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Mahmoud HYAH, Tanaka T, Ali AO, Emeish WFA. Molecular detection and characterization of Anaplasma ovis, Theileria ovis, and Theileria lestoquardi in sheep and goats in Luxor, Egypt. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:260. [PMID: 38886742 PMCID: PMC11181633 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04109-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne diseases cause economically significant losses to animal production globally, and anaplasmosis and theileriosis are associated with the greatest losses. However, the spread of the relevant pathogens in flocks of domesticated animals in southern Egypt is little understood. Accordingly, in this study, we aimed to determine the prevalences of Anaplasma ovis, Theileria ovis, and Theileria lestoquardi in southern Egyptian sheep and goats through blood tests, and to make a molecular characterization of the A. ovis detected in sheep targeting a specific gene. RESULTS We collected blood samples collected from 300 sheep and goats (n=150 /species) in Luxor Province in southern Egypt, and analyzed them for the presence of A. ovis, T. ovis and T. lestoquardi with screening by conventional and nested PCR targeting the msp4 and msp5, 18S rRNA, and merozoite surface protein genes. For A. ovis 140/300 samples (46.66%) were positive overall, with 90/150 (60%) and 50/150 (33.33%) positive samples in sheep and goats, respectively. Two major surface protein genes of A. ovis, msp4 and msp5, were sequenced using DNA extracted from sheep and goat blood samples, for phylogenetic analysis and genotyping. The msp4 gene sequence revealed no significant genetic diversity, to contrast to data on A. ovis strains from other countries. For T. lestoquardi, 8/150 (5.33%) samples were positive in sheep, but no samples were positive in goats (0%). For T. ovis, 32/150 (21.33%) samples were positive in sheep, but no samples were positive in goats (0%). Sequencing targeting the merozoite surface protein gene for T. lestoquardi and the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene for T. ovis revealed no significant genetic diversity in the study, another contrast to data on A. ovis strains from other countries. CONCLUSION This study provides valuable data on phylogenetic and molecular classifications of A. ovis, T. ovis and T. lestoquardi found in southern Egyptian sheep and goats. It also represents the first report on detection and molecular characterization of T. lestoquardi in southern Egyptian sheep based on the specific merozoite surface protein gene, thus providing valuable data for molecular characterization of this pathogen in southern Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Y A H Mahmoud
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Animal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt.
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Alsagher O Ali
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Animal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
| | - Walaa F A Emeish
- Department of Fish Diseases and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
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Riaz M, Chang SC, Tasawar Z, Sajid M, Nasreen N, Amaro-Estrada I, Cossío-Bayúgar R, de la Fuente J, Alanazi AD, Chen CC, Khan A, Ben Said M. Molecular Epidemiology and Phylogeny of Theileria ovis and Theileria lestoquardi in Sheep and Goats from Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024. [PMID: 38743635 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Theileria spp. are responsible for ovine and caprine theileriosis, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in small ruminants. The present study aims to investigate Theileria spp. infections in small ruminants from Southern Punjab in Pakistan, and genetic characterize revealed Theileria spp. isolates. Methods: A total of 93 sheep and 107 goats were sampled between May and August 2022. Blood smears were examined microscopically, and PCR amplification targeting the 18S rRNA gene was performed to detect Theileria spp. Additionally, specific PCR assays targeting 18S rRNA and ms1 partial sequences were used to identify Theileria ovis and T. lestoquardi, respectively. Results: The prevalence of Theileria spp. was significantly higher using PCR (13.5%) compared to microscopic screening (5%). Sheep showed a higher prevalence rate (19.4%) compared to goats (8.4%) (p = 0.024). Young sheep aged ≤ 1 year were more commonly infected with Theileria spp. (41%) compared to older sheep (p = 0.006). The prevalence of Theileria spp. was higher in sheep-only herds (37.3%) compared to goat-only herds (18%) or mixed-species herds (8.1%) (p = 0.015). The prevalence rates of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi were 9% and 2.5%, respectively, with four animals (2 goats and 2 sheep) showing co-infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that our T. ovis 18S rRNA sequence clustered with previously reported sequences from sheep in Turkey, China, Spain, and goats in Tanzania. The obtained T. lestoquardi ms1 partial sequence formed a distinct cluster from other T. lestoquardi isolates in Pakistan and neighboring countries. Conclusion: Theileria spp. co-circulation in Pakistani small ruminants, particularly the presence of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi, highlights the need for attention from animal health decision-makers due to their financial and health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Riaz
- Zoology Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Shun-Chung Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Zahida Tasawar
- Zoology Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sajid
- Zoology Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Nasreen Nasreen
- Department of Botany & Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Pakistan
| | - Itzel Amaro-Estrada
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP. Carretera Federal Cuernavaca- Cuautla No. 8534,Progreso, Jiutepec, Morelos, México
| | - Raquel Cossío-Bayúgar
- Departamento de Artropodología, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Disciplinarias en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Boulevard Cuauhnahuac No. 8534,Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12,Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Abdullah D Alanazi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences and Humanities, Shaqra University 11911Ad-Dawadimi 1040,Saudi Arabia
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Department of Biology, Mountain Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick Canada
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
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Moudgil P, Grakh K, Kumar R, Sharma M, Gupta R, Jindal N. First Molecular Confirmed Outbreak of Malignant Ovine Theileriosis in Sheep from North India. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:527-534. [PMID: 37328625 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00684-z] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Malignant ovine theileriosis is a tick-borne disease of sheep and goats, caused by protozoan Theileria lestoquardi. The disease has serious economic implications for small ruminant production around the world. METHODS An outbreak of malignant ovine theileriosis in a sheep flock was investigated from Hisar district of Haryana, India, in March 2022. The etiological agent was identified using polymerase chain reaction assay with genus specific primers targeting 18S rRNA gene and subsequently confirmed by sequencing. RESULTS The morbidity, mortality and case fatality rate reported in the outbreak were 22.2, 18.8 and 85%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis clustered the present study T. lestoquardi isolate in the same clade with T. lestoquardi from Iraq, Iran and Pakistan with maximum nucleotide identity of 99.37% with strains from Iraq. The tick vector Hyalomma anatolicum recovered from dead animals was implicated in the disease's transmission. CONCLUSIONS Malignant ovine theileriosis resulted in high case fatality rate. This study presents the first molecularly confirmed outbreak of malignant ovine theileriosis outbreak in the North Indian region, with characteristic post-mortem findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Moudgil
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | - Kushal Grakh
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | - Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India.
| | - Maneesh Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | - Renu Gupta
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | - Naresh Jindal
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
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Wang BH, Du LF, Zhang MZ, Xia LY, Li C, Lin ZT, Wang N, Gao WY, Ye RZ, Liu JY, Han XY, Shi WQ, Shi XY, Jiang JF, Jia N, Cui XM, Zhao L, Cao WC. Genomic Characterization of Theileria luwenshuni Strain Cheeloo. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0030123. [PMID: 37260375 PMCID: PMC10434005 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00301-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Theileria, a tick-borne intracellular protozoan, can cause infections of various livestock and wildlife around the world, posing a threat to veterinary health. Although more and more Theileria species have been identified, genomes have been available only from four Theileria species to date. Here, we assembled a whole genome of Theileria luwenshuni, an emerging Theileria, through next-generation sequencing of purified erythrocytes from the blood of a naturally infected goat. We designated it T. luwenshuni str. Cheeloo because its genome was assembled by the researchers at Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China. The genome of T. lunwenshuni str. Cheeloo was the smallest in comparison with the other four Theileria species. T. luwenshuni str. Cheeloo possessed the fewest gene gains and gene family expansion. The protein count of each category was always comparable between T. luwenshuni str. Cheeloo and T. orientalis str. Shintoku in the Eukaryote Orthologs annotation, though there were remarkable differences in genome size. T. luwenshuni str. Cheeloo had lower counts than the other four Theileria species in most categories at level 3 of Gene Ontology annotation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes annotation revealed a loss of the c-Myb in T. luwenshuni str. Cheeloo. The infection rate of T. luwenshuni str. Cheeloo was up to 81.5% in a total of 54 goats from three flocks. The phylogenetic analyses based on both 18S rRNA and cox1 genes indicated that T. luwenshuni had relatively low diversity. The first characterization of the T. luwenshuni genome will promote better understanding of the emerging Theileria. IMPORTANCE Theileria has led to substantial economic losses in animal husbandry. Whole-genome sequencing data of the genus Theileria are currently limited, which has prohibited us from further understanding their molecular features. This work depicted whole-genome sequences of T. luwenshuni str. Cheeloo, an emerging Theileria species, and reported a high prevalence of T. luwenshuni str. Cheeloo infection in goats. The first assembly and characterization of T. luwenshuni genome will benefit exploring the infective and pathogenic mechanisms of the emerging Theileria to provide scientific basis for future control strategies of theileriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai-Hui Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Feng Du
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming-Zhu Zhang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Luo-Yuan Xia
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Li
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhe-Tao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wan-Ying Gao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Run-Ze Ye
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin-Yue Liu
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-Qiang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia-Fu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Na Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ming Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Hegab AA, Fahmy MM, Omar HM, Ghattas SG, Mahmoud NE, Abuowarda M. Occurrence and genotyping of Theileria equi in dogs and associated ticks in Egypt. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:252-262. [PMID: 36444709 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Theileriosis is a tick-borne protozoal disease caused by a piroplasm of the genus Theileria. Hard ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites that serve as vectors of Theileria spp. Studies of the presence of theileriosis in Egyptian dogs and associated ticks are scarce. This study was conducted to detect and identify Theileria spp. in dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks and to monitor the epidemiological data of this disease. The prevalence rates of Theileria equi infection were 12.02%, 0.73%, 2.93%, and 1.83% by microscopic examination of dog blood, tick hemolymph, tick midgut, and tick salivary smears, respectively. Conversely, the T. equi prevalence in dog blood and associated ticks assessed by PCR was 25.81% and 10.42%, respectively. Epidemiological data about Theileria infection revealed a significant difference in the infection between different seasons and different dog breeds (p value <0.05), whereas host, sex, and age of dogs had no significant effect on the infection. Sequencing of PCR products showed that all PCR positive samples were infected with T. equi. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) described the different stages of Theileria in the midgut and salivary gland of infected ticks. The current study confirmed that T. equi is not specific to equine hosts, and confirmed that dogs are a susceptible host to T. equi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa A Hegab
- Department of Parasitology, Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Magdy M Fahmy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hussein M Omar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Souzan G Ghattas
- Department of Parasitology, Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nisreen E Mahmoud
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mai Abuowarda
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Kirman R, Guven E. Molecular detection of Babesia and Theileria species/genotypes in sheep and ixodid ticks in Erzurum, Northeastern Turkey: First report of Babesia canis in sheep. Res Vet Sci 2023; 157:40-49. [PMID: 36868100 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Piroplasmosis is a tick-borne protozoan disease caused by Babesia and Theileria species in ruminants. This study sought to determine the presence and prevalence of the agents causing piroplasmosis among sheep in Erzurum province, Turkey. It also sought to identify the tick species infesting the sheep and investigate the possible role of the ticks in the transmission of piroplasmosis. A total of 1621 blood samples and 1696 ixodid ticks from infested sheep were collected. Each blood sample and 115 tick pools were subjected to PCR assay. A total of 307 blood samples were found to be positive for Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. according to molecular analysis. The sequence analysis was revealed the presence of B. ovis (0.4%), B. crassa (0.4%), B. canis (0.4%), T. ovis (69.3%), Theileria sp. (26.6%), and Theileria sp. OT3 (2.9%) in 244 samples. The collected ticks were identified as D. marginatus (62.5%), Hae. parva (36.2%), Hae. punctata (1.1%), Rh. turanicus (0.1%), and H. marginatum (0.1%). The molecular analysis of the adult tick samples revealed T. ovis and T. annulata positivity in the D. marginatus pools, B. crassa and T. ovis positivity in the Hae. parva pools, and T. ovis positivity in the Hae. punctata pools. These results provide up-to-date data concerning tick-borne protozoan diseases of sheep and tick species infesting sheep in the region. The sheep breeding industry is an important livelihood for the region so it is essential to perform repeated studies on these pathogens in order to prevent disruptions to animal husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridvan Kirman
- Ataturk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Erzurum, Turkey..
