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Muleya W, Atuhaire DK, Mupila Z, Mbao V, Mayembe P, Kalenga S, Fandamu P, Namangala B, Salt J, Musoke AJ. Sequence Diversity of Tp1 and Tp2 Antigens and Population Genetic Analysis of Theileria parva in Unvaccinated Cattle in Zambia’s Chongwe and Chisamba Districts. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020114. [PMID: 35215058 PMCID: PMC8879479 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
East Coast Fever (ECF), caused by Theileria parva, is a major constraint to improved livestock keeping in east and central Africa, including Zambia. To understand the dynamics and determine the candidates for immunization in Zambia’s Chongwe and Chisamba districts, a combination of Tp1 and Tp2 gene sequencing and microsatellite analysis using nine markers was conducted from which an abundance of Muguga, Kiambu, Serengeti and Katete epitopes in the field samples was obtained. Phylogenetic analysis showed six (Tp1) and three (Tp2) clusters with an absence of geographical origin clustering. The majority of haplotypes were related to Muguga, Kiambu, Serengeti and Katete, and only a few were related to Chitongo. Both antigens showed purifying selection with an absence of positive selection sites. Furthermore, low to moderate genetic differentiation was observed among and within the populations, and when vaccine stocks were compared with field samples, Chongwe samples showed more similarity to Katete and less to Chitongo, while Chisamba samples showed similarity to both Katete and Chitongo and not to Muguga, Kiambu or Serengeti. We conclude that the use of Katete stock for immunization trials in both Chongwe and Chisamba districts might produce desirable protection against ECF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Muleya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (W.M.); (Z.M.)
| | | | - Zachariah Mupila
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (W.M.); (Z.M.)
| | - Victor Mbao
- Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, International Development Research Centre, Nairobi 00200, Kenya;
| | - Purity Mayembe
- Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka 50060, Zambia; (P.M.); (S.K.); (P.F.)
| | - Sydney Kalenga
- Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka 50060, Zambia; (P.M.); (S.K.); (P.F.)
| | - Paul Fandamu
- Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka 50060, Zambia; (P.M.); (S.K.); (P.F.)
| | - Boniface Namangala
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
| | - Jeremy Salt
- Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik EH26 0PZ, UK;
| | - Antony Jim Musoke
- LMK Medical Laboratories and Consultancies, Kampala P.O. Box 33686, Uganda;
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Larcombe SD, Kolte SW, Ponnudurai G, Kurkure N, Magar S, Velusamy R, Rani N, Rubinibala B, Rekha B, Alagesan A, Weir W, Shiels BR. The impact of tick-borne pathogen infection in Indian bovines is determined by host type but not the genotype of Theileria annulata. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 75:103972. [PMID: 31344487 PMCID: PMC6853275 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.103972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBP) are a major source of production loss and a welfare concern in livestock across the globe. Consequently, there is a trade-off between keeping animals that are tolerant to TBP infection, but are less productive than more susceptible breeds. Theileria annulata is a major TBP of bovines, with different host types (i.e. exotic and native cattle breeds, and buffalo) displaying demonstrable differences in clinical susceptibility to infection. However, the extent to which these differences are driven by genetic/physiological differences between hosts, or by different parasite populations/genotypes preferentially establishing infection in different host breeds and species is unclear. In this study, three different bovine host types in India were blood sampled to test for the presence of various TBP, including Theileria annulata, to determine whether native cattle (Bos indicus breeds), crossbreed cattle (Bos taurus x Bos indicus breeds) or water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) differ in the physiological consequences of infection. Population genetic analyses of T. annulata isolated from the three different host types was also performed, using a panel of mini- and micro-satellite markers, to test for sub-structuring of the parasite population among host types. We discovered that compared to other host types, “carrier” crossbreed cattle showed a higher level of haematological pathology when infected with T. annulata. Despite this finding, we found no evidence for differences in the genotypes of T. annulata infecting different host types, although buffalo appeared to harbour fewer mixed parasite genotype infections, indicating they are not the major reservoir of parasite diversity. The apparent tolerance/resistance of native breed cattle and buffalo to the impacts of T. annulata infection is thus most likely to be driven by host genotype, rather than differences in the parasite population. Our results suggest that an improved understanding of the genetic factors that underpin disease resistance could help to ameliorate future economic loss due to TBP or tropical theileriosis. Theileria annulata infection has different consequences in crossbreed cattle, native cattle and water buffalo in India Crossbreed Bos taurus x Bos indicus cattle showed reductions in haematological parameters when infected with T. annulata We found no evidence for infection-mediated physiological change in native cattle breeds or water buffalo We found no sub-structuring of the T. annulata population between different host types using microsatellite analysis Buffalo were not a major reservoir of genetically diverse T. annulata infecting cattle, contrasting the epidemiology of T. parva
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Larcombe
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, UK.
