Sympatric species distribution, genetic diversity and population structure of Haemonchus isolates from domestic ruminants in Pakistan

Haemonchus contortus, an obligatory haematophagus worm infection in small ruminants: Population genetics and genetic diversity

Haemonchus contortus, a stomach worm, is prevalent in ruminants worldwide. They particularly hamper profitable small ruminant production. Here, we estimate the genetic variation of H. contortus collected from slaughtered goats and sheep from various geographic zones of Bangladesh using multiple genes. To perform this, adult parasites were isolated from the abomasum of slaughtered animals (sheep and goats). Among them, 79 male H. contortus were identified by microscopy. Following the extraction of DNA, ITS-2 and cox1 genes were amplified and subsequently considered for sequencing. After alignment and editing, sequences were analyzed to find out sequence variation, diversity pattern of genes, and population genetics of isolates. Among the sequence data, the analyses identified 19 genotypes of ITS-2 and 77 haplotypes of cox1 genes. The diversity of nucleotides was 0.0103 for ITS-2 and 0.029 for cox1 gene. The dendogram constructed by the genotype and haplotype sequences of H. contortus revealed that two populations were circulating in Bangladesh without any demarcation of host and geographic regions. Analysis of population genetics demonstrated a high flow of genes (89.2 %) within the population of the worm in Bangladesh. The Fst value showed very little amount of genetic difference among the worm populations of Bangladesh but marked genetic variation between different continents. The findings are expected to help explain the risks of anthelmintic resistance and the transmission pattern of the parasite, and also provide a control strategy against H. contortus.

Comparison of the first time detected Oesophagostomum asperum with Oesophagostomum columbianum in sheep and goats in Bangladesh based on the trinity: Morphology, morphometry and genetic diversity

Oesophagostomum spp. (Family: Chabertiidae) is keeping a low profile in terms of severity in Bangladesh while maintaining economic loss through disguise within sheep and goats. The study was performed to identify prevalence, confirmation of species through morphology and morphometry followed by phylogeny using ITS2 and COX1 genes. In total 384 slaughterhouse-sourced small and large intestines were pooled from Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, Netrokona, Sherpur and Tangail districts of Mymensingh division. Followed by isolation, O. columbianum and O. asperum were identified following their key morphological features. Notably, O. asperum was first time detected in Bangladesh. The overall prevalence of Oesophagostomum spp. was found 60.93%. The prevalence of O. columbianum (64.95%) was almost double than that of O. asperum (35.04%). Among several characters, only the distance between anus to tail tip showed a significant morphological disparity in female. The Neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenic trees based on ITS2 and COX1 genes confirmed the study species. The first time identified O. asperum along with morphometry and phylogeny will add value to the fact that nematodes are invisibly present with high prevalence in this country. This study will help to draw specific attention to command a practical control strategy for intervening in economic loss.

Epidemiology and phylogeny of Haemonchus contortus through internal transcribed spacer 2 gene in small ruminants

Introduction

Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) is a blood-feeding nematode causing infectious disease haemonchosis in small ruminants of tropical and subtropical regions around the world. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and phylogeny of H. contortus in small ruminants using the internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2) gene. In addition, a comprehensive review of the available literature on the status of H. contortus in Pakistan was conducted.

Methods

Fecal samples were collected from sheep and goats (n = 180). Microscopically positive samples were subjected to DNA extraction followed by PCR using species-specific primers.

Results

The overall prevalence of H. contortus was 25.55% in small ruminants. The prevalence of H. contortus was significantly associated with months and area. The highest occurrence of haemonchosis was documented in July (38.70%), whereas the lowest occurred in December (11.11%), with significant difference. The prevalence was highest in the Ghamkol camp (29.4%) and lowest in the arid zone of the Small Ruminant Research Institute (17.5%) (p = 0.01). The results of the systematic review revealed the highest prevalence of haemonchosis (34.4%) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (p = 0.001).

Discussion

Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between H. contortus and isolates from Asia (China, India, Iran, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Mongolia) and European countries (Italy and the United Kingdom). It has been concluded that H. contortus is prevalent in small ruminants of Kohat district and all over Pakistan, which could be a potential threat to food-producing animals, farmers, dairy, and the meat industry. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that H. contortus isolates share close phylogenetic relationships with species from Asia and Europe.