| | - Esin Guven
- Ataturk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Erzurum, Turkey
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Rahravani M, Moravedji M, Mostafavi E, Mozoun MM, Zeeyaie AH, Mohammadi M, Seyfi H, Adhami G, Esmaeili S, Ameri M. Clinical, hematological and molecular evaluation of piroplasma and Anaplasma infections in small ruminants and tick vectors from Kurdistan province, western Iran. Res Vet Sci 2023; 159:44-56. [PMID: 37080001 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne haemoparasite infections are a major challenge in small ruminant (SR) production across tropical areas. The present study evaluated the prevalence of Theileria, Babesia and Anaplasma in SRs and their tick vectors and estimated the association between pathogen prevalence with clinical hematological findings among SR populations in Kurdistan province, western Iran. In total, 250 blood samples and 250 tick species (one per animal) were collected from SR populations, along with clinical and hematological examinations. Microscopy of blood smears and molecular analysis were performed to detect potential infection with Theileria, Babesia and Anaplasma. Moreover, haemoparasites were explored in the isolated ticks using semi-nested PCR. Based on microscopy, the prevalence of Theileria, Anaplasma and Babesia infections was 91.2%, 23.2% and 2.4%, respectively. Semi-nested PCR analysis of blood samples demonstrated 86.8%, 78.8% and 14% prevalence for T. ovis, A. ovis and B. ovis, respectively. Dermacentor marginatus and Rhipicephalus turanicus were predominant isolated tick vectors from SR, while D. marginatus was the most contaminated tick in all investigated counties. There were, also, a statistically significant association between the estimated molecular prevalence rates with semi-yellow conjunctiva (A. ovis), body temperature (T. ovis and A. ovis), heart rate (T. ovis and B. ovis), mean white blood cell count (T. ovis and A. ovis), mean red blood cell count (T. ovis and B. ovis), as well as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in all haemoparasite infections. Future studies are recommended to reveal the epidemiology of such infections in SRs in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rahravani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Meysam Moravedji
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | | | - Ghazaaleh Adhami
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Saber Esmaeili
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Ameri
- Clinical Pathology, Non-Clinical Safety (NCS), In Vitro/In Vivo Translation (IVIVT), GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 S. Collegeville Rd., Collegeville, PA. 19426, United States of America
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Ulucesme MC, Ozubek S, Karoglu A, Turk ZI, Olmus I, Irehan B, Aktas M. Small Ruminant Piroplasmosis: High Prevalence of Babesia aktasi n. sp. in Goats in Türkiye. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040514. [PMID: 37111400 PMCID: PMC10142182 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant piroplasmosis is the hemoparasitic infection of sheep and goats caused by Babesia and Theileria species responsible for clinical infections with high mortality outcomes. The disease is transmitted by ixodid ticks and prevalent in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Türkiye. A prevalence survey, using molecular methods, is conducted in this study to determine the frequency of newly defined Babesia aktasi n. sp. and other tick-borne piroplasm species in small ruminants in Turkiye. A total of 640 blood samples from sheep (n = 137) and goats (n = 503) were analyzed by nested PCR-based reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization. The results show that 32.3% (207/640) of apparently healthy, small ruminants are infected with three Theileria and two Babesia species. Babesia aktasi n. sp. was the most prevalent species in goats, with 22.5% of samples being positive, followed by B. ovis (4%), T. ovis (2.8%), T. annulata (2.6%), and Theileria sp. (0.6%). None of the sheep samples were positive for Babesia aktasi n. sp.; however, 51.8% were infected with T. ovis. In conclusion, the findings reveal that B. aktasi n. sp. is highly prevalent in goats, but absent in sheep. In future studies, experimental infections will determine whether B. aktasi n. sp. is infectious to sheep, as well as its pathogenicity in small ruminants.
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Ozubek S, Ulucesme MC, Aktas M. Discovery of a Novel Species Infecting Goats: Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Babesia aktasi n. sp. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010113. [PMID: 36678461 PMCID: PMC9863244 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010113] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel Babesia sp. infecting goats was discovered based on the molecular findings obtained in the current study, which was conducted in the Mediterranean region of Türkiye. The goal of this study was to isolate this species of Babesia (Babesia sp.) infecting goats in vivo and to assess the genetic and morphological characterization of the parasite. To identify the animal naturally infected with Babesia sp. and isolate the parasite from this animal, field studies were conducted first, and genomic DNA were extracted from blood samples taken from goats (n = 50). The Theileria, Babesia, and Anaplasma species were identified using a nested PCR-based reverse line blotting (RLB) method. The study included one goat that was determined to be infected with Babesia sp. (single infection) in RLB for in vivo isolation. A blood smear was prepared to examine the parasite's morphology, but it was found to be negative microscopically. Following that, a splenectomy operation (to suppress the immune system) was performed to make the parasites visible microscopically in this animal. Parasitemia began after splenectomy, and the maximum parasitemia was determined to be 1.9%. The goat displayed no significant symptoms other than fever, loss of appetite, and depression. During a period when parasitemia was high, blood from this goat was inoculated into another splenectomized goat (Theileria-Babesia-Anaplasma-Mycoplasma spp. free). On the third day of inoculation, 10% parasitemia with high fever was detected in the goat, and on the fourth day, the goat was humanely euthanized due to severe acute babesiosis symptoms. Except for mild subcutaneous jaundice, no lesions were discovered during the necropsy. According to the microscopic measurement results, ring, double pyriform, spectacle-frame-like, and line forms were observed, and it was observed to be between 1.0-2.5 µm (1.38 ± 0.17 to 0.7 ± 0.21-all forms). A phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparison using the 18S rRNA and cox1 genes revealed that this species is distinct from the small ruminant Babesia species (18S rRNA 92-94%, cox1 79-80%) and has the highest similarity to Babesia sp. deer, which has been reported in deer. Furthermore, it was determined to resemble B. venatorum, B. divergens, Babesia sp. FR1 and Babesia sp. MO1 species, all of which are zoonotic. Additional research is needed to clarify the clinical status of this parasite in goats and other hosts (mountain goat, sheep, calf).
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Villanueva-Saz S, Borobia M, Fernández A, Jiménez C, Yzuel A, Verde MT, Ramo MÁ, Figueras L, Ruíz H. Anaemia in Sheep Caused by Babesia and Theileria Haemoparasites. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233341. [PMID: 36496866 PMCID: PMC9738125 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233341] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Piroplasmoses in sheep are caused by vector-borne apicomplexan protozoa, Babesia and Theileria. Different species are responsible for the disease; some species are more pathogenic than others and have a worldwide distribution. In this sense, these causative agents can cause anaemia in flocks. In general, these vector-borne diseases infect small ruminants and cause host-mediated pathology. In the case of Babesia species, a combination of different mechanisms is involved: red blood cell lysis due to intracellular parasite multiplication, activation of biogenic amines and the coagulation system with the possibility of disseminated intravascular coagulation. By contrast, less information is available on the different immunopathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of anaemia in sheep with theileriosis. However, the mechanisms of pathogenic action in theileriosis are similar to those studied in babesiosis. Diagnosis is based on compatible clinical signs, laboratory findings, specific diagnostic tests and the presence of the tick vector. Some of these tests detect the causative agent itself, such as direct identification by light microscopy and molecular analysis. In contrast, other tests detect the sheep's immune response to the organism by serology. Both diseases pose a significant diagnostic challenge for veterinary practitioners around the world. This review presents the most frequent clinical signs, pathogenesis and clinicopathological findings, diagnosis.