| | - S W Kolte
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - G Ponnudurai
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - N Kurkure
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - S Magar
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - R Velusamy
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - N Rani
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - B Rubinibala
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, India
| | - B Rekha
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, India
| | - A Alagesan
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, India
| | - W Weir
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Scotland G61 1QH, UK
| | - B R Shiels
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, UK
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3
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Hemmink JD, Sitt T, Pelle R, de Klerk-Lorist LM, Shiels B, Toye PG, Morrison WI, Weir W. Ancient diversity and geographical sub-structuring in African buffalo Theileria parva populations revealed through metagenetic analysis of antigen-encoding loci. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:287-296. [PMID: 29408266 PMCID: PMC5854372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
An infection and treatment protocol involving infection with a mixture of three parasite isolates and simultaneous treatment with oxytetracycline is currently used to vaccinate cattle against Theileria parva. While vaccination results in high levels of protection in some regions, little or no protection is observed in areas where animals are challenged predominantly by parasites of buffalo origin. A previous study involving sequencing of two antigen-encoding genes from a series of parasite isolates indicated that this is associated with greater antigenic diversity in buffalo-derived T. parva. The current study set out to extend these analyses by applying high-throughput sequencing to ex vivo samples from naturally infected buffalo to determine the extent of diversity in a set of antigen-encoding genes. Samples from two populations of buffalo, one in Kenya and the other in South Africa, were examined to investigate the effect of geographical distance on the nature of sequence diversity. The results revealed a number of significant findings. First, there was a variable degree of nucleotide sequence diversity in all gene segments examined, with the percentage of polymorphic nucleotides ranging from 10% to 69%. Second, large numbers of allelic variants of each gene were found in individual animals, indicating multiple infection events. Third, despite the observed diversity in nucleotide sequences, several of the gene products had highly conserved amino acid sequences, and thus represent potential candidates for vaccine development. Fourth, although compelling evidence for population differentiation between the Kenyan and South African T. parva parasites was identified, analysis of molecular variance for each gene revealed that the majority of the underlying nucleotide sequence polymorphism was common to both areas, indicating that much of this aspect of genetic variation in the parasite population arose prior to geographic separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanneke D Hemmink
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK; The International Livestock Research Institute, PO Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tatjana Sitt
- The International Livestock Research Institute, PO Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Roger Pelle
- The International Livestock Research Institute, PO Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lin-Mari de Klerk-Lorist
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), National Department of Agriculture, PO Box 12, Skukuza, Kruger National Park, 1350, South Africa
| | - Brian Shiels
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Henry Wellcome Building, Garscube Campus, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Philip G Toye
- The International Livestock Research Institute, PO Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - W Ivan Morrison
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - William Weir
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Henry Wellcome Building, Garscube Campus, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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Pollard DA, Reichard MV, Cohn LA, James AM, Holman PJ. Genetic variability of cloned Cytauxzoon felis ribosomal RNA ITS1 and ITS2 genomic regions from domestic cats with varied clinical outcomes from five states. Vet Parasitol 2017; 244:136-143. [PMID: 28917305 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cytauxzoon felis is a tick-borne hemoparasite that causes cytauxzoonosis in domestic cats in the United States. Historically, feline cytauxzoonosis was reported to be nearly always fatal. However, increasing evidence of cats surviving acute infection and/or harboring a chronic, subclinical infection has suggested the existence of different C. felis strains that may vary in pathogenicity. In this study, the intraspecific variation of the C. felis first and second ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS1, ITS2) regions was assessed for any clinical outcome or geographic associations. Sequence data were obtained for 122C. felis ITS1 and ITS2 clones from 41 domestic cat blood samples from Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Seven previously reported ITS1 region sequences were found, and a previously undescribed 23-bp insert was detected in cloned ITS1 sequences from a domestic cat in Missouri and two cats in Oklahoma. Four previously reported ITS2 region sequences were identified, and a 40-bp insert similar to that previously reported in C. felis of a domestic cat from Arkansas and pumas was detected in 18 cloned C. felis sequences from 12 domestic cats. One clone contained both the 23-bp insert and 40-bp insert within the ITS1 and ITS2 regions, respectively. Combined ITS1 and ITS2 sequence genotypes revealed that C. felis sequences from 27 cats (72/122 clones) corresponded to four previously described genotypes, ITSa, ITSc, ITSd, and ITSn. Five clones with the novel 23-bp insert from three cat isolates represented two new genotypes, ITSaa and ITSbb. Genotypes ITScc, ITSdd, ITSee, ITSff, ITSgg, and ITShh denoted 13 clones that matched prior sequences but had no previously assigned genotype. Genotypes ITSii through ITStt comprised 32 clones that were similar to, but did not exactly match, previously described genotypes. Twenty-five cats had C. felis infections with multiple ITS genotypes. Considerable C. felis genetic diversity was revealed with no significant geographic or clinical outcome associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana A Pollard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA
| | - Mason V Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Andrea M James
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA
| | - Patricia J Holman
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA.
