Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Equine piroplasmosis in North Egypt

Equine Trypanosomiasis: Molecular Detection, Hematological, and Oxidative Stress Profiling

Surra caused by Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) is widely distributed and has significant impact on equine sector and international trades. However, there are no available data about the genetic characterization of this parasite in horses in Egypt. So, the goal of this study was to study the molecular characterization of T. evansi in horses and determine the changes in hematological parameters and oxidative stress associated with T. evansi infection. A total of 12 horses were examined using PCR targeting RoTat 1.2 VSG gene, and we evaluated the changes in hematological and oxidative stress between infected and healthy animals. The results revealed a notable reduction in red blood cell (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the infected horses, as compared to the control healthy group. In contrast, the infected group showed a substantial increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). In addition, the infected group exhibited monocytopenia, eosinopenia, and notable lymphocytopenia. Regarding oxidative stress profile, the infected horses showed decreased levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to the control group. Moreover, the PCR assay targeting RoTat 1.2 VSG gene revealed positive specific band (205 bp) in all examined samples for T. evansi and the phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that strain of this study is closely related to T. evansi isolate in horses from India (MT501210) while showed difference from sequences of other species. The results emphasize the changes in blood composition and the body's response to oxidative stress caused by T. evansi infection in horses.

Molecular detection of tick-borne piroplasmids in camel blood samples collected from Cairo and Giza governorates, Egypt

Piroplasmosis, a tick-borne disease affecting livestock, including camels, is caused by intracellular apicomplexan parasites belonging to the order Piroplasmida. Despite its importance, there's limited research on piroplasmosis among Egyptian camels. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating tick-borne piroplasmids in camels from Cairo and Giza Governorates. Out of 181 blood samples collected between October 2021 and March 2022 from apparently healthy one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius), PCR assays revealed a 41.4 % infection rate with various piroplasmids. Detected species included B. bovis (17.7 %), B. bigemina (12.2 %), B. caballi (8.3 %), B. naoakii (11.6 %), B. microti (1.7 %), T. equi (4.4 %), and Theileria spp. (28.7 %). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the first detection of T. equi genotype E in Egypt and identified a novel B. caballi genotype. Additionally, B. microti isolates were identified as the US-type. These findings shed lights on piroplasmosis among Egyptian camels, and provide valuable information for devising effective control strategies, especially B. microti, a pathogen with potential human health risks.

Molecular detection of piroplasms in domestic donkeys in Xinjiang, China

BACKGROUND

Piroplasmosis is a common and prevalent tick-borne disease that affects equids.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the infection and molecular characteristics of the piroplasms in donkeys from Xinjiang, northwestern China, we undertook a cross sectional study by collecting representative samples across several counties within the region.

METHODS

A total of 344 blood samples were collected from adult domestic donkeys from 13 counties in Xinjiang. PCR was conducted to test for T. equi and B. caballi in the blood samples based on the equine merozoite antigen-1 (Ema-1) gene and the 48 kDa rhoptry protein (BC48) gene, respectively.

RESULTS

Sixteen blood samples tested positive for piroplasms and the overall infection rate was 4.7% (16/344). Seven of the 13 counties were positive for piroplasms. Among the 16 piroplasm-positive samples, 15 were singly infected with T. equi with an infection rate of 4.4% (15/344), and coinfection with T. equi and B. caballi was detected in one sample (0.3%, 1/344) from Wushi. Four T. equi sequence genotypes were identified and grouped into different branches of the evolutionary trees.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the infection rate of piroplasms is low in domestic donkeys in southern Xinjiang and that T. equi genotypes have a regional distribution.

Detection of tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus bursa ticks collected from the autochthonous Garrano breed of horses in Portugal

