (12.50%, 95% CI: 8.30-18.39) of the 3 species of zoonotic Babesia reported in animal reservoirs. Zoonotic Babesia infections are prevalent in animal reservoirs across the world with the highest prevalence in North America and domestic animals. B. microti had the widest geographic distribution. We recommend tick control as well as strategic and prophylactic treatment against these parasites in animal reservoirs to curtail the economic losses associated with zoonotic Babesia species and possible transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Ngutor Karshima
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Jos, PMB 2084, Jos, Nigeria.
| | - Magdalene Nguvan Karshima
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, PMB 2076, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
| | - Musa Isiyaka Ahmed
- Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, PMB 28, Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria.
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Stevanović O, Jurković D, Polkinghorne A, Ćeleš A, Ilić T, Dimitrijević S, Nedić D, Beck R. Molecular detection of Babesia divergens and Mycoplasma wenyonii infection in cattle from Bosnia And Herzegovina. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1423-1427. [PMID: 32107621 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06630-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We report two cases of bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia divergens in a region of central Bosnia and Herzegovina. The cases were detected in June 2017 and July 2018 from two small backyard farms. Routine clinical assessments, including physical examination and haematology, revealed lethargy, fever, anaemia, leukopenia and haemoglobinuria in the affected animals. Serum alterations included an elevation of aspartate aminotransferase and a decrease of serum phosphate or hypophosphatemia. Thrombocytopenia was detected in the first clinical case. Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed intracytoplasmic protozoan parasites from the genus Babesia. Molecular screening of both animals confirmed the presence of Babesia divergens, the causative agent of bovine babesiosis. B. divergens DNA was also detected in two engorged female Ixodes ricinus ticks removed from these animals. In addition, Mycoplasma wenyonii DNA was identified by molecular screening in the animal examined in June 2017, and in I. ricinus ticks feeding on this animal. This study provides molecular confirmation of B. divergens as a cause of piroplasmosis in cattle in South-East Europe. The detection of M. wenyonii DNA ain I. ricinus also provides the first evidence of this bacterium in ticks in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Stevanović
- Veterinary ambulance "BL VET", Stepe Stepanovića 173, 78 000, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Daria Jurković
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Republic of Croatia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Nepean Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Amna Ćeleš
- Veterinary ambulance Knezevo, Rajka Dukića bb, 78230, Knezevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Tamara Ilić
- Department for Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11 000, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - Sanda Dimitrijević
- Department for Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11 000, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - Drago Nedić
- Public Veterinary Institute of the Republika Srpska "Dr. Vaso Butozan" Banja Luka, Branka Radičevića 18, 78000, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Republic of Croatia.
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Hector E, Elelu N, Ferrolho J, Couto J, Sanches G, Antunes S, Domingos A, Eisler M. PCR detection of Ehrlichia ruminantium and Babesia bigemina in cattle from Kwara State, Nigeria: unexpected absence of infection. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1025-1029. [PMID: 30656410 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06204-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) continue to pose an insidious and ever-present threat to livestock and livelihoods across the globe. Two of the most significant TBDs of cattle in Africa are heartwater and babesioisis, caused by Ehrlichia ruminantium and Babesia bigemina respectively. Both pathogens are endemic in Nigeria. However, to date, little data has been published regarding the number of cattle infected. In this study, blood samples were collected from cattle of the Kwara State, north-central Nigeria. Probe-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) and semi-nested PCR were used to investigate the presence of both pathogens, respectively. Our study found all samples (n = 157) to be surprisingly negative for both B. bigemina and E. ruminantium. These results contribute new information on the current burden of these two pathogens in Kwara State and may be helpful in informing more effective targeting of control strategies in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elkie Hector
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK.