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5
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The biology of Theileria parva and control of East Coast fever – Current status and future trends. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:549-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Bishop RP, Hemmink JD, Morrison WI, Weir W, Toye PG, Sitt T, Spooner PR, Musoke AJ, Skilton RA, Odongo DO. The African buffalo parasite Theileria. sp. (buffalo) can infect and immortalize cattle leukocytes and encodes divergent orthologues of Theileria parva antigen genes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2015; 4:333-42. [PMID: 26543804 PMCID: PMC4589832 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
African Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is the wildlife reservoir of multiple species within the apicomplexan protozoan genus Theileria, including Theileria parva which causes East coast fever in cattle. A parasite, which has not yet been formally named, known as Theileria sp. (buffalo) has been recognized as a potentially distinct species based on rDNA sequence, since 1993. We demonstrate using reverse line blot (RLB) and sequencing of 18S rDNA genes, that in an area where buffalo and cattle co-graze and there is a heavy tick challenge, T. sp. (buffalo) can frequently be isolated in culture from cattle leukocytes. We also show that T. sp. (buffalo), which is genetically very closely related to T. parva, according to 18s rDNA sequence, has a conserved orthologue of the polymorphic immunodominant molecule (PIM) that forms the basis of the diagnostic ELISA used for T. parva serological detection. Closely related orthologues of several CD8 T cell target antigen genes are also shared with T. parva. By contrast, orthologues of the T. parva p104 and the p67 sporozoite surface antigens could not be amplified by PCR from T. sp. (buffalo), using conserved primers designed from the corresponding T. parva sequences. Collectively the data re-emphasise doubts regarding the value of rDNA sequence data alone for defining apicomplexan species in the absence of additional data. ‘Deep 454 pyrosequencing’ of DNA from two Theileria sporozoite stabilates prepared from Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks fed on buffalo failed to detect T. sp. (buffalo). This strongly suggests that R. appendiculatus may not be a vector for T. sp. (buffalo). Collectively, the data provides further evidence that T. sp. (buffalo). is a distinct species from T. parva. Theileria sp. (buffalo) can infect and immortalize cattle leukocytes. Antigen genes of T. sp. (buffalo) vary in level of identity to those of T. parva The tick that transmits T. sp. (buffalo) to cattle is not Rhipicephalus appendiculatus 18s rDNA sequence information alone is insufficient to define species of Theileria
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Bishop
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - J D Hemmink
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG Scotland, UK
| | - W I Morrison
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG Scotland, UK
| | - W Weir
- College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - P G Toye
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - T Sitt
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - P R Spooner
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - A J Musoke
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - R A Skilton
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - D O Odongo
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya ; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
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Sivakumar T, Hayashida K, Sugimoto C, Yokoyama N. Evolution and genetic diversity of Theileria. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 27:250-63. [PMID: 25102031 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Theileria parasites infect a wide range of domestic and wild ruminants worldwide, causing diseases with varying degrees of severity. A broad classification, based on the parasite's ability to transform the leukocytes of host animals, divides Theileria into two groups, consisting of transforming and non-transforming species. The evolution of transforming Theileria has been accompanied by drastic changes in its genetic makeup, such as acquisition or expansion of gene families, which are thought to play critical roles in the transformation of host cells. Genetic variation among Theileria parasites is sometimes linked with host specificity and virulence in the parasites. Immunity against Theileria parasites primarily involves cell-mediated immune responses in the host. Immunodominance and major histocompatibility complex class I phenotype-specificity result in a host immunity that is tightly focused and strain-specific. Immune escape in Theileria is facilitated by genetic diversity in its antigenic determinants, which potentially results in a loss of T cell receptor recognition in its host. In the recent past, several reviews have focused on genetic diversity in the transforming species, Theileriaparva and Theileriaannulata. In contrast, genetic diversity in Theileriaorientalis, a benign non-transforming parasite, which occasionally causes disease outbreaks in cattle, has not been extensively examined. In this review, therefore, we provide an outline of the evolution of Theileria, which includes T. orientalis, and discuss the possible mechanisms generating genetic diversity among parasite populations. Additionally, we discuss the potential implications of a genetically diverse parasite population