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Stevanović O, Radalj A, Subić I, Jovanović NM, Sladojević Ž, Amović M, Zuko A, Nedić D, Ilić T. The presence of malignant ovine babesiosis in Bosnia and Herzegovina indicates a possible emerging risk for Balkan region. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 90-91:101893. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Distribution of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Animals and Their Ticks in the Countries of the Mediterranean Basin between 2000 and 2021: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061236. [PMID: 35744755 PMCID: PMC9228937 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) include a wide range of bacteria, parasites and viruses that cause a large spectrum of animal, human and zoonotic tick-borne diseases (TBDs). The object of this review was to establish an inventory and an analysis of TBPs found in domestic animals in the countries of the Mediterranean Basin. This geographic area occupies a central position between several continents and is an area of movement for animals, humans and pathogens of interest and their vectors, which is important in terms of animal and human health. In this systematic review, we included a total of 271 publications produced between 2000–2021 concerning TBPs in domestic animals. Among this literature, we found a total of 90 pathogen species (known as TBPs) reported in the 20 countries of the area; these were detected in tick species from domestic animals and were also directly detected in domestic animals. In all, 31 tick species were recorded and 12 domestic animal species, the latter comprising nine livestock and three pet species. More than 50% of the publications were from Western Europe. Island data were extracted and assessed, as islands of the Mediterranean Basin were represented in 16% of the publications and 77.8% of the TBPs reported. Our results show the importance of islands in the monitoring of TBPs, despite the low percentage of publications.
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Prevalence of Theileria/Babesia Species in Ruminants in Burdur Province of Turkey. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:723-731. [PMID: 35032244 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00515-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Theileriosis and babesiosis, two tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases (TBHDs) of ruminants, are caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Theileria and Babesia, respectively. Among them, some species are considered to be highly pathogenic causing serious economic losses to livestock holders especially in tropic and subtropic regions. Local and/or general control measures are needed to be applied to reduce economic impact of TBHDs. Prevalence studies are essential for the implementation and/or design of effective prevention and control measures based on true epidemiological data. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence, prevalence and possible cross infections of Theileria/Babesia species between sheep, goat and cattle herds in Burdur province in Turkey. METHODS A total of 964 blood samples were collected from sheep (n = 330), goat (n = 300) and cattle (n = 334) from five different districts of Burdur province. The samples were investigated for ovine and bovine Theileria/Babesia species using reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization assay. RESULTS In small ruminants, T. ovis was the most abundant Theileria species detected in sheep with a rate of 79.69%. Among Babesia species, B. ovis and B. crassa were detected only in blood of goats (0.66%) and sheep (1.12%) as single and mixed infections, respectively. In cattle, T. annulata, B. bovis, Babesia spp. were detected in rates of 0.59%, 3.29%, 3.59%, respectively. CONCLUSION Obtained results clearly indicated that no cross infections with Theileria/Babesia species occurred in small ruminant and cattle herds that use the same grazing area.
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Molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens (Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii and piroplasms) in questing and feeding hard ticks from North-Western Spain. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101961. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Fava NMN, Alves TS, Lopes MG, Labruna MB, Santos AQ, Cury MC. Occurrence and Molecular Identification of Hemoparasites in Wild Mammals Kept in Rehabilitation Centers in Brazil. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:476-486. [PMID: 34797498 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00492-3] [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: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatozoonosis and piroplasmosis are diseases caused by apicomplexan protozoa that affect different types of animals, including mammals. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. and piroplasms in wild mammals kept in captivity in rehabilitation centers in the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás, Brazil. METHODS For this, blood samples from 152 animals were collected and analyzed by conventional optical microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, positive PCR samples were submitted to sequencing for molecular characterization of the specimens found. RESULTS Microscopic analysis revealed 53 of the 152 animals (28.3%) parasitized by piroplasms. No Hepatozoon sp. was observed. On the other hand, using the primers HepF300/HepR900 and Piro1F/Piro5R, both amplifying fragments of the 18S rDNA gene, eight animals (5.2%) were positive for Hepatozoon spp. and 40 (26.3%) for piroplasms. From the sequencing of the positive samples Hepatozoon canis, Hepatozoon felis, Theileria cervi, Theileria equi and Cytauxzoon felis were identified. In addition to the aforementioned hemoparasites, some animals were found parasitized by microfilaria. Such data ratify the presence of hemoparasites in captive wild animals, and are unprecedented in the two geographical regions covered by the present study. 19.7% of mammals harbored ectoparasites of the genera Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus. CONCLUSION Wild mammals are infected by several pathogens that can also infect domestic animals, some of them potentially zoonotic which can directly contribute to mortality and species reduction. Therefore, a deep understanding of the parasites, the hosts and the diseases is extremely necessary so that prevention, control and treatment measures are effectively applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália M N Fava
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Molecular Biology of Parasites, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Amazonas Avenue w/n, Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil.
| | - Talita Silva Alves
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Molecular Biology of Parasites, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Amazonas Avenue w/n, Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Marcos Gomes Lopes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87-Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87-Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - André Quagliatto Santos
- Wild Animals Teaching and Research Laboratory (LAPAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Mato Grosso Avenue, 3289-Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Márcia Cristina Cury
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Molecular Biology of Parasites, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Amazonas Avenue w/n, Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
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The Piroplasmida Babesia, Cytauxzoon, and Theileria in farm and companion animals: species compilation, molecular phylogeny, and evolutionary insights. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1207-1245. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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17
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Metwally DM, Alajmi R, Alsulami MN, Al-Turaiki IM, Abdel-Gaber R, Alkhuriji AF, Albohiri HH, Mohamed K, Baghdadi HB, El-Khadragy MF, Isaias GT, El-Ashram S. Identification of Theileria spp. in sheep and goats from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using molecular techniques. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12596. [PMID: 34966592 PMCID: PMC8667737 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12596] [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: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thileriosis is a tick -born disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites which has global veterinary and economic implications. Methods Blood samples were collected from 216 sheep and 83 goats from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were analyzed to determine whether the animals were infected with Theileria spp. parasites. The parasites were detected using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the gene of 18S rRNA followed by sequencing. Results According to obtained findings, Theileria spp. were detected in sheep (57.8%, 48/83) and goats (51.9%, 112/216). Phylogenetic analysis to sequence data showed that T. ovis identified in this study were found to be closely connected to an isolate from Turkey, with 84.4–99.8% pairwise identity and 52.35–99.79% coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina M Metwally
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Reem Alajmi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muslimah N Alsulami
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isra M Al-Turaiki
- Department of Information Technology, College of Computer and Information Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rewaida Abdel-Gaber
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Afrah F Alkhuriji
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haleema H Albohiri
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalil Mohamed
- Epidemioligy Department, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanadi B Baghdadi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.,Basic and Applied Scientific Research Center, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam City, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal F El-Khadragy
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, University of Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Guillermo T Isaias
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.,Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh, Egypt.,College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
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Wang Y, Wang B, Zhang Q, Li Y, Yang Z, Han S, Yuan G, Wang S, He H. The Common Occurrence of Theileria ovis in Tibetan Sheep and the First Report of Theileria sinensis in Yaks from Southern Qinghai, China. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:1177-1185. [PMID: 33840059 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00381-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The tick-borne protozoa piroplasms, including Theileria and Babesia, are the cause of substantial economic losses to the livestock industry. However, in southern Qinghai province, China, there are limited information on the molecular characteristics of piroplasms. This study therefore aimed at determining the prevalence and genetic diversity of piroplasms. METHODS In order to detect piroplasms, we examined 330 yaks and 236 Tibetan sheep blood samples by nested PCR. The differences in piroplasms prevalence in relation to different risk factors was analyzed using SPSS 26. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rRNA sequences was inferred using MEGA 7. RESULTS During this study, Theileria spp. were detected in 33.6% (111/330) of yaks and 94.1% (222/236) of Tibetan sheep, but no Babesia was identified. Importantly, a comparison study revealed that T. ovis infection was highly prevalent in sheep (94.1%) but infrequent in yaks (6.1%), while T. sinensis was host-specific to yaks with an infection rate of 27.6%. In addition, male animals were more likely to be infected by T. sinensis and female animals were more likely to be infected by T. ovis. And animals below 4000 m areas reported a higher infection rate with T. sinensis (26.1% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001). Alongside these differences in prevalence, we found a significantly higher T. sinensis infection rate in separated-grazing livestock (22.2% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001), while mixed-grazing ruminants had a higher T. ovis infection rate (50.0% vs. 39.0%, p = 0.014). Furthermore, sequence analysis revealed that the 18S rRNA sequences obtained in this study shared 86.9-100.0% identities with each other and they were clustered into T. sinensis or T. ovis. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. sinensis in Qinghai region. In addition, high prevalence of the generally sub-clinical T. ovis in sheep indicates extensive exposure to ticks and transmission of tick-borne pathogens with a significant economic impact. This study provides insights into the distribution and genetic diversity of Theileria in China.