| | - Nusirat Elelu
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Joana Ferrolho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine-Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Rua de Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Couto
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine-Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Rua de Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gustavo Sanches
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine-Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Rua de Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sandra Antunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine-Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Rua de Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Domingos
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine-Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Rua de Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mark Eisler
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK
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Tick infestation and occurrence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and piroplasms in cattle in the Republic of Serbia. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:1813-1818. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5867-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Detection and phylogenetic characterization of Theileria spp. and Anaplasma marginale in Rhipicephalus bursa in Portugal. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:443-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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10
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Aparna M, Ravindran R, Vimalkumar MB, Lakshmanan B, Rameshkumar P, Kumar KGA, Promod K, Ajithkumar S, Ravishankar C, Devada K, Subramanian H, George AJ, Ghosh S. Molecular characterization of Theileria orientalis causing fatal infection in crossbred adult bovines of South India. Parasitol Int 2011; 60:524-9. [PMID: 21871972 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Revised: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The disease condition attributed to have been caused by Theileria orientalis is generally benign. However, it is also thought that the parasite, at least some strains of it, can cause fatal disease. The present communication deals with the clinical signs, postmortem lesions and diagnosis of a fatal disease due to T. orientalis which caused mortality in crossbred adult bovines of South India. High body temperature, lacrimation, nasal discharge, swollen lymph nodes and haemoglobinuria were the symptoms observed. The postmortem lesions observed were punched out ulcers in abomasum, enlargement of spleen, massive pulmonary oedema, frothy exudates in trachea, epicardial and endocardial haemorrhage and haemorrhagic duodenitis. Peripheral blood smear examination revealed rod shaped Theileria sp. organisms. Polymerase chain reaction that amplify the T. orientalis specific P(32/33) gene, followed by cloning and sequencing, revealed maximum homology with Narathiwat (Thailand) and Jingole -1 (Indonesia) isolates which were positioned as isolate type 7 of T. orientalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aparna
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, India
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Awad H, Antunes S, Galindo RC, do Rosário VE, de la Fuente J, Domingos A, El Hussein AM. Prevalence and genetic diversity of Babesia and Anaplasma species in cattle in Sudan. Vet Parasitol 2011; 181:146-52. [PMID: 21612870 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Revised: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Disease prevalence studies are one of the most valuable tools to demonstrate the risk or impact of certain infections in local and global economies. The data obtained in these studies contribute to develop strategies for disease control. The present study aims to provide information about the prevalence of babesiosis and anaplasmosis in the northern regions of Sudan. Blood samples from four different states of Sudan were collected from apparently healthy cattle (n=692), DNA was extracted and the prevalence of Babesia and Anaplasma species was analyzed by PCR. The results confirmed the presence of Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis and Anaplasma marginale in cattle in northern Sudan with overall prevalence rates of 4.0%, 1.9% and 6.1%, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that the prevalence of B. bigemina, B. bovis and A. marginale varies significantly between Sudanese states as well as in different age groups, while gender seems not to have a significant effect on the prevalence of these pathogens among Sudanese cattle. The highest prevalence for B. bigemina was found in the Aljazirah State while the highest number of A. marginale positive samples was reported in River Nile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoyam Awad
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratories, Al Amarat, P.O. Box 8067, Khartoum, Sudan
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12
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Hilpertshauser H, Deplazes P, Meli ML, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Lutz H, Mathis A. Genotyping of Babesia bigemina from cattle from a non-endemic area (Switzerland). Vet Parasitol 2007; 145:59-64. [PMID: 17208377 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2006] [Revised: 11/30/2006] [Accepted: 12/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In August 2002, bovine anaplasmosis and concurrent infections with Mycoplasma sp. and piroplasms were reported in a cattle herd in an alpine region of Switzerland. The piroplasms were identified by PCR/sequencing of part of the 18S rRNA gene as Babesia bigemina and Theileria of the buffeli/sergenti/orientalis-complex, which have never been diagnosed in Switzerland before. The B. bigemina isolate was genetically characterised at two loci and compared with isolates from Italy, Spain, Turkey, Kenya and Mexico. Analysis of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of the rRNA genes revealed high polymorphism not only among the isolates but even within the isolates, and the presence of two types of the ITS2 in every isolate was confirmed. A dendrogram based on ITS2 sequences showed that the Swiss isolate was most closely related to a Spanish isolate but no sequences of the isolate from Switzerland were identical to any of the other isolates. The isolate from Italy was not positioned in the same cluster as the Swiss and the Spanish isolate. This had been anticipated as the nearest known endemic area of B. bigemina in Central Italy. Sequence analysis of the rhoptry-associated protein-1c gene (rap1c) confirmed the similarity of the Swiss and Spanish isolate. Hence, our molecular analyses of the Swiss B. bigemina isolate did not unequivocally track its geographical origin and the way of introduction remains obscure.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Hilpertshauser