in the context of Theileria vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thillaiampalam Sivakumar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; Veterinary Research Institute, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Asiimwe B, Weir W, Tait A, Lubega G, Oura C. Haemoparasite infection kinetics and the population structure of Theileria parva on a single farm in Uganda. Vet Parasitol 2013; 193:8-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Revised: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Sibeko KP, Collins NE, Oosthuizen MC, Troskie M, Potgieter FT, Coetzer JAW, Geysen D. Analyses of genes encoding Theileria parva p104 and polymorphic immunodominant molecule (PIM) reveal evidence of the presence of cattle-type alleles in the South African T. parva population. Vet Parasitol 2011; 181:120-30. [PMID: 21621920 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Revised: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 04/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR products (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing of the variable region of the p104 and PIM genes was performed on samples obtained from South African T. parva parasites originating from cattle on farms with suspected theileriosis and from buffalo. p104 and PIM PCR-RFLP profiles similar to those of the T. parva Muguga stock, an isolate that causes ECF in Kenya, were obtained from three of seven cattle samples collected on a farm near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Amino acid sequences of the p104 and PIM genes from two of these samples were almost identical to the T. parva Muguga p104 and PIM sequences. This result supports findings from a recent p67 study in which p67 alleles similar to those of the T. parva Muguga stock were identified from the same samples. While these results suggest the presence of a cattle-derived T. parva parasite, reports of cattle-to-cattle transmission could not be substantiated and ECF was not diagnosed on this farm. Although extensive diversity of p104 and PIM gene sequences from South African T. parva isolates was demonstrated, no sequences identical to known cattle-type p104 and PIM alleles were identified from any of the buffalo T. parva samples analyzed. 'Mixed' PIM alleles containing both cattle- and buffalo-type amino acid motifs were identified for the first time, and there appeared to be selection of cattle-type and 'mixed'-type PIM sequences in the cattle samples examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kgomotso P Sibeko
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa.
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Oura CAL, Tait A, Asiimwe B, Lubega GW, Weir W. Haemoparasite prevalence and Theileria parva strain diversity in Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in Uganda. Vet Parasitol 2010; 175:212-9. [PMID: 21074945 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2010] [Revised: 10/09/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) are considered to be an important reservoir for various tick-borne haemoparasites of veterinary importance. In this study we have compared the haemoparasite carrier prevalence in buffalo from four geographically isolated national parks in Uganda [Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP), Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP) and Kidepo Valley National Park (KVNP)]. Differences were seen in haemoparasite prevalence in buffalo from the four national parks. All the buffalo sampled in LMNP were carriers of Theileria parva however, buffalo from MFNP and KVNP, which are both located in the north of Uganda, were negative for T. parva. Interestingly, 95% of buffalo in the northern part of QENP were T. parva positive, however all buffalo sampled in the south of the park were negative. A high multiplicity of infection was recorded in all the buffalo found to be carrying T. parva, with evidence of at least nine parasite genotypes in some animals. Most of the buffalo sampled in all four national parks were carriers of T. mutans and T. velifera, however none were carriers of T. taurotragi, Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Ehrlichia bovis or Ehrlichia ruminantium. All the buffalo sampled from LMNP were positive for T. buffeli and T. sp. (buffalo) however, buffalo from the parks in the north of the country (KVNP and MFNP) were negative for these haemoparasites. Anaplasma centrale and Anaplasma marginale were circulating in buffalo from all four national parks. T. parva gene pools from two geographically separated populations of buffalo in two of the national parks in Uganda (LMNP and QENP) were compared. The T. parva populations in the two national parks were distinct, indicating that there was limited gene flow between the populations. The results presented highlight the complexity of tick-borne pathogen infections in buffalo and the significant role that buffalo may play as reservoir hosts for veterinary haemoparasites that have the potential to cause severe disease in domestic cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A L Oura
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Makerere, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