The Garrano is a semi-feral horse breed native to several mountains in the northern Iberian Peninsula. Despite being endangered, this unique breed of pony has managed to survive in the wild and continues to be selectively bred, highlighting their remarkable resilience and adaptability to harsh environments. Wildlife plays a critical role in the survival of tick vectors in their natural habitats and the transfer of tick-borne pathogens, as they can serve as reservoir hosts for many agents and amplifiers for these vectors. The semi-feral lifestyle of the Garrano horses makes them particularly vulnerable to exposure to numerous tick species throughout the year. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Theileria, and spotted fever rickettsiae in the Garrano horse ticks to obtain a knowledge of circulating agents in this host population. The collected ticks (n = 455) were identified as Rhipicephalus bursa. DNA specimens were organized in pools of 5 ticks, for molecular screening. Pools PCR results confirmed the presence of Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae (n = 12 for the ompB gene, n = 11 for the ompA gene and n = 6 for the gltA gene), Babesia bigemina (n = 1), Babesia caballi (n = 3), Theileria equi (n = 15) and Theileria haneyi (n = 1).These results confirm the circulation of an emerging rickettsial spotted fever group member, Candidatus R. barbariae, in R. bursa ticks. Our findings demonstrated that Candidatus R. barbariae co-circulates with B. bigemina and T. equi, which are vectored by R. bursa. We are reporting for the first time, the detection of T. haneyi among R. bursa ticks feeding in the Garrano horses in Portugal. Surveillance studies for tick-borne infections are essential to provide information that can facilitate the implementation of preventive and control strategies.

Impact of Equine and Camel Piroplasmosis in Egypt: How Much Do We Know about the Current Situation?

Piroplasmosis is a global tick-borne disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites, which causes high morbidity and substantial economic losses in farm animals. Equine and camel piroplasmosis causes significant losses worldwide and in Egypt. The multifactorial effects and overall impact of equine and camel piroplasmosis in Egypt remain poorly characterized. However, several Babesia and Theileria spp. as well as potential tick vectors affecting these two species have been identified in the country. Equine and camel piroplasmosis has been reported by all governates in the country. Thus, in this work, we intend to provide a broad depiction of the current approaches used for diagnosis and control and the impact of piroplasmosis on the equine and camel industries in Egypt. We also identified current gaps in knowledge that might help develop future research efforts towards improved intervention and control of equine and camel piroplasmosis. It is important to develop specific diagnostic tools suitable for the early and chronic diagnosis of this disease. Altogether, the current situation warrants the development of large-scale epidemiological studies in order to obtain an accurate estimate for equine and camel piroplasmosis to secure the highly needed food resources in the country.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection and associated risk factors in calves in Egypt

Cryptosporidium is one of the causative parasitic agents that causes gastrointestinal diseases in calves. The parasite poses a zoonotic risk to immunocompromised individuals and children. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in calves in three Egyptian governorates situated in Nile Delta and assess the associated risk factors. The Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 81 out of 430 calves (18.84%). In addition, the univariant analysis showed that age, feeding source, hygienic status, presence of diarrhea and contact with other animals were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with Cryptosporidium prevalence in calves. Furthermore, the risk factors related with Cryptosporidium prevalence were age (OR 1.96, 95%CI 0.97-3.94), feeding on milk and pasture (OR 2.07, 95%CI 1.15-3.72), poor hygienic condition (OR 2.25, 95%CI 1.28-3.94), presence of diarrhea (OR 2.47, 95%CI 1.23-4.96) and contact with other domestic animals (OR 2.08, 95%CI 1.24-3.50). In addition, the PCR assay targeting 18srRNA showed that the most prevalent species among calves was C. parvum. Although additional researches are required to understand the most effective steps that farmers and veterinary professionals should take to decrease the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Egypt

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii and affecting all warm-blooded animals. The available data about the epidemiological situation of T. gondii in water buffaloes in Egypt are scarce. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in water buffaloes in three Egyptian governorates and to evaluate the associated risk factors for the infection. A total of 430 sera samples were examined using commercial Indirect ELISA Multi-species kit. The overall seroprevalence rate of T. gondii in examined water buffaloes was 7.4 %, and the highest rate (9.3 %) was found in Kafr ElSheikh governorate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that adult buffalo (OR = 7.10; 95 % CI: 0.87-57.68; P = 0.067) and small herds (OR = 8.42; 95 % CI: 1.07-66.02; P = 0.043) were more likely than young buffalo and large herds to become infected with T. gondii. Moreover, the risk of buffaloes contracting T. gondii infection was higher in winter and especially among animals contacted with cats. It is necessary to identify risk factors in order to determine what mitigation, control, and prevention strategies to implement in order to reduce, control, and prevent T. gondii infection in domestic animals, which will in turn reduce human infection with the disease.