Advances in diagnosis of gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock and companion animals

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock and companion animals has been neglected for years and there has been an historical underinvestment in the development and improvement of diagnostic tools, undermining the undoubted utility of surveillance and control programmes. However, a new impetus by the scientific community and the quickening pace of technological innovations, are promoting a renaissance of interest in developing diagnostic capacity for nematode infections in veterinary parasitology. A cross-cutting priority for diagnostic tools is the development of pen-side tests and associated decision support tools that rapidly inform on the levels of infection and morbidity. This includes development of scalable, parasite detection using artificial intelligence for automated counting of parasitic elements and research towards establishing biomarkers using innovative molecular and proteomic methods. The aim of this review is to assess the state-of-the-art in the diagnosis of helminth infections in livestock and companion animals and presents the current advances of diagnostic methods for intestinal parasites harnessing (i) automated methods for copromicroscopy based on artificial intelligence, (ii) immunodiagnosis, and (iii) molecular- and proteome-based approaches. Regardless of the method used, multiple factors need to be considered before diagnostics test results can be interpreted in terms of control decisions. Guidelines on how to apply diagnostics and how to interpret test results in different animal species are increasingly requested and some were recently made available in veterinary parasitology for the different domestic species.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Haemonchus contortus in goats from Thailand

Haemonchus contortus is one of the most economically important parasitic nematodes affecting small ruminant livestock worldwide. This study was conducted to elucidate the genetic diversity and population structure of this nematode in Thailand based on mitochondrial DNA markers, the nicotinamide dehydrogenase subunit 4 (nad4) and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) genes. One hundred and thirty-six adult worms were obtained from 86 abomasa of slaughtered goats from 13 different localities in 5 regions of Thailand. Identification to the genus Haemonchus was done using morphology. DNA sequences of the nuclear ribosomal second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) identified each specimen to species: three fixed nucleotide (SNP) differences distinguished H. contortus from H. placei. Genetic analysis defined 118 and 122 unique haplotypes in partial sequences of nad4 (alignment length 723 bp) and cox1 (645 bp) genes, respectively. Nucleotide diversities were 0.031 and 0.043 for nad4 and cox1 genes, respectively. Low genetic differentiation was observed among H. contortus samples from various provinces in Thailand. This is the first study on the genetic diversity and population structure of H. contortus of goats in Thailand. This study has provided insights into the transmission dynamics of this parasitic nematode, information which is essential for farm management and parasite control.

The first molecular identification of benzimidazole resistance in Haemonchus contortus from goats in Thailand

Background and Aim

Haemonchus contortus is one of the major trichostrongyloid nematodes affecting small ruminant production worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Adult H. contortus suck the blood from the host abomasum leading to anemia and often death in heavily infected animals. The mainstay of parasitic control is an anthelmintic drug, but long-term drug use may cause drug resistance. The aim of this study was to examine benzimidazole resistance in H. contortus of goats from different regions in Thailand by detecting the frequency of the F200Y polymorphism in the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene.

Materials and Methods

A total of 121 H. contortus adults were obtained from 31 naturally infected out of 37 slaughtered goats from city abattoirs in five regions of Thailand. The frequency of the F200Y polymorphism in the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene was detected following the allele-specific polymerase chain reaction protocol.

Results

The overall genotype frequencies in Thailand were homozygous resistant (RR: 24%), heterozygous (SR: 44.6%), and homozygous susceptible (SS: 31.4%). The allele frequencies were resistant allele (R: 46%) and susceptible allele (S: 54%). The R allele frequency and the RR genotype varied from 30% to 65% and 0% to 43.9%, respectively. The frequency of R alleles was significantly higher in the southern region (0.65) as compared to northern (0.30, p=0.001), western (0.38, p=0.04), and central regions (0.30, p=0.03). The RR genotype was also significantly higher in the southern region (43.9%) versus the northern (0 %, p=0.001), western (11.8%, p=0.012), and central regions (17.4%, p=0.001).

Conclusion

This is the first study of the detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in codon 200 of the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene of H. contortus from goats in Thailand. These findings are essential and imply that an integrated approach is needed for issues such as drug treatment, farm management, prevention, and control strategies. This is of interest to farmers, veterinarians, and the department of livestock.