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Theileria parva genetic diversity and haemoparasite prevalence in cattle and wildlife in and around Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda. Parasitol Res 2010; 108:1365-74. [PMID: 20827491 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2030-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2010] [Accepted: 08/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Wildlife, especially Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer), are thought to act as a reservoir for many of the important tick-borne pathogens of cattle. In this study, we have determined the prevalence of the most significant tick-borne haemoparasites in wildlife (buffalo, impala, eland and bushbuck) as well as in cattle grazing inside and neighbouring Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP) in Uganda. A high percentage of buffalo were carriers of Theileria parva, Theileria mutans, Theileria velifera, Theileria buffeli and Theileria sp. (buffalo) as well as Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma centrale. The majority of impala sampled were carriers of A. centrale, and all were carriers of an unidentified Babesia/Theileria species. The eland and bushbuck sampled were all carriers of Theileria taurotragi and Theileria buffeli, and the majority were carriers of T. mutans. The bushbuck sampled were also carriers for Erhlichia bovis. There were some differences in the prevalence of haemoparasites between the calves sampled inside and neighbouring LMNP. In order to address the question of whether there is evidence for interbreeding between buffalo-associated and cattle-associated T. parva populations, multi-locus genotypes (MLGs) of T. parva (based on micro-satellite markers) from buffalo and from calves grazing inside and outside LMNP were compared, and the results revealed that buffalo and cattle gene pools were distinct, showing no evidence for transmission of buffalo-derived T. parva genotypes to the cattle population.
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12
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Folding properties of the hepatitis B core as a carrier protein for vaccination research. Amino Acids 2009; 38:1617-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-009-0365-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2009] [Accepted: 10/07/2009] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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13
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Katzer F, Ngugi D, Walker AR, McKeever DJ. Genotypic diversity, a survival strategy for the apicomplexan parasite Theileria parva. Vet Parasitol 2009; 167:236-43. [PMID: 19837514 PMCID: PMC2817781 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The tick-borne protozoan parasite Theileria parva causes East Coast fever (ECF), a severe lymphoproliferative disease of cattle that is a major constraint to the improvement of livestock in eastern, central and southern Africa. Studies in cattle experimentally infected with T. parva have shown that the protective cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response is tightly focused, with individual animals recognizing only one or two dominant antigens, the identity of which varies with MHC class I phenotype. It is well known that cross-protection between T. parva stocks is limited, but precise evaluation of genetic diversity in field populations of the parasite has been hampered by a lack of molecular markers spanning the genome. A recently described panel of satellite markers has provided evidence for substantial genotypic diversity and recombination but does not provide cover for large segments of the genome. To address this deficiency, we undertook to identify additional polymorphic markers covering these regions and we report herein 42 newly identified PCR-RFLP markers distributed across the 4 T. parva chromosomes, as well as 19 new satellite markers for chromosomes 1 and 2. This brings the total number of available polymorphic markers to 141 for the 8.5 Mb genome. We have used these markers to characterise existing parasite stabilates and have also shown that passage of the parasite through naïve cattle and ticks can lead to substantial changes of parasite populations in resulting stabilates. These markers have also been used to show that passage of mixed parasites through an immunised calf results in the removal of the immunising genotype from the parasite population produced by ticks fed on this animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Katzer
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK.
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14
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McKeever DJ. Bovine immunity - a driver for diversity in Theileria parasites? Trends Parasitol 2009; 25:269-76. [PMID: 19423397 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2009.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2008] [Revised: 03/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Theileria parva and Theileria annulata are tick-borne parasites of cattle that infect and transform leukocytes, causing severe and often fatal parasitic leukoses. Both species provoke strong immunity against subsequent infection. However, considerable diversity is observed in field populations of each parasite and protection is only assured against homologous challenge. The life cycles of these parasites are complex and involve prolonged exposure to host and vector defence mechanisms. Although the relevant vector mechanisms are poorly defined, protective responses of cattle seem to be tightly focused and variable in their specificity between individuals. This review considers whether bovine immunity acts as a driver for diversity in T. parva and T. annulata and explores other factors that might underlie genetic variation in these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Declan J McKeever
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK.