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Al-Hosary AA, ElSify A, Salama AA, Nayel M, Elkhtam A, Elmajdoub LO, Rizk MA, Hawash MM, Al-Wabel MA, Almuzaini AM, Ahmed LSED, Paramasivam A, Mickymaray S, Omar MA. Phylogenetic study of Theileria ovis and Theileria lestoquardi in sheep from Egypt: Molecular evidence and genetic characterization. Vet World 2021; 14:634-639. [PMID: 33935408 PMCID: PMC8076446 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.634-639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Ovine theileriosis caused by Theileria ovis and Theileria lestoquardi is an important infectious disease affecting small ruminants in regions of the tropic and subtropic zones. There is limited studies about ovine theileriosis in Egypt; so the present study aims to assess the occurrence of ovine theileriosis in Egypt at the molecular level. Materials and Methods Blood samples were collected from 115 randomly selected sheep, which were apparently healthy; the ages of the sampled sheep ranged from 1 to 5 years old, from a local breed (barkae and balade), and showed no symptoms indicating infection with Theileria spp. The study was conducted in three governorates representing Lower Egypt (Menoufia and Beheira) and Upper Egypt (El-Wady El-Geded). All blood samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and semi-nested PCR to target Theileria spp. 18S rRNA genes. Positive samples were sequenced, and these sequences were analyzed using nucleotidebasic local alignment search tool (BLAST). Results Six animals (5.22%) were PCR-positive carriers for ovine theileriosis. Nucleotide BLAST and phylogenetic analyses of the six obtained sequences showed that T. ovis was present in five animals (4.37%) in Menoufia (n=2) and El-Wady El-Geded (n=3), whereas T. lestoquardi was detected in 1 animal (0.87%) in El-Wady El-Geded. Conclusion This study is the first to provide molecular evidence, genetic characterization, and phylogenetic analysis of ovine Theileria spp. in Egypt. Specifically, T. lestoquardi and T. ovis carrier statuses of sheep were confirmed. These results highlight the importance of developing an effective control strategy against ovine theileriosis carriers that might develop and/or spread theileriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Adel Al-Hosary
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Ahmed ElSify
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Akram A Salama
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Nayel
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elkhtam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Manal Mohammed Hawash
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Gerontological Nursing, College of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Mohammad Ali Al-Wabel
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, 51452 Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz M Almuzaini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, 51452 Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Salah El-Din Ahmed
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Anand Paramasivam
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Dentistry, Al-Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suresh Mickymaray
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Al-Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mosaab A Omar
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, 51452 Qassim, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, south valley university, Qena 83523, Egypt
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Díaz-Cao JM, Adaszek Ł, Dzięgiel B, Paniagua J, Caballero-Gómez J, Winiarczyk S, Winiarczyk D, Cano-Terriza D, García-Bocanegra I. Prevalence of selected tick-borne pathogens in wild ungulates and ticks in southern Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1084-1094. [PMID: 33686775 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A survey study was carried out to assess the occurrence of selected tick-borne pathogens (TBP) in wild ungulates in Mediterranean ecosystems in southern Spain. Spleen samples were collected from 1,132 wild ungulates, including 578 red deer, 269 wild boar, 135 mouflon, 121 fallow deer and 29 roe deer, between 2009 and 2015. Eighty-nine ticks collected from TBP-positive animals were also analysed. Samples were tested by PCR and sequenced whenever possible. TBP DNA was detected in 127 of 863 wild ruminants (14.7%; 95% CI: 12.4-17.3) including the following: Anaplasma phagocytophilum (9.2%), Babesia divergens (2.9%), Theileria sp. OT3 (1.7%), Borrelia afzelii (0.7%) and Theileria capreoli (0.2%), but no positive samples were detected in wild boar (0/269). All the strains from mouflon were identified as Theileria sp. OT3, while B. divergens and T. capreoli were mainly found in red deer. Co-infection with A. phagocytophilum and B. divergens, and A. phagocytophilum and Theileria spp. was detected in red deer and mouflon, respectively. The risk factor analysis showed that the prevalences of A. phagocytophilum and piroplasms were species-related. Eighty-nine tick specimens collected from ungulates found to be infected with the selected TBP were identified as Hyalomma lusitanicum (95.5%) and Ixodes ricinus (4.5%). Thirty ticks were positive for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp. (33.7%), 25 for Babesia/Theileria (28.1%) and two for B. burgdorferi s.l. (2.3%). Eleven specimens showed co-infections with Anaplasma/Ehrlichia and Babesia/Theileria (10.1%) or Anaplasma/Ehrlichia and B. burgdorferi s.l. (2.3%). The estimated prevalences obtained in the present study suggest the possible contribution of wild ruminants to the maintenance of some selected TBP in Mediterranean ecosystems in southern Spain, while the role of wild boar in the epidemiology of these pathogens seems to be limited in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Díaz-Cao
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Łukasz Adaszek
- Department of Epizootiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Beata Dzięgiel
- Department of Epizootiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jorge Paniagua
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.,Infectious Diseases Unit, Clinical Virology and Zoonoses research group, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Maimonides Biomedical Research Insitute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Stanislaw Winiarczyk
- Department of Epizootiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dagmara Winiarczyk
- Department of Epizootiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
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El Tigani-Asil ETA, Blanda V, Abdelwahab GE, Hammadi ZMA, Habeeba S, Khalafalla AI, Alhosani MA, La Russa F, Migliore S, Torina A, Loria GR, Al Muhairi SS. Molecular Investigation on Tick-Borne Hemoparasites and Coxiella burnetii in Dromedary Camels ( Camelusdromedarius) in Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030666. [PMID: 33801532 PMCID: PMC8000914 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Camels represent an important resource for inhabitants of the most arid regions of the world and their survival is mainly related to environment conditions including the risk of parasitic diseases, which may represent a significant cause of losses in livestock production of these areas. Camels may be parasitized by several hematophagous arthropods, which can be vectors of several diseases including zoonosis. This study aimed to investigate in dromedary camels and their ticks the importance of tick-borne hemoparasites that might be responsible for a recent and obscure morbidity of camels in Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Blood samples and ticks from 93 naturally infected camels belonging to 36 herds, affected by variable acute clinical syndromes lasting from 3 to 5 days, were analyzed through molecular techniques for specific DNA presence of different blood pathogens: Anaplasmamarginale/Anaplasmaovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Coxiella burnetii,Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. DNA. All the 72 ticks collected belonged to the Hyalomma dromedarii species and were negative for blood pathogens. n = 15 camels (16.1%) were found positive to the following tick-borne hemoparasites: A. phagocytophilum 11 (11.8%), Coxiella burnetii 3 (3.2%), and Babesia/Theileria spp. 2 (2.1%). One singular camel showed coinfection of C. burnetii and A. phagocytophiulm. Genetic profile of C. burnetii showed a high phylogenetic relatedness to European, Asian and African C. burnetii strains. This is the first laboratory investigation on tick-borne pathogens in camels in UAE, and the first report of A. phagocytophilum and C. burnetii. Moreover, since the detected pathogens are recognized pathogens for humans, this study highlights the zoonotic risk for humans working in camel husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Shameem Habeeba
- Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Emirate 52150, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohamed Ali Alhosani
- Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Emirate 52150, United Arab Emirates
| | - Francesco La Russa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Sergio Migliore
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Guido Ruggero Loria
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salama Suhail Al Muhairi
- Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Emirate 52150, United Arab Emirates
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22
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Gargano V, Blanda V, Gambino D, La Russa F, Di Cataldo S, Gentile A, Schirò G, Torina A, Millán J, Vicari D. Serological Survey and Molecular Characterization of Theileria annulata in Sicilian Cattle. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020101. [PMID: 33494377 PMCID: PMC7910905 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites with considerable veterinary and economic impact worldwide. Ticks transmitting the disease belong to the Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, and Hyalomma genera. The Hyalomma genus is very common in Sicily (Italy) and represents the main Theileria annulata vector in the island. Data concerning the molecular epidemiology of this pathogen are missing in the region. In 2018-2019, blood and serum samples were collected from 480 cows in seven Sicilian farms from four different provinces. Seroprevalence in the farms ranged from 22% to 71%. Three farms were selected for molecular analysis consisting of real-time PCR targeting the almost complete 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Four amplicons per farm were sequenced and phylogenetic analyses were carried out. The four sequences were identical within each farm and showed 92-99% identity with the other farms and with sequences from Genbank. According to the phylogenetic analysis, these three sequences and an additional one from a laboratory-cultured Theileria annulata strain obtained in 1999 belonged to a single T. annulata clade with good bootstrap support with other sequences from Italy, India, and Iran, indicating limited geographical and temporal genetic variability of the parasite. This study represents the first phylogenetic analysis of T. annulata in Sicily, which will be useful to improve the strategies for theileriosis control and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Gargano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
- Correspondence: (V.B.); (D.G.)
| | - Delia Gambino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
- Correspondence: (V.B.); (D.G.)
| | - Francesco La Russa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
| | - Sophia Di Cataldo
- Programa de Doctorado en Medicina de la Conservación, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile;
| | - Antonino Gentile
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
| | - Giorgia Schirò
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
| | - Javier Millán
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Fundación ARAID, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Domenico Vicari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
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23
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Mohammed OB, Amor NMS, Omer SA, Alagaili AN. Molecular detection and characterization of Theileria sp. from hedgehogs (Paraechinus aethiopicus) in Saudi Arabia. Lett Appl Microbiol 2020; 72:476-483. [PMID: 33306194 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we conducted molecular detection and characterization of piroplasms that infect the Ethiopian or desert hedgehogs (Paraechinus aethiopicus) in Saudi Arabia. Blood samples from 112 (68 males and 44 females) desert hedgehogs from Unaizah, Central Saudi Arabia were screened for Theileria/Babesia DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) employing specific primers amplifying the partial 18S small subunit rRNA gene. Theileria DNA was detected in 51 samples (45·5%), giving a prevalence of 45·5%. Theileria DNA was found in 33 (48·5%) males and 18 (40·9%) females, and there was no significant difference (P > 0·05) in the prevalence between males and females. Similarly, there was no significant difference (P > 0·05) in the prevalence between juveniles (40%) and adults (46·7%). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of Theileria in hedgehogs collected from May to September and the period from October to April (P = 0·003). Four haplotypes of Theileria sp. in hedgehogs were detected and designated as H1-H4. H1 was the predominant haplotype and found in 80·8% of the positive individuals. Partial sequences of the 18S rRNA of Theileria sp. from hedgehogs grouped with Theileria spp. that are benign. This study is the first report of the occurrence of Theileria spp. in Saudi Arabian desert hedgehogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- O B Mohammed
- Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - N M S Amor
- Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Laboratory of Biodiversity, Parasitology and Ecology of Aquatic Ecosystem, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - S A Omer
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, University Centre for Women Students, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A N Alagaili
- Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Stuen S. Haemoparasites-Challenging and Wasting Infections in Small Ruminants: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2179. [PMID: 33266365 PMCID: PMC7700527 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemoparasites include bacteria, mycoplasma, protozoa and flagellates inhabiting the bloodstream of living hosts. These infections occur worldwide and are transmitted by vectors, especially ticks and tsetse flies. Geographical distribution varies due to movements of animals and vectors between geographical areas, and even between countries and continents. These changes may be caused by climate change, directly and indirectly, and have a huge effect on the epidemiology of these microbes. Active and ongoing surveillance is necessary to obtain reliable maps concerning the distribution of these infections in order to do proper risk assessment and efficient prophylactic treatment. Genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Mycoplasma, Babesia, Theileria and Trypanosoma include common haemoparasite species in small ruminants causing a variety of clinical manifestations from high fatality rates to more subclinical infections, depending on the species or strain involved. These infections may also cause ill-thift or long-lasting wasting conditions. Life-long infections are a common feature of these pathogens. The present review will focus on haemoparasites in small ruminants, especially related to challenging and wasting infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snorre Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, N-4325 Sandnes, Norway
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25
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Yue C, Deng Z, Qi D, Li Y, Bi W, Ma R, Yang G, Luo X, Hou R, Liu S. First detection and molecular identification of Babesia sp. from the giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, in China. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:537. [PMID: 33121531 PMCID: PMC7597363 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04412-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitic infections are among the important causes of death of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) that hamper their survival in the wild. There are about 35 species of parasites which have been identified in giant pandas, but no information is currently available regarding the infection of Babesia in giant pandas. Babesia spp. are common intraerythrocytic parasite in wildlife, transmitted by ixodid ticks, which cause babesiosis. Clinical signs of babesiosis include fever, hemolysis, anemia, jaundice and death. METHODS A species of Babesia was detected in the blood of a giant panda based on morphology and PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic relationship of Babesia sp. infecting giant panda was assessed by gene sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Our analysis revealed that the Babesia isolate detected was most similar to an unidentified species of Babesia identified in black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) from Japan (Babesia sp. Iwate, AB586027.1) with a 99.56% sequence similarity, followed by Babesia sp. EBB (AB566229.1, 99.50%) and Babesia sp. Akita (AB566229.1, 99.07%). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first report of Babesia detected in the giant panda. The results indicate that this Babesia sp. may be a novel species, currently named Babesia sp. strain EBP01.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanjuan Yue
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, 610081, Sichuan, China
| | - Zeshuai Deng
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, 610081, Sichuan, China
| | - Dunwu Qi
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, 610081, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunli Li
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, 610081, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenlei Bi
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, 610081, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, 610081, Sichuan, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xue Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, 610081, Sichuan, China.