- Institute of Parasitology, Medical and Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstr 266a, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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García-Sanmartín J, Nagore D, García-Pérez AL, Juste RA, Hurtado A. Molecular diagnosis of Theileria and Babesia species infecting cattle in Northern Spain using reverse line blot macroarrays. BMC Vet Res 2006; 2:16. [PMID: 16684356 PMCID: PMC1482696 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-2-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2006] [Accepted: 05/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Piroplasmosis in cattle is caused by tick-borne haemoprotozoan parasites of the genera Theileria and Babesia. Molecular detection techniques offer higher sensitivity and specificity than microscopy examination methods and serological tests. A reverse line blot (RLB) macroarray that included generic and species-specific probes for Theileria annulata, Theileria buffeli, Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Babesia divergens and Babesia major was used to study the presence and identity of the piroplasm species infecting 263 bovine blood samples from 79 farms, most of them in Northern Spain. Microscopy examination of blood smears and haematology were also performed whenever possible to identify animals with parasitaemia. Results RLB hybridisation identified infection in 54.0% of the samples, whereas only 28.8% were positive by microscopy examination. The most frequently found species was T. buffeli, present in 42.6% of the samples. T. annulata was found in 22 samples (8.4%) from 12 farms, including 9 farms (14 samples) located in Northern Spain where presence of the vector is not very common. Babesia infections were less frequently detected: B. major was found in 3.0% of the samples, B. bigemina in 2.7%, B. bovis in 2.3% and B. divergens in 1.1%. Mixed infections were detected in 14 samples, accounting for six different combinations of species. Conclusion This is the first report in which B. major and B. divergens have been detected in Spain using molecular identification techniques and the first time that B. bovis has been detected in Northern Spain. The detection of T. annulata in Northern Spain suggests that the distribution of Mediterranean theileriosis might be changing. Samples with positive RLB hybridisation but negative microscopy had haematology values within the normal ranges suggesting that they corresponded to chronic carriers that may serve as reservoirs of the infection. In this sense, sensitive and specific laboratorial tests like RLB that clearly identify the parasite and can detect subclinical infections are essential to establish good control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josune García-Sanmartín
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER – Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Berreaga 1, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Daniel Nagore
- Proteomika, S.L., Parque Tecnologico de Zamudio, Edif. 801, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana L García-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER – Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Berreaga 1, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ramón A Juste
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER – Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Berreaga 1, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana Hurtado
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER – Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Berreaga 1, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
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Almeria S, Castellà J, Ferrer D, Ortuño A, Estrada-Peña A, Gutiérrez JF. Bovine piroplasms in Minorca (Balearic Islands, Spain): a comparison of PCR-based and light microscopy detection. Vet Parasitol 2001; 99:249-59. [PMID: 11502372 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(01)00464-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study provides the first epidemiological data regarding infection by Theileria and Babesia piroplasms in cattle in Minorca. More than 94% of the studied animals were positive for the presence of Theileria sp., and of those, 41.3% were positive for the presence of Theileria annulata. These results indicate that the prevalence of Mediterranean theileriosis caused by T. annulata is very high in Minorcan dairy farms and that other Theileria sp. are also present in the area. The prevalence of infection was similar throughout the study indicating an endemic situation in this island. The use of PCR resulted in significantly higher efficacy of detection of Theileria sp. compared to microscopical observation (MO) of blood smears and allowed the specific discrimination between pathogenic and non-pathogenic theilerias which cannot be accomplished by traditional diagnosis by MO. Babesia infection in the area was mainly due to Babesia bigemina (6.0% of the studied animals were infected), while one animal (0.75%) was found to be infected by Babesia bovis. It was observed that 31% of animals infected with B. bigemina had a concurrent infection of T. annulata. PCR also resulted in a significantly higher efficacy of detection of Babesia sp. compared to MO when infection levels were higher, towards the end of the study period. The results clearly demonstrate that parasitic infection by piroplasms, especially Theileria sp. is common and endemic in the island of Minorca and that PCR is the optimal approach for the detection and discrimination of these important parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Almeria
- Parasitology, Faculty Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Ceci L, Kirvar E, Carelli G, Brown D, Sasanelli M, Sparagano O. Evidence of Theileria buffeli infection in cattle in southern Italy. Vet Rec 1997; 140:581-3. [PMID: 9194301 DOI: 10.1136/vr.140.22.581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L Ceci
- Universita degli studi di Bari, Facolta di Medicina Veterinaria, Istituto di Clinica Medica Veterinaria, Valenzano, Italy
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