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15
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Beck HP, Blake D, Dardé ML, Felger I, Pedraza-Díaz S, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Gómez-Bautista M, Ortega-Mora LM, Putignani L, Shiels B, Tait A, Weir W. Molecular approaches to diversity of populations of apicomplexan parasites. Int J Parasitol 2009; 39:175-89. [PMID: 18983997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2008.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2008] [Revised: 10/14/2008] [Accepted: 10/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Beck
- Swiss Tropical Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH 4002 Basel, Switzerland.
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16
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Ali AM, Salih D, Bakheit M, El Hussein ARM, Hassan SM, Mukhtar MM, Ahmed JS, Seitzer U. Comparison of the Molecular Structure of theTaSPGene ofTheileria annulatafrom Sudanese Isolates. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008; 1149:218-20. [DOI: 10.1196/annals.1428.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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17
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Ververken C, Geysen D, Loots K, Janssens ME, Guisez Y, Goddeeris BM. Orientation of bovine CTL responses towards PIM, an antibody-inducing surface molecule of Theileria parva, by DNA subunit immunization. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2008; 124:253-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2007] [Revised: 03/10/2008] [Accepted: 03/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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Salih DA, El Hussein AM, Seitzer U, Ahmed JS. Epidemiological studies on tick-borne diseases of cattle in Central Equatoria State, Southern Sudan. Parasitol Res 2007; 101:1035-44. [PMID: 17530477 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0583-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2007] [Accepted: 05/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A herd-based study was carried out in Central Equatoria State, Southern Sudan, to study epidemiological aspects of tick-borne diseases. Six herds of cattle situated in three different locations were selected and investigated every 3 months during the year 2005. Blood smears for Giemsa staining and blood spots on filter paper for deoxyribonucleic acid extraction were collected from 600 apparently healthy indigenous cattle. A total of 69 (11.5%) samples showed the presence of piroplasms in Giemsa-stained blood smears, and polymerase chain reaction increased the detection limit to 297 (49.5%). Using reverse line blot, it was possible to detect and differentiate eight different piroplasms namely, Theileria parva (71.2%), Theileria mutans (73%), Theileria velifera (45.3%), Theileria taurotragi (2.7%), Theileria buffeli (0.5%), Theileria annulata (0.2%), Babesia bovis (1.7%), and Babesia bigemina (0.3%). Mixed infections were detected in 406 samples (67.7%) accounting for 17 different combinations. High infection of Theileria parva was reported among young calves compared to older cattle. The highest prevalence of Theileria parva was reported in the rainy season (October). The implications of these results on the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases are discussed with emphasis on East Coast fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Salih
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratories, Al amarat, PO Box 8067, Khartoum, Sudan
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19
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Oura CAL, Bishop R, Asiimwe BB, Spooner P, Lubega GW, Tait A. Theileria parva live vaccination: parasite transmission, persistence and heterologous challenge in the field. Parasitology 2007; 134:1205-13. [PMID: 17352850 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182007002557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The 'Muguga cocktail' live vaccine, delivered by an infection and treatment protocol, has been widely deployed in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa to protect cattle against East Coast fever, caused by Theileria parva. The vaccine contains 3 component stocks (Muguga, Serengeti-transformed and Kiambu 5). In a previous study, parasites from vaccinated and unvaccinated animals were genotyped with a panel of micro- and minisatellite markers (Oura et al. 2004a) and it was shown that only the Kiambu 5 stock establishes a long-term carrier state but there was no evidence for the transmission of this stock. Also parasite genotypes different from the 3 component vaccine stocks were identified in vaccinated animals. We now report a follow-up study on the same farm, some 4 years after the initial vaccination, aimed at establishing the source of the novel parasite genotypes identified in vaccinated cattle, determining the longevity of the carrier state established by the Kiambu 5 vaccine stock and re-examining whether vaccine transmission can occur over a longer time-scale. To do this, samples were taken from vaccinated and unvaccinated cattle and the parasites were genotyped with a series of micro- and minisatellite markers. The data indicate that the vaccine stabilates contain at least 6 parasite genotypes, the Kiambu 5 stock can be detected in many but not all vaccinated cattle for up to 4 years and can be transmitted to unvaccinated cattle which share grazing and that some of the vaccinated animals become infected with local genotypes without causing overt disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A L Oura
- Institute for Animal Health, Pirbright Laboratory, Ash Road, Woking GU24ONF, Surrey.