| | - Songrui Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, 610081, Sichuan, China.
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Nasreen, Khan A, Niaz S, Hassan Shah M, Khan A, Ahmed H, Khattak I, Zeb J, Naeem H, Hassan MA, Ulucesme MC, Ozubek S, Aktas M. Molecular detection of small ruminant piroplasmosis and first report of Theileria luwenshuni (Apicomplexa: Theileridae) in small ruminants of Pakistan. Exp Parasitol 2020; 212:107872. [PMID: 32165145 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Theileriosis is a widespread and economically important disease of small ruminants in Pakistan. Ruminants are the intermediate hosts in the lifecycle of Theileria spp., with ticks of the family Ixodidae being the definitive hosts. To better understand the distribution and prevalence of theileriosis in Pakistan, a molecular survey was performed in small ruminants from the Lower Dir district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. A total of 200 healthy sheep and goats were screened from Maidan, Samar Bagh and Munda districts of district Dir Lower, Pakistan during December (2017) to April (2018). DNA samples were screened through nested PCR using universal primers. The amplified 492-498 bp amplicon was subjected to RLB analysis which was based on the hypervariable of the 18S rRNA gene to test for the presence of genotypes of Theileria in blood samples. A phylogeny was constructed to determine the species of Theileria genotypes. Nested PCR results indicated 53.5% prevalence of one or more Theileria genotypes in the blood of the host animal. From RLB assay, 27 animals (13.5%) showed infection with only a single species of Theileria while 80 animals (40%) showed coinfection by multiple Theileria spp. Based on the 18S rRNA phylogeny, the unknown genotype is of the species Theileria luwenshuni and is closely related to Chinese isolates. The present finding is the first report on molecular diagnosis of Theileria luwenshuni in small ruminants in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasreen
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 2320, Pakistan.
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 2320, Pakistan.
| | - Sadaf Niaz
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 2320, Pakistan.
| | - Mir Hassan Shah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 2320, Pakistan.
| | - Aisha Khan
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Irfan Khattak
- College of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan.
| | - Jehan Zeb
- Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan.
| | - Huma Naeem
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54600, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Adeel Hassan
- Department of Parasitology, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bhawalpur, Pakistan.
| | - Mehmet Can Ulucesme
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Turkey
| | - Sezayi Ozubek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Turkey.
| | - Munir Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Turkey.
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Bhoora RV, Collins NE, Schnittger L, Troskie C, Marumo R, Labuschagne K, Smith RM, Dalton DL, Mbizeni S. Molecular genotyping and epidemiology of equine piroplasmids in South Africa. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101358. [PMID: 31870636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Recently reported substantial genetic diversity within Theileria equi 18S rRNA gene sequences has led to the identification of five genotypes A, B, C, D, and E, complicating molecular and serological diagnosis. In addition, T. haneyi has lately been reported as a species closely related to the T. equi 18S rRNA genotype C (Knowles et al., 2018). Theileria spp. of this group have a monophyletic origin and are therefore referred to as Equus group to distinguish them from the remaining Theileria lineages (Jalovecka et al., 2019). In this study, we report on the development of genotype-specific quantitative real-time PCR assays capable of detecting and distinguishing between each parasite genotype. Alignment of complete 18S rRNA sequences available on GenBank allowed for the design of a single primer pair and five TaqMan minor groove binder (MGB™) probes specific for each genotype (A-E). The assays, evaluated as qPCR simplex and two qPCR multiplex formats (Multiplex EP-ABC and Multiplex EP-DE), were shown to be both efficient and specific in the detection of T. equi genotypes. The developed qPCR assays were used to study (i) the intra-specific diversity of parasite genotypes within horse and zebra, (ii) the inter-specific differences in parasite genotype diversity in horses as compared to zebra, and (iii) the geographic distribution of T. equi 18S rRNA genotypes in South Africa. In addition, (iv) the presence of T. haneyi in South Africa was evaluated. An assessment of 342 equine field samples comprising 149 field horses, 55 racehorses, and 138 wild zebra confirmed the previously reported presence of T. equi 18S rRNA genotypes A, B, C, and D, and absence of genotype E in South African equids. Theileria equi genotypes A, B, C, and D, were detected in zebra, whereas only genotypes A, C and D, could be identified in field horses, and only genotypes A and C in racehorses. Genotypes B and D were the dominant genotypes identified in zebra in South Africa, while horses were predominantly infected with T. equi genotypes A and C. The greater diversity of T. equi genotypes in zebra suggests that it is an ancestral host for this piroplasmid lineage. Importantly, evidence is presented that each identified T. equi genotype segregates independently in each of the three studied equid populations reinforcing the notion that they represent individual separate entities corresponding to species. Preliminary investigations of the relationship between T. equi genotype C infections and Theileria haneyi, suggest that in addition to the five currently known T. equi genotypes, South African equids are also infected with T. haneyi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raksha Vasantrai Bhoora
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| | - Nicola Elaine Collins
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Leonhard Schnittger
- Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria, Centre of Research in Veterinary and Agronomic Sciences, INTA-Castelar, Prov. De Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Av. Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ, CABA, Argentina
| | - Christo Troskie
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Ratselane Marumo
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Karien Labuschagne
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Rae Marvin Smith
- South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), National Zoological Garden, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Desire Lee Dalton
- South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), National Zoological Garden, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Zoology, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Sikhumbuzo Mbizeni
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, South Africa
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Remesar S, Díaz P, Prieto A, Markina F, Díaz Cao JM, López-Lorenzo G, Fernández G, López CM, Panadero R, Díez-Baños P, Morrondo P. Prevalence and distribution of Babesia and Theileria species in roe deer from Spain. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:195-201. [PMID: 31193911 PMCID: PMC6545327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis and Theileriosis are important worldwide-distributed tick-borne diseases for human and animals. Their presence in a particular area depends on the presence of suitable tick-vector and host species as well as competent reservoirs such as roe deer, one of the most abundant wild cervids in Spain. Spleen samples from 174 roe deer hunted in Spain were analysed to determine the prevalence of Babesia and Theileria species. DNA of both piroplasms was firstly detected using a commercial qPCR. Then, positive samples were molecularly characterized at the 18S rRNA and ITS1 genes of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. The possible influence of some factors such as ecological area, age and sex was also assessed. Overall, 89.7% of roe deer were positive to any of the two piroplasms. Theileria spp. was more prevalent (60.9%) than Babesia spp. (19.0%); species identification could not be achieved in 17.3% of positive samples. Babesia prevalence was significantly higher in young animals and in roe deer from Oceanic regions, in contrast to Theileria spp. Five species were identified: Theileria sp. OT3 (60.3%), Babesia capreoli (15.5%), Babesia venatorum (2.9%), Theileria sp. 3185/02 (0.6%) and Babesia bigemina (0.6%). The coinfection B. capreoli/T. sp. OT3 was the most common (4.6%) followed by B. venatorum/T. sp. OT3 (0.6%) and B. bigemina/T. sp. OT3 (0.6%). Our results reveal that Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. are prevalent piroplasms in roe deer from Spain. These cervids can act as reservoirs for several Babesia and Theileria species, including the zoonotic B. venatorum. This study represents the first description of B. venatorum and B. bigemina in roe deer from Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Remesar
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Pablo Díaz
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Alberto Prieto
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | | | - Jose Manuel Díaz Cao
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Gonzalo López-Lorenzo
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Fernández
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ceferino M. López
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Rosario Panadero
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Pablo Díez-Baños
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Patrocinio Morrondo
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
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Chisu V, Alberti A, Zobba R, Foxi C, Masala G. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia and Theileria spp. in ticks from domestic and wild hosts in Sardinia. Acta Trop 2019; 196:60-65. [PMID: 31100271 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Piroplasmoses are tick-borne protozoan diseases caused by hemoprotozoan parasites with considerable economic, veterinary and medical impact worldwide. Here, the presence and diversity of piroplasmids was investigated in ticks collected from domestic and wild hosts in a typical subtropical environment of Sardinia island by standard PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. We demonstrate the presence of strains closely related to the Theileria buffeli/sergentii/orientalis complex in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., Rh. bursa, Rh. annulatus, Hyalomma marginatum, Dermacentor marginatus and Haemaphysalis punctata ticks. A strain detected in two Rh. sanguineus s.l. ticks collected from dogs grouped with T. equi, the agent of equine piroplasmosis. T. ovis, the main etiological agent of ovine theileriosis, was detected in one Rh. bursa tick from a mouflon. Babesia bigemina, the causative agent of bovine babesiosis, was detected in two Rh. sanguineus s.l. ticks from dogs. Our findings expand the knowledge on the repertoire of tick-borne pathogens present in Mediterranean ticks. Further analyses are needed to determine the role of ticks in the biological or mechanical transmission of piroplasmoses in this area.