Haemonchosis: A Challenging Parasitic Infection of Sheep and Goats

The paper reviews the challenges about haemonchosis-a significant and common parasitic infection of small ruminants. Haemonchus contortus is a highly pathogenic parasite that localises in the abomasum of affected animals and exerts its pathogenicity by blood-sucking activity, adversely affecting the health and productivity of animals. The first challenge is the uneven distribution of the infection globally, this being more prevalent in tropical and subtropical and warm temperate and summer rainfall regions than in cool and cold temperate and arid regions; hence, this leads in differences in the approaches required for its control. Another challenge is the widespread presence of Haemonchus strains resistant to the various anthelmintics available: Benzimidazoles, imidazothiazoles, macrocyclic lactones, closantel and monepantel, which makes the control of the infection difficult. The third challenge refers to the difficulty of diagnosing the disease, given that field evidence can provide suspicion about the infection, which needs to be subsequently confirmed by laboratory tests through parasitological or molecular techniques. The final challenge relates to the difficulties in the control of the infection and the necessity to use pharmaceutical products cautiously and with a planned approach, to avoid further development of anthelmintic resistance, also given that use of a recently licenced vaccine is not widespread. In conclusion, at the moment, we should be concerned, but not worried, about this infection, and apply correctly the appropriate health management plans.

Nemabiome metabarcoding reveals differences between gastrointestinal nematode species infecting co-grazed sheep and goats

Our current understanding of differences in the epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) species in co-grazed sheep and goats is inadequate with reference to the development of sustainable control strategies. The next-generation metabarcoding sequencing method referred to as the 'nemabiome' allows some of these differences to be explored to describe the intensity of co-infecting GIN species. We applied this platform to study sheep and goats that were co-grazed on Guinea grass pasture in northeastern Brazil. Co-grazed goats and sheep were treated with a monepantel anthelmintic, then exposed to the same gastrointestinal nematode species. Overall, there were differences in the prevalence of GIN species identified in the sheep and goats; Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Teladorsagia circumcincta predominated in goat kids, while Haemonchus contortus predominated in adult does, ewes and lambs once burdens became re-established after anthelmintic treatment. Description of the pattern of re-infection following anthelmintic treatment was prevented by the unpredicted poor efficacy of 2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg, respectively, of monepantel against O. columbianum and T. circumcincta in lambs, and T. circumcincta adult does. Differences in drug efficacy between host age and species groups may be important when considering sustainable GIN control strategies for co-grazed animals. The aggregated FECs of the adult does and goat kids representing re-established GIN burdens, were higher than those of the co-grazed adult ewes and lambs. This implies that there are inherent differences in GIN species adaptation to the two naïve small ruminant host species, and shows the need for better understanding of the factors giving rise to this situation associated with exposure to infective larvae and host responses. At the start of the study, the adult does were co-infected with several GIN species, with the highest intensity of T. circumcincta, contrasting with the situation in the adult ewes, in which H. contortus predominated. However, once burdens became re-established after treatment, H. contortus predominated in both adult does and ewes. This demonstrates the potential for host burdens of H. contortus to establish and predominate after anthelmintic treatment when burdens of co-infecting GIN species are low.

Field and Molecular Evaluation of Anthelmintic Resistance of Nematode Populations from Cattle and Sheep Naturally Infected Pastured on Mixed Grazing areas at Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

BACKGROUND

Reports of a lack of efficacy of most of the anthelmintic compounds for ruminants associated with the long-time necessity for creating new molecules have stressed the urgency to adopt alternative methods to control gastrointestinal parasites infection, such as strategies of sharing grazing areas. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate nematode populations affecting cattle and sheep that share grazing areas before and after treatment with different anthelmintic compounds, and investigate the efficacy of anthelmintic treatment in these naturally infected ruminants at farms in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

METHODS

The presence of co-infections by Haemonchus species was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for groups treated with a benzimidazole. Farms were selected by: farmers' consent, presence of 42-60 (or more) calves and sheep per farm with counts of ≥ 200 eggs per gram of feces (EPG), availability of calves and lambs aging from 6 to 9 months, absence of anthelmintic treatment for both species for 60 days before the experimental period, and shared grazing areas between this species on each farm. Animals were distributed into six treatment groups for each ruminant species per farm and treated with: ivermectin, doramectin, moxidectin, levamisole, albendazole, and closantel.