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20
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Casanova CL, Xue G, Taracha EL, Dobbelaere DA. Post-translational signal peptide cleavage controls differential epitope recognition in the QP-rich domain of recombinant Theileria parva PIM. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2006; 149:144-54. [PMID: 16806529 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2006.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2006] [Revised: 05/09/2006] [Accepted: 05/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The presence of the schizont stage of the obligate intracellular parasites Theileria parva or T. annulata in the cytoplasm of an infected leukocyte results in host cell transformation via a mechanism that has not yet been elucidated. Proteins, secreted by the schizont, or expressed on its surface, are of interest as they can interact with host cell molecules that regulate host cell proliferation and/or survival. The major schizont surface protein is the polymorphic immunodominant molecule, PIM, which contains a large glutamine- and proline-rich domain (QP-rd) that protrudes into the host cell cytoplasm. Analyzing QP-rd generated by in vitro transcription/translation, we found that the signal peptide was efficiently cleaved post-translationally upon addition of T cell lysate or canine pancreatic microsomes, whereas signal peptide cleavage of a control protein only occurred cotranslationally and in the presence of microsomal membranes. The QP-rd of PIM migrated anomalously in SDS-PAGE and removal of the 19 amino acids corresponding to the predicted signal peptide caused a decrease in apparent molecular mass of 24kDa. The molecule was analyzed using monoclonal antibodies that recognize a set of previously defined PIM epitopes. Depending on the presence or the absence of the signal peptide, two conformational states could be demonstrated that are differentially recognized, with N-terminal epitopes becoming readily accessible upon signal peptide removal, and C-terminal epitopes becoming masked. Similar observations were made when the QP-rd of PIM was expressed in bacteria. Our observations could also be of relevance to other schizont proteins. A recent analysis of the proteomes of T. parva and T. annulata revealed the presence of a large family of potentially secreted proteins, characterized by the presence of large stretches of amino acids that are also particularly rich in QP-residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo L Casanova
- Molecular Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Leroith T, Brayton KA, Molloy JB, Bock RE, Hines SA, Lew AE, McElwain TF. Sequence variation and immunologic cross-reactivity among Babesia bovis merozoite surface antigen 1 proteins from vaccine strains and vaccine breakthrough isolates. Infect Immun 2005; 73:5388-94. [PMID: 16113254 PMCID: PMC1231062 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.9.5388-5394.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Babesia bovis merozoite surface antigen 1 (MSA-1) is an immunodominant membrane glycoprotein that is the target of invasion-blocking antibodies. While antigenic variation has been demonstrated in MSA-1 among strains from distinct geographical areas, the extent of sequence variation within a region where it is endemic and the effect of variation on immunologic cross-reactivity have not been assessed. In this study, sequencing of MSA-1 from two Australian B. bovis vaccine strains and 14 breakthrough isolates from vaccinated animals demonstrated low sequence identity in the extracellular region of the molecule, ranging from 19.8 to 46.7% between the T vaccine strain and eight T vaccine breakthrough isolates, and from 18.7 to 99% between the K vaccine strain and six K vaccine breakthrough isolates. Although MSA-1 amino acid sequence varied substantially among strains, overall predicted regions of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity in the extracellular domain were conserved in all strains examined, suggesting a conserved functional role for MSA-1 despite sequence polymorphism. Importantly, the antigenic variation created by sequence differences resulted in a lack of immunologic cross-reactivity among outbreak strains using sera from animals infected with the B. bovis vaccine strains. Additionally, sera from cattle hyperinfected with the Mexico strain of B. bovis and shown to be clinically immune did not cross-react with MSA-1 from any other isolate tested. The results indicate that isolates of B. bovis capable of evading vaccine-induced immunity contain an msa-1 gene that is significantly different from the msa-1 of the vaccine strain, and that the difference can result in a complete lack of cross-reactivity between MSA-1 from vaccine and breakthrough strains in immunized animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Leroith
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7040, USA.
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