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Hassan S, Skilton RA, Pelle R, Odongo D, Bishop RP, Ahmed J, Seitzer U, Bakheit M, Hassan SM, El Hussein AM. Assessment of the prevalence of Theileria lestoquardi in sheep from the Sudan using serological and molecular methods. Prev Vet Med 2019; 169:104697. [PMID: 31311638 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Malignant theileriosis of sheep and goats caused by Theileria lestoquardi is considered to be among the most important tick borne diseases in the Sudan. Information on the prevalence of the disease in different parts of the Sudan is limited. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the disease in five states of the Sudan using molecular and serological assays. A total of 393 blood and serum samples from clinically asymptomatic sheep were analysed using nested reverse line blot (nRLB) and loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), as well as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results indicated a sero-prevalence of 33.8% while RLB and LAMP assays revealed molecular prevalences of 29.5 and 22.6% respectively. The prevalence of Theileria lestoquardi varied significantly according to the geographical origin of the infected animals, whereas age and gender did not have a significant effect. RLB data indicated that T. lestoquardi usually occurred as a co-infection with the non-pathogenic Theileria ovis. Using RLB as a gold standard, a sensitivity of 68.1% and a specificity of 96.4% were recorded for LAMP and a sensitivity of 75.9% and a specificity of 83.8% for ELISA. The Kappa coefficient between nRLB and LAMP indicated a significant level of agreement (0.692), but only moderate concordance (0.572) between nRLB and ELISA. The results of the present study confirm and extend earlier findings regarding the widespread of T. lestoquardi infections in sheep in the Sudan. The data provide evidence that should enable the veterinary authorities to deploy appropriate control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hassan
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Khartoum, Sudan.
| | - R A Skilton
- Biosciences eastern and central Africa - International Livestock Research Institute Hub (BecA-ILRI Hub), Kenya
| | - R Pelle
- Biosciences eastern and central Africa - International Livestock Research Institute Hub (BecA-ILRI Hub), Kenya
| | - D Odongo
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - R P Bishop
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - J Ahmed
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - U Seitzer
- Division of Veterinary Infection Biology and Immunology, Research Center Borstel, Germany
| | - M Bakheit
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Sudan
| | - S M Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Sudan
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Sousa C, Soares J. Employment of the 18s rRNA screening PCR technique in the detection of Equine Piroplasmosis, in horses of sports and military operations, of the Brazilian Army. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-10087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The present work had the objective of detecting the occurrence of Equine Piroplasmosis in horses housed in the 3rd Guards Cavalry Regiment (GCR) - Brazilian Army (BA) ˗ Porto Alegre, RS-Brazil, as well as to demonstrate the proactivity of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique, aiming at the judicious use of the resources involved in the training and employment of Equines in the Brazilian Army. Fifty horses of the 3rd GCR - Porto Alegre ˗ RS, which are employed for Sport, Military Ceremonial, Law and Order Guarantee Operations (LOGO), were evaluated by means of the 18s r RNA screening with PCR technique, thirty eight horses with Babesia Caballi and Theileria Equi were detected, which corresponds to an incidence of 76% of the horses effective analyzed at the time. In this way, it can be verified that the Military activity have its "performance and effectiveness" factors threatened in case the health of the principal of his means employed, that is the horse, is compromised. The PCR technique then offers a reliable and feasible tool for the detection of Equine Piroplasmosis in BA horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- C.P. Sousa
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Brazil
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32
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A study on potential factors and physiological biomarkers associated with the occurrence of ovine theileriosis. Small Rumin Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Tabaei SJS, Spotin A, Pouriran R, Shahbazi A, Mamaghani AJ. Molecular characterization of Theileria spp. in livestock and the first report on the occurrence of Theileria sp. OT3 in Iran. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:515-521. [PMID: 29975649 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Theileria lestoquardi, T. ovis, and T. annulata are recognized as major causative agents for ovine and cattle theileriosis in Iran, respectively. Recently, there have been reports on the presence of Theileria spp. (Theileria sp. OT1, Theileria sp. OT3, and Theileria sp.). In this study, 37 blood samples were collected from sheep and cattle with clinically suspected Theileria infection in the Northwest of Iran. The samples were analyzed using a light microscope. DNA samples were amplified via nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of 18S rRNA gene. The amplicons were digested with HpaII, following restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequenced to reconfirm Theileria species. The microscopic examination indicated that 4 out of 37 (10.8%) blood samples were infected with Theileria spp. Based on the nested PCR-RFLP and sequencing data, 5.4%, 13.5%, and 27% of blood samples were infected with Theileria sp. OT3, T. ovis, and T. annulata, respectively. The pairwise distance matrix of Theileria sp. OT3 showed 99.8-100% identity and 0-0.2% divergence in comparison with the registered sequences. The present study is the first report of Theileria sp. OT3 in Iran. To the evaluate evolution of Theileria spp. and providing resultant genetic data, further research with a larger sample is necessary in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adel Spotin
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ramin Pouriran
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Shahbazi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amirreza Javadi Mamaghani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Yu ZQ, Song JK, Zhang HJ, Liu TL, Fan XC, Zhao GH. MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF THEILERIA SPP. IN GOATS FROM SHAANXI PROVINCE, NORTHWESTERN CHINA. J Parasitol 2018; 104:726-731. [PMID: 30106337 DOI: 10.1645/18-38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Theileriosis is an important tick-borne pathogen of livestock globally, causing severe reduction of livestock productivity and economic loss. To systematically investigate the prevalence and species of Theileria spp. in goats from Shaanxi province, a total of 509 blood samples were collected from dairy, cashmere and meat goats from 7 counties, and examined by using the microscopic examination and the nested PCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene. Of them, 268 (52.7%, 268/509) were positive for Theileria infection. The prevalence was closely associated with ages and production categories. The highest infection was found in meat goats of 7 to 12-months, and lowest was detected in cashmere goats of 3 to 6 months. Sequence analysis indicated the presence of 2 Theileria species, with Theileria luwenshuni as the prevalent species and the first report of Theileria sp. OT3 in goats in China. These findings indicated the wide distribution of Theileria spp. in goats of Shaanxi province, and would shed new light on the distribution of this parasite in China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Guang-Hui Zhao
- * College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University
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Jafarbekloo A, Ramzgouyan MR, Shirian S, Tajedin L, Bakhshi H, Faghihi F, Sedaghat M, Telmadarraiy Z. Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. Isolated from Various Ticks in Southeastern and Northwestern Regions of Iran. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:595-600. [PMID: 29985766 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Piroplasms are hemoprotozoa comprising heterogeneous tick-borne parasites, which are differentiated into three genera, namely Babesia, Theileria, and Cytauxzoon. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, molecular identification, and phylogenetic relationship of both Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. in tick species isolated from different domestic animals from two different geographical locations of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 930 ticks collected from goats, sheep, and cattle were examined for the presence of Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. using PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene followed by sequencing. Sequence analysis was performed based on the data published in the GenBank on Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. isolates using bioinformatic tools, such as the standard nucleotide BLAST. RESULTS A 390 or 430 base pair fragment of 18S rRNA gene of Theileria and Babesia species was successfully amplified in 17.2% of the examined ticks (16of 93). Genome of Theileria or Babesia species was detected in 4 ticks collected in Heris, including 3 Dermacentor marginatus and 1 Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and also in 12 ticks collected in Chabahar, including 10 R. sanguineus and 2 D. marginatus. Partial analysis of 18S rRNA gene sequence of the four D. marginatus, collected from goats and sheep in Heris, showed that they were infected with Theileria spp. that were 95-97% identical to Iranian Theileria ovis present in the GenBank database (GenBank acc. no. KP019206.1). While the five R. sanguineus, collected from sheep and goats in Chabahar, were infected with Babesia spp. that were 91-97% identical to Iranian Babesia ovis present in the GenBank database (GenBank acc. no. AY362829.1: KT587794.1). CONCLUSION The prevalence of Babesia and Theileria is different in southeastern and northwestern parts of Iran, with higher prevalence of babesiosis in the southeastern region and that of theileriosis in the northwestern region. Sequence analysis of 18S rRNA gene revealed that T. ovis and B. ovis are genetically polymorphic in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Jafarbekloo
- 1 Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health , Tehran, Iran .,2 Department of Human Rights, Shahid Beheshti University , Tehran, Iran .,3 Department of Research and Development, Chabahar Gulf Marine Company , Chabahar, Iran
| | - Maryam Roya Ramzgouyan
- 3 Department of Research and Development, Chabahar Gulf Marine Company , Chabahar, Iran .,4 Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Shirian
- 5 Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University , Shahrekord, Iran .,6 Dr. Daneshbod Lab, Shiraz Molecular Pathology Research Center , Shiraz, Iran
| | - Leila Tajedin
- 7 Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu , Oulu, Finland
| | - Hassan Bakhshi
- 8 Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran (PII) , Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Faghihi
- 9 Department of Biotechnology, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sedaghat
- 1 Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health , Tehran, Iran
| | - Zakkyeh Telmadarraiy
- 1 Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health , Tehran, Iran
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Occurrence of tick-borne haemoparasites in cattle in the Mungwi District, Northern Province, Zambia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:707-717. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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37