Molecular prevalence and associated risk factors of Theileria annulata infections in dromedary camels in Egypt

Theileria annulata (T. annulata) is an intracellular protozoan, transmitted by ixodid ticks of the genus Hyalomma and affects camels. There are few epidemiological data on T. annulata infection and its associated risk factors in Egyptian camels. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. annulata in camels using PCR and assess the associated risk factors for infection. A total of 380 blood samples were collected from camels raising in three Egyptian governorates and examined by PCR assay targeting 30-kDa gene to detect the presence of T. annulata infection, beside statistical analysis of associated factors. The results revealed presence of T. annulata with overall prevalence of 21.1%. In addition, the univariate analysis revealed significant (P<0.05) association between prevalence of T. annulata in camels and locality, age, sex, tick infestation, and application of acaricides. Whereas the prevalence of T. annulata was higher in camels of age group >6 to 10 years (38%), females (25.7%) and in infested camels with ticks (29%) and in case of absence of acaricides application (25%). In contrast, the body condition of camels had not significant effect on prevalence of theileriosis in camels. The current study concluded that T. annulata is prevalent in Egyptian camels and that a tick control program is required to reduce the risk of infection.

Neospora caninum infection in dairy cattle in Egypt: a serosurvey and associated risk factors

Neospora caninum (N. caninum) is one of the causative agents that causing cattle abortion, and severe economic losses. Due to the scarcity of data on N. caninum infection in Egyptian cattle, the purpose of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence and determine the risk factors for parasite infection. In four governorates in northern Egypt, 540 blood samples from cattle were taken, and tested using a commercial ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum in examined cattle was 28.89%. A multivariate logistic regression model determined that age (OR = 2.63, P < 0.001), manual milking (OR = 1.39, P = 0.14), abortion history (OR = 2.78, P < 0.0001), repetition of estrus (OR = 2.31, P < 0.0001), and contact with dogs (OR = 2.57, P < 0.0001) were significant risk factors. The findings proved that N. caninum infection was one of the factors contributing to abortion and financial losses in dairy cattle in Egypt. Therefore, the application of sanitary security and control programs is very important in dairy farms.

Comparison of Seroprevalence and Identification of Risk Factors for Theileria equi in Horses From Vector-Free and Infested Areas in Southern Brazil

The apicomplexan hemoprotozoan Theileria equi is a tick-borne pathogen that causes disease in equids, and together with Babesia caballi, causes equine piroplasmosis (EP). Many ticks are associated with EP around the world, and in South America three species may be related: Dermacentor nitens, Amblyomma sculptum, and Rhipicephalus microplus, as they are commonly found in horses. Among the species cited above, only R. microplus is found in Rio Grande do Sul state, Southern Brazil. In addition, this state has the only area legally free of R. microplus in Brazil. This study aimed to compare the seroprevalence for T. equi on farms located in a tick-free area (23 farms, 215 horses) and a tick-infested (25 farms, 141 horses) adjacent areas, as well as to identify potential risk factors for exposure to T. equi. Blood was collected from 356 horses from both areas, and later an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect anti-T. equi antibodies. Besides the blood collection, questionnaires and interviews were conducted in an attempt to identify potential risk factors. The R. microplus-free zone had 6% seropositive horses against 70% in the tick-infested zone. Previous observation of ticks on horses of the herd increased four times the odds of a horse to be seropositive for T. equi, and by three times if ticks were observed on cattle which share paddocks with horses on the farm. The results showed a large difference in T. equi seroprevalence between tick-infested and free areas, and also emphasized the relevance of R. microplus in the epidemiology of T. equi. The study also reveals the potential of the establishment of a T. equi-free zone for horse breeding in Southern Brazil.

Tick-borne diseases in Egypt: A one health perspective

Background

Ticks are important arthropod vectors that transmit pathogens to humans and animals. Owing to favourable climatic and environmental conditions, along with animal importation from neighbouring countries, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are widespread in Egyptian localities. Here, we review the current knowledge on the epidemiology of TBDs in Egypt in light of the One Health paradigm.

Methods and results

Five scientific databases, including "Web of Science", "Scopus", "PubMed", "Science Direct", and "Google Scholar", were searched for articles describing TBDs in Egypt. A total of 18 TBDs have been reported in humans and animals, including three protozoal diseases (babesiosis, theileriosis, and hepatozoonosis), 12 bacterial diseases (anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme borreliosis, bovine borreliosis, tick-borne relapsing fever, Mediterranean spotted fever, African tick-borne fever, lymphangitis-associated rickettsiosis, bartonellosis, tularaemia, Q fever, and aegyptianellosis), and three viral diseases (Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever, and Lumpy skin disease).