RESULTS

Levamisol was the most effective anthelmintic compound for both ruminant species. In general, Cooperia spp., Haemonchus spp., and Trichostrongylus spp. were the genus present after tested treatments that were ineffective. PCR showed the presence of Haemonchus species co-infections between cattle and sheep.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, this study demonstrated the similarity between nematode population, the presence of multi-resistant nematodes, and the presence of Haemonchus species co-infections affecting different ruminant species that share pastures.

Development and field evaluation of a species-specific mt-COI targeted SYBR-Green Real Time PCR for detection and quantification of Haemonchus contortus in cattle in Turkey

Haemonchus contortus is one of the most important gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) infecting sheep, goats, and cattle worldwide. We developed a SYBR Green real-time PCR (qPCR) assay for detection and quantification of H. contortus by using specific primers based on a conserved region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mt-COI) gene, and evaluated this technique in the detection of H. contortus infections in cattle in Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. The newly developed qPCR assay successfully discriminated H. contortus from other GIN species infecting cattle in the specificity evaluations, with a specific melt peak of 77.5 °C. Our results revealed the efficient amplification of the proposed target COI region within the range of plasmid copies, from 2 × 10⁶ to 2 × 10¹ per μl, with 96.9 % efficiency, R² value of 0.999, and a slope of -3.398. Among the 920 cattle fecal samples from the field, 58 samples (6.3 %) were positive with qPCR assay, whereas 45 samples (4.9 %) were positive, as determined by larval culture, suggesting the utility of SYBR Green qPCR. Phylogenetic characterization of the partial COI gene of H. contortus isolates was also evaluated for 100 eggs and third stage larvae recovered from positive cattle faecal samples, which were verified with the qPCR assay prior to analyses. COI sequences were classified into three haplotypes (THC1 to THC3) with intraspecific nucleotide differences of 0.50 to 0.76 %. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the haplotypes grouped with H. contortus isolates from several countries in a monophyletic cluster, with evidence of at least two main haplogroups. Overall, the SYBR Green qPCR assay was highly specific and sensitive, suggesting that it can be used for screening of H. contortus infections in livestock populations in epidemiological studies and the control of this important parasite.

Molecular screening approach to identify protozoan and trichostrongylid parasites infecting one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Little is known about the diversity of many parasites infecting camels, with most relying on morphological parameters. DNA extracted from different tissues (n = 90) and fecal samples (n = 101) from dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Egypt were screened for multiple parasites using different molecular markers. Screening of tissue samples (heart) for Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp. was performed using B1 and 18S rRNA gene markers, respectively. T. gondii was further genotyped using multiplex multilocus nested PCR-RFLP (Mn-PCR-RFLP). Sarcocystis was analyzed using PCR-RFLP characterization (XbaI and MboI restriction enzymes). A taxonomically challenging but important group of nematodes (Trichostrongylidae family) were screened using the ITS-2 ribosomal DNA (rDNA) species-specific markers. Furthermore, nested PCR was used for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. (SSU rRNA gene) and positive samples were genotyped after RFLP (SspI and VspI) and sequencing. Cryptosporidium parvum isolates were subtyped by sequence analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene. This study revealed that many parasites infect the investigated camels, including T. gondii (1.1%), Sarcocystis spp. (64.4%), Cryptosporidium spp. (5.9%) and Trichostrongylidae nematodes (22.7%). The species contribution for nematodes was as follows: Haemonchus spp. (95.6%), Trichostrongylus axei (26%), Trichostrongylus colubriformis (65.2%) and Cooperia oncophora (60.8%). Mn-PCR-RFLP typing for Toxoplasma was only successful for three markers: 5'-SAG2 (type II), 3'-SAG2 (type II) and alt. SAG2 (type II). PCR-RFLP using XbaI showed possible mixed Sarcocystis infection. Moreover, the Cryptosporidium genotypes detected were C. parvum (IIdA19G1 and IIaA15G1R1), Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV and a novel genotype (camel genotype). This approach revealed the unique Cryptosporidium genotypes infecting the investigated camels, and the high genetic diversity of the investigated parasites.