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Mamatha G, Shruthi R, Chandranaik B, D’Souza PE, Thimmareddy P, Shivashankar B, Puttalakshmamma G. Molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic characterisation of Theileria luwenshuni in India: A first report. Small Rumin Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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38
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Al-Fahdi A, Alqamashoui B, Al-Hamidhi S, Kose O, Tageldin MH, Bobade P, Johnson EH, Hussain AR, Karagenc T, Tait A, Shiels B, Bilgic HB, Babiker H. Molecular surveillance of Theileria parasites of livestock in Oman. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:741-748. [PMID: 28558992 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Theileriosis is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases of livestock in the Arabian Peninsula, and causes high rates of mortality and morbidity in sheep and cattle. However, there is a paucity of information on the distribution of Theileria spp. over the whole region and their impact on different hosts. The present study carried out a country-wide molecular survey for Theileria spp. of livestock in Oman across four governorates. The aim of the survey was to define the prevalence of Theileria spp. in cattle, sheep and goats, highlight risk factors for infection and identify the main tick species involved in parasite transmission. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 2020 animals were examined in the survey consisting of sheep [n=592], goats [n=981] and cattle [n=447]. All three species were raised and co-grazed on the same farms. Theileria parasites were detected using PCR-RFLP and RLB of the 18S rRNA gene. Cloning and sequencing of the 18S rRNA was carried out on 11 T. lestoquardi isolates from Ash-Sharqiyah, and Ad-Dhahira governorates, and phylogenetic relationships were inferred using additional sequences of T. lestoquardi, T. annulata and T. ovis available in GenBank. RESULTS Theileria spp. prevalence was 72.3%, 36.7% and 2.7% among cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. Strong similarity in results was obtained using RLB and PCR-RFLP for detection of Theileria spp. however, RLB detected a higher rate of mixed infection than PCR-RFPL (P<0.001). Theileria annulata was the only parasite detected in cattle, while sheep and goats carried T. ovis, T. lestoquardi and T. annulata as well as Theileria spp. OT1. Of the four Theileria spp. detected in small ruminants, overall T. ovis was most prevalent (sheep [33.4%], goats [2.0%]), whereas T. lestoquardi was less prevalent (sheep [22.0%], goats [0.5%]). A large proportion of infected sheep (19%) carried mixed infection of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi. However, single T. lestoquardi infections (3.0%) were less prevalent than T. ovis infections (14.5%). Risk of Theileria spp. infection was significantly higher for exotic breeds, relative to native breeds, of cattle (p=0.00002) and sheep (p=0.005). Phylogenetic analysis placed T. lestoquardi in Oman in the same clade as other T. lestoquardi strains isolated from the same regional area (Iraq and Iran). The main tick species, identified on the examined animals, Hyalomma anatolicum, was widely distributed and was found in all of the surveyed governorates. CONCLUSION Theileria spp. are widespread in Oman with variable prevalence detected in different regions. Two economically important hosts, cattle and sheep are at high risk from virulent T. annulata and T. lestoquardi, respectively. The survey indicates extensive exposure to ticks and transmission of infection that has a significant economic impact. The higher prevalence of T. lestoquardi as mixed rather than single infection requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Al-Fahdi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
| | | | - Salama Al-Hamidhi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
| | - Onur Kose
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University Isikli, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Mohammed H Tageldin
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
| | - Patrick Bobade
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
| | - Eugene H Johnson
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
| | | | - Tulin Karagenc
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University Isikli, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Andy Tait
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Brian Shiels
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Huseyin Bilgin Bilgic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University Isikli, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Hamza Babiker
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman.
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Bilgic HB, Bakırcı S, Kose O, Unlu AH, Hacılarlıoglu S, Eren H, Weir W, Karagenc T. Prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasites in small ruminants in Turkey and diagnostic sensitivity of single-PCR and RLB. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:211. [PMID: 28449722 PMCID: PMC5408456 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2151-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases (TBHDs), caused by Theileria, Babesia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, are common in regions of the world where the distributions of host, pathogen and vector overlap. Many of these diseases threaten livestock production and some also represent a concern to human public health. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the above-mentioned pathogens in a large number of blood samples (n = 1979) collected from sheep (n = 1727) and goats (n = 252) in Turkey. A secondary aim was to assess the diagnostic sensitivity of a number of species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and the reverse line blotting (RLB) assay. DNA samples were screened using species-specific PCR for the presence of Theileria ovis, Theileria sp. MK, T. lestoquardi, T. uilenbergi, T. luwenshuni, Babesia ovis, Anaplasma ovis and A. phagocytophilum while RLB was undertaken to test for the presence of all known Theileria, Babesia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species. The diagnostic sensitivity of these two approaches was then compared in terms of their ability to detect single species and mixed infections. Results Overall, 84 and 74.43% of the small ruminants sampled were identified as hosting one or more pathogen(s) by species-specific PCR and RLB respectively. The presence of Theileria sp. OT1, T. luwenshuni and T. uilenbergi in Turkey was revealed for the first time while the presence of Babesia motasi, B. crassa and T. separata in Turkish small ruminants was confirmed using molecular methods. A high prevalence of mixed infection was evident, with PCR and RLB approaches indicating that 52.24 and 35.42% of animals were co-infected with multiple species, respectively. More than 80% of the mixed infections contained T. ovis and/or A. ovis. The RLB approach was found to be capable of detecting mixed infections with species such as Theileria sp. OT1, Theileria sp. OT3, T. separata, B. crassa and Babesia spp. Conclusion The results indicated that pathogens causing TBHDs are highly prevalent in sheep and goats in Turkey. The diagnostic sensitivity of species-specific single PCR was generally higher than that of RLB. However, the latter approach was still capable of identifying a high proportion of individuals containing mixed-species infections. The use of species-specific single PCR is recommended to accurately estimate pathogen prevalence and to identify co-infected hosts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2151-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin Bilgin Bilgic
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey.
| | - Serkan Bakırcı
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
| | - Onur Kose
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Hakan Unlu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Yuzuncu Yil, Vocational high School of Gevas, Programme of Laboratorian and Veterinary Health, 65700, Van, Turkey
| | - Selin Hacılarlıoglu
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
| | - Hasan Eren
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
| | - William Weir
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Tulin Karagenc
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
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Ozubek S, Aktas M. Molecular and Parasitological Survey of Ovine Piroplasmosis, Including the First Report of Theileria annulata (Apicomplexa: Theileridae) in Sheep and Goats from Turkey. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:212-220. [PMID: 28082649 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Blood and tick samples were collected from 333 apparently healthy sheep and 257 goats as well as 10 sheep exhibiting clinical signs of babesiosis in Adana, Gaziantep, and Adiyaman Provinces in southern Turkey. Fully engorged female ticks were selected and maintained in an incubator until they oviposited. The tick carcasses and their egg masses were examined. Piroplasms compatible with Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. were observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic small ruminants. Genomic DNA isolates from blood of ovine, tick samples, and egg masses were screened for piroplasms by utilizing 18S rRNA polymerase chain reaction and reverse line blotting (RLB) assays. Parasitemia ranged from 0.01% to 5.6% of erythrocytes in clinical cases. RLB showed positivity in 239 (40.5%) of the sampled apparently healthy sheep and goats and revealed the presence of three Theileria and one Babesia species. Theileria ovis was the most prevalent (35.4%), followed by Babesia ovis (5.4%), Theileria annulata (3.9%), and Theileria sp. MK (0.3%). Thirty-two small ruminants infected with T. ovis were also infected with B. ovis One animal infected with T. ovis was also infected with Theileria sp. MK. Ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma excavatum, Haemaphysalis parva, and Hyalomma anatolicum Egg masses of two female R. bursa carcasses were infected with B. ovis This is the first report of theileriosis caused by T. annulata in sheep and goats in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ozubek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig, 23119, Turkey (; )
| | - M Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig, 23119, Turkey (; )
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Ozubek S, Aktas M. Molecular evidence of a new Babesia sp. in goats. Vet Parasitol 2016; 233:1-8. [PMID: 28043378 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a novel Babesia sp. infecting goats was detected and its phylogenetic relationship to related species was determined. A total of 200 blood samples collected from sheep (n=78) and goats (n=122) were examined in the study. The V4 hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene of the novel Babesia sp. was amplified by PCR and analysed using a reverse line blot hybridization assay adapted for small ruminants. Samples from seven goats hybridized to Theileria/Babesia catch-all and Babesia catch-all probes and did not hybridize to any species-specific probe tested, suggesting the presence of an unrecognized Babesia species or genotype. Sequencing results showed the isolate to clearly differ from ovine Babesia species and genotypes currently available in the GenBank database. The isolate showed 90.9%, 93.5%, and 93.4% identity to B. ovis, B. motasi, and B. crassa, respectively and 91-93% similarity to Babesia genotypes recently described in small ruminants. The highest homology (∼96-97%) observed was with Babesia odocoilei, Babesia sp. EU1, and Babesia divergens. The new isolate was provisionally designated Babesia sp. The study contributes to better insight into the distribution and phylogenetic diversity of piroplasms in small ruminants. The survey indicated a high prevalence of piroplasms in small ruminants (21.5%). Of those detected, T. ovis was the most prevalent (17%), followed by Babesia sp. (3.5%), and B. ovis (2%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezayi Ozubek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, 23119, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Munir Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, 23119, Elazig, Turkey.