Conclusions

Despite the circulation of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens among livestock and tick vectors, human infections have been overlooked and are potentially limited to infer the actual communicable disease burden. Therefore, facility-based surveillance of TBDs, combined with capacity building for laboratory diagnostics in healthcare facilities, is urgently required to improve diagnosis and inform policy-making in disease prevention. Additionally, collaboration between expert researchers from various disciplines (physicians, biologists, acarologists, and veterinarians) is required to develop advanced research projects to control ticks and TBDs. Considering that domestic livestock is integral to many Egyptian households, comprehensive epidemiological studies on TBDs should assess all disease contributors, including vertebrate hosts (animals, humans, and rodents) and ticks in the same ecological region, for better assessment of disease burden. Additionally, upscaling of border inspections of imported animals is required to stop crossover movements of ticks and TBDs.

Seroprevalence of Anti-Theileria equi Antibodies in Horses from Three Geographically Distinct Areas of Romania

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is an endemic tick-borne disease found in most countries around the world. It affects all species of Equidae, and it is caused by Theileria equi, Babesia caballi and T. haneyi. The research herein is the second study on the prevalence of piroplasms in Romania conducted in the past two decades. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Theileria equi antibodies and the geographical distribution of this disease in the southwest, west, and northwest regions of Romania in order to obtain a more thorough understanding of the parasitological status of horses in this country. This study included 522 apparently healthy, mixed-breed horses from three different counties. The serum samples were analysed using the cELISA Theileria equi Antibody Test Kit. The overall seroprevalence rate was 12.84%. From the total number of positive horses, 13.96% were females and 11.21% were males. Based on the distribution of positive cases into age groups, the following values were obtained: 0−60 months: 16.26%, 60−180 months: 10.03%, and >180 months: 15.83%. There was no statistically significant difference between samples, based on age or gender. The positivity percentage in the localities included in the study ranged from 8.33 to 100%. In the population under study, the seroprevalence rate was high, indicating a possible exposure risk in this area of Romania, which could have severe effects on equids in the case of clinical manifestations of the disease. EP represents a serious threat for equine health in Romania; therefore, close and continuous monitoring of the situation is required.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with tropical theileriosis in Egyptian dairy cattle

Background and Aim:

Theileria annulata is the most prevalent piroplasm infecting cattle across Egypt. Theileriosis is transmitted by ixodid ticks of the genus Hyalomma. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of theileriosis in cattle and their associated risk factors for infection.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 570 blood samples were collected from cattle from five governorates (administrative districts) in Egypt and examined using a polymerase chain reaction assay to estimate the prevalence of tropical theileriosis and assess the associated risk factors

Results:

The overall prevalence rate was 16.49%, with the Alexandria district having the highest prevalence. The results revealed that the risk of theileriosis was elevated in older cattle (odds ratio [OR]=8.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.6-21.9), especially in summers (OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.4-6.3). Cattle heavily infested with ticks were at particular risk (OR=3.05, 95% CI: 2.1-4.5), as were those to which acaricide had not been applied (OR=13.7, 95% CI: 5.6-33.6).

Conclusion:

Understanding the risk factors associated with T. annulata infection and regular infection monitoring could reduce infection rates and economic losses and is essential for the implementation of efficient control programs.

Rapid Detection of Equine Piroplasms Using Multiplex PCR and First Genetic Characterization of Theileria haneyi in Egypt

Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) is an infectious disease caused by the hemoprotozoan parasites Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and the recently identified species T. haneyi. Hereby, we used a multiplex PCR (mPCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi and B. caballi for the simultaneous detection of EP in Egyptian equids and examined the presence of T. haneyi infections in Egypt. Blood samples from 155 equids (79 horses and 76 donkeys) collected from different governorates of Egypt were examined by mPCR and PCR targeting T. hayeni. The mPCR method revealed a prevalence of T. equi of 20.3% in horses and of 13.1% in donkeys and a prevalence of B. caballi of 1.2% in horses. B. caballi was not detected in donkeys in the current study. The mPCR method also detected coinfections with both species (2.5% and 1.3% in horses and donkeys, respectively). Additionally, we report the presence of T. haneyi in Egypt for the first time in 53.1% of the horse and 38.1% of the donkey tested samples. Coinfection with T. haneyi and T. equi was found in 13.5% of the samples, while infection with the three EP species was found in 1.9% of the samples.