Microsatellite analysis reveals extensive gene flow, and lack of population structure in the farm populations of Haemonchus contortus in northern China

The parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus is economically an important parasite of small ruminants across the globe. China is the world's largest producer, consumer, and importer of mutton. With ubiquitous distribution across the country H. contortus is one of the potential candidates to cause huge economic losses to small ruminant farming industry in China. We herein investigated genetic diversity and population structure of six farm populations of H. contortus in northern China, and also compared them to H. contortus isolates from UK and Australia. We first prepared individual DNA samples from 240 adult worms, and generated genotyping data using eight microsatellite markers. Obtained data was then subjected to allelic frequency and population genetic analyses. The overall allelic richness (mean/locus/pop = 7.375 ± 0.844-10.125 ± 1.109), and expected heterozygosity (mean/locus/pop = 0.646 ± 0.040-0.735 ± 0.025) indicated high degree of population genetic variation across the Chinese isolates. Low level of genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.010-0.066) was observed across all the populations. AMOVA results showed high level of variation (93%) within the populations. PCA analysis revealed mixed clustering of all the populations with no visible geographical sub-structuring. Finally the population admixture analysis resulted in extensive admixing of genotypes across all the populations. With these findings we conclude that there is no obvious population genetic structure with extensive gene flow across all the farm populations of H. contortus in northern China.

Taxonomic Justification of the Pathogenic Strongylid Infecting the Arabian Camel Camelus Dromedarius as Haemonchus Longistipes by Morphological and Molecular Phylogeny

Introduction

There is still lack of morphological and phylogenetic information on the pathogenic nematode of the camel Haemonchus longistipes. In the present study, this parasite was isolated in Saudi Arabia and described.

Material and Methods

The abomasa of two Arabian camels were collected from a slaughterhouse in Abha province and examined for nematode infection. Worms were described morphologically and morphometrically by electron microscopy. Multiple sequence alignment and the phylogenetic tree of the parasite were constructed from maximum likelihood analysis of its ITS-2 rDNA sequences.

Results

These nematodes had a slender body terminating anteriorly at a conspicuous dorsal lancet. A pair of lateral cervical papillae distant from the anterior end was observed. The buccal aperture was hexagonal and surrounded by two amphids, six externo-labial papillae, and four cephalic papillae. Males terminated posteriorly at a bursa supported by spicules and lateral and dorsal rays. Females were linguiform and knobbed morphotypes with distinct ovijectors and a dorsal rim covering the anal pore. The taxonomy was confirmed by the morphology and number of the longitudinal cuticular ridges in a 43-46 range. The sequence alignment and phylogeny revealed 92% homology with H. longistipes (AJ577461.1), and the sequence was deposited into GenBank.

Conclusion

The present study describes H. longistipes morphologically and molecularly which facilitates further discrimination of this species worldwide.

A detection of benzimidazole resistance-associated SNPs in the isotype-1 β-tubulin gene in Haemonchus contortus from wild blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) sympatric with sheep in Helan Mountains, China

Background

Benzimidazole (BZ) resistance is an increasingly serious problem due to the excessive use of this anthelmintic for controlling Haemonchus contortus, which is one of the major gastrointestinal nematodes infecting small ruminants worldwide. Three known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), F167Y (TAC), E198A (GCA) and F200Y (TAC), in the isotype-1 β-tubulin gene of H. contortus are associated with BZ resistance. Comprehending the spread and origins of BZ resistance-associated SNPs has important implications for the control of this nematode.