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Michelet L, Joncour G, Devillers E, Torina A, Vayssier-Taussat M, Bonnet SI, Moutailler S. Tick species, tick-borne pathogens and symbionts in an insular environment off the coast of Western France. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:1109-1115. [PMID: 27622976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Insular environments provide ideal natural conditions to study disease ecology, especially emerging diseases, due to clear differentiation between local and long-distance transmission. Such environments are of particular interest regarding tick-borne pathogens (TBP), since animal exchange with the mainland (along with any ticks they carry) is limited, and because such locations could lie on migratory routes for birds carrying ticks. Therefore both tick species and TBP may display different prevalence than those observed on the continent. As such, an epidemiological survey was performed on Belle-Ile-en-Mer, an island off the coast of Western France, in order to estimate the prevalence of tick species and the microorganisms they carried. Three tick species, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, and Haemaphysalis punctata were collected at five different sites in 2010 and 2011. All ticks were tested for pathogen's and symbiont's DNA by (i) PCR for Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp.; (ii) real-time PCR for Francisella tularensis, Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLE) and Coxiella spp. and (iii) PCR-RLB for Babesia-Theileria spp. Pathogen DNA detected in D. marginatus including Borrelia spp. (18%), Rickettsia spp. (13%) which was identified as R. slovaca, Babesia spp. (8%), and Theileria spp. (1%). Pathogens detected in D. reticulatus including Rickettsia spp. (31%) identified as R. raoulti, Francisella-like endosymbiont (86%), and Babesia spp (21%). Pathogens detected in H. punctata including Rickettsia spp. (1%) identified as R. aeschlimannii, FLE (0.4%), Babesia spp. (18%), and Theileria spp. (7%). Anaplasma spp., F. tularensis, or Coxiella spp. were not detected in any of the collected ticks. This study represents the first epidemiological survey of the insular Belle-Ile-en-Mer environment. It demonstrated the presence of expected pathogens, consistent with reports from island veterinarians or physicians, as well as unexpected pathogens, raising questions about their potential introduction through infected animals and/or their dispersion by migratory birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Michelet
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, ENVA, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons Alfort cedex, France
| | - Guy Joncour
- Technical Veterinary Groups National Society (SNGTV), 2, Kervellan, Callac, France
| | - Elodie Devillers
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, ENVA, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons Alfort cedex, France
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Dipartimento Sanità Interprovinciale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, ENVA, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons Alfort cedex, France
| | - Sarah I Bonnet
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, ENVA, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons Alfort cedex, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, ENVA, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons Alfort cedex, France.
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Rjeibi MR, Darghouth MA, Gharbi M. Prevalence of Theileria and Babesia species in Tunisian sheep. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 83:a1040. [PMID: 27247070 PMCID: PMC6238706 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v83i1.1040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the prevalence of Theileria and Babesia species in sheep was assessed with Giemsa-stained blood smear examination and polymerase chain reaction to identify the different piroplasms in 270 sheep from three Tunisian bioclimatic zones (north, centre, and south). The overall infection prevalence by Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in Giemsa-stained blood smears was 2.9% (8/270) and 4.8% (13/270) respectively. The molecular results showed that sheep were more often infected by Theileria ovis than Babesia ovis with an overall prevalence of 16.3% (44/270) and 7.8% (21/270) respectively (p = 0.01). The molecular prevalence by Babesia ovis was significantly higher in females than in males (p < 0.05). According to localities B. ovis was found exclusively in sheep from the centre of Tunisia (Kairouan) whereas Theileria ovis was found in all regions. Infections with T. ovis and B. ovis were confirmed by sequencing. The sequence of T. ovis in this study (accession numbers KM924442) falls into the same clade as T. ovis deposited in GenBank. The T. ovis amplicons (KM924442) showed 99%–100% identities with GenBank sequences. Moreover, comparison of the partial sequences of 18S rRNA gene of B. ovis described in this study (KP670199) revealed 99.4% similarity with B. ovis recently reported in northern Tunisia from sheep and goats. Three nucleotides were different at positions 73 (A/T), 417 (A/T), and 420 (G/T). It also had 99% identity with B. ovis from Spain, Turkey and Iraq. The results suggest a high T. ovis prevalence in Tunisia with a decreasing north-south gradient. This could be correlated to the vector tick distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed R Rjeibi
- Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Laboratory of Parasitology, National School of Veterinary Medicine, Manouba University, Tunisia; Department of Biology, Carthage University, Tunisia.
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Phipps LP, Hernández-Triana LM, Goharriz H, Welchman D, Johnson N. Detection of Theileria luwenshuni in sheep from Great Britain. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:203. [PMID: 27075661 PMCID: PMC4831081 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1486-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Theileria spp. are tick-borne protozoan parasites of the Phylum Apicomplexa, Order Piroplasmida that infect a wide range of wild and domestic animals. In Great Britain, Theileria spp. have been reported from livestock associated with transmission by the tick Haemaphysalis punctata. However, these reports have not been associated with disease. This study has investigated the cause of a disease outbreak accompanied by mortality in a flock of sheep grazing reclaimed marshland in north Kent. FINDINGS A polymerase chain reaction-reverse line blot assay indicated the presence of Theileria spp. in blood samples from five animals. Subsequent testing with a pan-piroplasm PCR of a larger panel of blood samples detected a piroplasm amplicon in 19 of 21 sheep submitted from the affected flock. Automated sequencing confirmed that these amplicons shared 99-100% identity with T. luwenshuni. CONCLUSIONS The clinical and PCR data suggest infection with T. luwenshuni was associated with disease and mortality in this flock.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Paul Phipps
- />Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Disease Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB UK
| | - Luis M. Hernández-Triana
- />Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Disease Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB UK
| | - Hooman Goharriz
- />Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Disease Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB UK
| | - David Welchman
- />Surveillance Intelligence Unit, APHA Winchester, Itchen Abbas, Winchester, SO21 1BX UK
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- />Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Disease Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB UK
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Shayan P, Jafari S, Fattahi R, Ebrahimzade E, Amininia N, Changizi E. Identification and characterization of Theileria ovis surface protein (ToSp) resembled TaSp in Theileria annulata. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:1893-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4929-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Characterization of a papain-like cysteine protease essential for the survival of Babesia ovis merozoites. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:85-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Molecular Detection of Theileria spp. in Livestock on Five Caribbean Islands. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:624728. [PMID: 26783522 PMCID: PMC4689888 DOI: 10.1155/2015/624728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Theileria spp. are tick-transmitted, intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasites infecting a wide range of animals. As there is very limited information on the prevalence of Theileria spp. in the Caribbean we used the recently described genus-specific pan-Theileria FRET-qPCR to identify infected animals in the region and a standard 18S rRNA gene PCR and sequencing to determine the species involved. We found Theileria spp. in 9% of the convenience samples of animals (n = 752) studied from five Caribbean islands. Donkeys (20.0%: 5/25) were most commonly infected, followed by sheep (17.4%, 25/144), cattle (6.8%; 22/325), goats (5.0%; 12/238), and horses (5.0%; 1/20). Six species of Theileria were identified: T. equi (donkeys, cattle, goats, and sheep), Theileria sp. OT3 (sheep and goats), Theileria sp. NG-2013a (cattle), Theileria sp. YW-2014 (donkeys), Theileria sp. B15a (goats), and Babesia vulpes or a closely related organism (sheep and goats). Only T. equi has been previously reported in the Caribbean. Our findings expand the known host ranges of Theileria spp. and the known distribution of the organisms around the world.
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Aktas M, Ozubek S. Molecular and Parasitological Survey of Bovine Piroplasms in the Black Sea Region, Including the First Report of Babesiosis Associated with Babesia divergens in Turkey. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 52:1344-1350. [PMID: 26336265 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Clinical cases of babesiosis were evaluated, and the frequency of bovine Babesia and Theileria parasites was determined in cattle. Blood samples and thin blood smears were collected from 23 cattle exhibiting clinical signs of babesiosis. In addition, tick and blood samples were collected from 100 apparently healthy cattle cograzing from the same area. Egg masses obtained from fully engorged female ticks were included. DNA isolated from blood and tick samples was screened for Babesia and Theileria by reverse line blot assay. Piroplasms compatible with Babesia spp. were observed microscopically for symptomatic cattle as circular, oval, elongated, or pear-shaped bodies. Parasitemia ranged from 0.08 to 0.9% for Babesia bovis, 2.5 to 15.4% for Babesia bigemina, and 7.4% for Babesia divergens. Reverse line blot showed positivity in 13 (13%) of the sampled clinically normal cattle and revealed the presence of three Babesia species. Babesia bovis was the most prevalent (9/100, 9%), followed by Babesia occultans (3/100, 3%) and B. bigemina (1/100, 1%). One animal infected with B. bigemina was also infected with B. bovis. The single animal infected with B. divergens showed symptoms of babesiosis. Ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus annulatus, Rhipicephalus turanicus, and Ixodes ricinus. One female R. annulatus and its egg mass were infected with B. bigemina. Neither Theileria annulata nor Theileria buffeli/orientalis infections were observed in cattle or ticks. This is the first report of clinical babesiosis caused by B. divergens in cattle from Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, 23119, Elazig, Turkey.
| | - S Ozubek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, 23119, Elazig, Turkey
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Erster O, Roth A, Wolkomirsky R, Leibovich B, Savitzky I, Zamir S, Molad T, Shkap V. Molecular detection of Babesia ovis in sheep and ticks using the gene encoding B. ovis surface protein D (BoSPD). Vet Parasitol 2015; 214:282-8. [PMID: 26391822 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The gene encoding Babesia ovis surface protein D (BoSPD) was cloned from B. ovis cDNA library. This gene encodes a polypeptide chain of 155 amino acids, including a predicted 22 amino acid signal peptide. Sequence analysis of the BoSPD suggested that it is a surface protein with no known domains. BLAST analysis followed by multiple alignments showed four orthologs from other Apicomplexan species and suggested that BoSPD is specific for B. ovis. BoSPD-based PCR was then developed to specifically detect B. ovis in experimentally-infected sheep and Rhipicephalus bursa ticks, as well as in field samples. The PCR enabled detection of B. ovis at a calculated parasitemia of 0.0016% and was shown to be specific for B. ovis. Moreover, the BoSPD PCR allowed detection of prolonged subclinical infection in experimentally-infected lambs and in dissected organs of experimentally-infected ticks. Finally, the PCR was used to detect parasitemia in blood samples from naturally-infected sheep and in R. bursa ticks collected from sheep in an infected flock. These results suggest that the BoSPD gene sequence can be used as a specific and sensitive marker, allowing detection of subclinical parasitemia in sheep and in ticks. Based on its predicted properties, BoSPD may be considered as a candidate for anti-B. ovis vaccine development or a target for anti-B.ovis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oran Erster
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
| | - Asael Roth
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Ricardo Wolkomirsky
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Benjamin Leibovich
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Igor Savitzky
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Shmuel Zamir
- Israeli Veterinary Field Services, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Thea Molad
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Varda Shkap
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
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