Results

Twenty-seven adult H. contortus were harvested from wild blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), small wild ruminants sympatric with domestic ruminants, inhabiting the Helan Mountains, China, to monitor the status of BZ resistance. In addition, 20 adult H. contortus from domestic sheep sympatric with this wild ruminant and 36 isotype-1 β-tubulin haplotype sequences of H. contortus (two of these haplotypes, E198A3 and E198A4, possessed resistance-associated SNP E198A (GCA) from domestic ruminants in eight other geographical regions of China were used to further define the origins of BZ resistance-associated SNPs within the worms collected from blue sheep. The BZ resistance-associated SNP E198A was detected, whereas SNPs F167Y (TAC) and F200Y (TAC) were not found within the worms collected from blue sheep, and the frequency of homozygous resistant E198A (GCA) was 7.40%. The evolutionary tree and network showed consistent topologies for which there was no obvious boundary among the worms from the wild and domestic hosts, and two haplotypes (E198A1 and E198A2) possessing E198A from the wild blue sheep had two different independent origins. E198A1 had the same origin with E198A3 but E198A2 had a different origin with them. Population genetic analyses revealed a low level of Fst values (ranging from 0 to 0.19749) between all H. contortus worm groups in China.

Conclusions

Results of the current study of the three BZ resistance-associated SNPs of H. contortus from wild blue sheep suggested that only E198A (GCA) was present within the worms collected from the wild ruminants and had multiple independent origins.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-019-1838-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Population genetics of benzimidazole-resistant Haemonchus contortus and Haemonchus placei from buffalo and cattle: implications for the emergence and spread of resistance mutations

The population genetics of nematode parasites are poorly understood with practical reference to the selection and spread of anthelmintic resistance mutations. Haemonchus species are important to study the nematode population genetics due to their clinical importance in ruminant livestock, and the availability of genomic resources. In the present study, it has been examined that Haemonchus contortus and Haemonchus placei populations from three buffalo and nine cattle hosts. Seventy-three individual adult worms of H. contortus and 148 of H. placei were analysed using a panel of seven microsatellite markers. The number of alleles per locus in H. contortus and H. placei indicated that all populations were polymorphic for the microsatellites used in the present study. Genetic diversity parameters included high levels of allelic richness and heterozygosity, indicating effective population sizes, high mutation rates and high transmission frequencies in the area. Genetic structure parameters revealed low genetic differentiation between and high levels of genetic variation within H. contortus and H. placei populations. Population dynamic analyses showed an absence of heterozygosity excess in both species, suggesting that there was no deviation from genetic drift equilibrium. Our results provide a proof of concept for better understanding of the consequences of specific control strategies, climatic change or management strategies on the population genetics of anthelmintic resistance alleles in Haemonchus spp. infecting co-managed buffalo and cattle.

Helminth infections and hybridization between Haemonchus contortus and Haemonchus placei in sheep from Santana do Livramento, Brazil

The occurrence and intensity of helminth infections were evaluated in sheep from pastures shared with cattle. In 2015 and 2016, young male sheep acquired in Santana do Livramento, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were finished in integrated crop-livestock system. We selected the 12 sheep that showed the highest number of nematode eggs per gram of faeces to search for worms in the gastrointestinal tract. Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis were the major parasites. H. contortus presented mean intensities of 1,159 and 257 worms in 2015 and 2016, respectively. T. colubriformis displayed mean intensities of 4,149 and 2,427 worms in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Of the 127 male specimens of Haemonchus spp. analysed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), 125 were H. contortus, one Haemonchus placei and one hybrid. Other species detected were Cooperia punctata , Cooperia pectinata, Cooperia spatulata, Cooperia curticei, Ostertagia ostertagi, Teladorsagia circumcincta , Trichostrongylus axei, Nematodirus spathiger , and Trichuris ovis. Twenty lambs presented cysts of Taenia hydatigena in the liver and mesentery. One lamb presented Coenurus cerebralis, the larval stage of Taenia multiceps, in the brain. In conclusion, sheep from pasture shared with cattle presented a high diversity of nematode species. H. contortus and H. placei co-infection occur with consequent hybridization.

Genetic diversity of Haemonchus contortus isolated from sympatric wild blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) and sheep in Helan Mountains, China

Background

Haemonchus contortus is known among parasitic nematodes as one of the major veterinary pathogens of small ruminants and results in great economic losses worldwide. Human activities, such as the sympatric grazing of wild with domestic animals, may place susceptible wildlife hosts at risk of increased prevalence and infection intensity with this common small ruminant parasite. Studies on phylogenetic factors of H. contortus should assist in defining the amount of the impact of anthropogenic factors on the extent of sharing of agents such as this nematode between domestic animals and wildlife.

Methods

H. contortus specimens (n = 57) were isolated from wild blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) inhabiting Helan Mountains (HM), China and additional H. contortus specimens (n = 20) were isolated from domestic sheep that were grazed near the natural habitat of the blue sheep. Complete ITS2 (second internal transcribed spacer) sequences and partial sequences of the nad4 (nicotinamide dehydrogenase subunit 4 gene) gene were amplified to determine the sequence variations and population genetic diversities between these two populations. Also, 142 nad4 haplotype sequences of H. contortus from seven other geographical regions of China were retrieved from database to further examine the H. contortus population structure.

Results

Sequence analysis revealed 10 genotypes (ITS2) and 73 haplotypes (nad4) among the 77 specimens, with nucleotide diversities of 0.007 and 0.021, respectively, similar to previous studies in other countries, such as Pakistan, Malaysia and Yemen. Phylogenetic analyses (BI, MP, NJ) of nad4 sequences showed that there were no noticeable boundaries among H. contortus populations from different geographical origin and population genetic analyses revealed that most of the variation (94.21%) occurred within H. contortus populations. All phylogenetic analyses indicated that there was little genetic differentiation but a high degree of gene flow among the H. contortus populations among wild blue sheep and domestic ruminants in China.

Conclusions

The current work is the first genetic characterization of H. contortus isolated from wild blue sheep in the Helan Mountains region. The results revealed a low genetic differentiation and high degree of gene flow between the H. contortus populations from sympatric wild blue sheep and domestic sheep, indicating regular cross-infection between the sympatrically reared ruminants.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2377-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A novel snapback primer probe assay for the detection and discrimination of sympatric Haemonchus species using DNA melting analysis

Different sympatric species of Haemonchus parasites infecting ruminants and camels can be distinguished morphologically, but involves tedious microscopic examinations, measurements and several other limitations. Information on internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2) sequence provides confirmatory differentiation of sympatric Haemonchus species. The present study introduces a novel, snapback primer probe based, real time PCR assay for the differentiation of three sympatric Haemonchus species, H. contortus (Hco), H. placei (Hpl) and H. longistipes (Hlo). The assay was designed to amplify a region of 130bp within the ITS-2 gene that included three diagnostic mutational sites capable of discriminating Hco, Hpl and Hlo. Following melt curve analysis, species-specific diagnostic melt peaks were obtained for Hco, Hpl and Hlo with a mean melting temperature of 56.6±0.3°C, 64.4±0.1°C and 54.4±0.1°C respectively. The test for analytical sensitivity revealed the ability of the assay to detect up to 5 copies per reaction. To evaluate the discriminating power of the assay, 174 samples from adult worms and 3rd stage larvae belonging to different Haemonchus species and various other nematode species including Cooperia curticei, Trichostrongylus axei, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, and Teladorsagia circumcincta were tested. Additionally, DNA extracted from 25 fecal egg samples was also tested and the specificity of the assay was verified by sequencing the ITS-2 gene of all the Haemonchus positive and non-Haemonchus samples. The assay worked accurately with 100% specificity in at least three real time PCR platforms. The assay is an effective alternative to the sequencing approach and is expected to be helpful for the screening of individual adult and larval Haemonchus parasites. However, caution needs to be applied while interpreting the results from fecal egg samples due to varying levels of sympatric co-infections from different Haemonchus species. The present study is the first report on the application of snapback primer probe methodology for the differentiation of nematode parasites.

PCR primers for straightforward differentiation of Haemonchus contortus, Haemonchus placei and their hybrids

Haemonchus contortus and Haemonchus placei are among the major parasites of small ruminants and cattle. Although infection with these nematodes is host-specific, with H. placei predominating in cattle and H. contortus in sheep, cross-infections are observed in areas where both parasites are sympatric, and hybrid offspring can occur. Therefore, a fast and precise method is required for differentiating the parasites. Identification based on spicule morphometry is the most common technique for differentiating Haemonchus species. However, because these measurements overlap between species, morphological analysis is insufficient for differentiating between helminth species. In this work, we present a reliable, conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method that uses two species-specific primer pairs to differentiate between H. contortus and H. placei specimens and their hybrids. Each primer pair produces one single and distinct amplification band for each species, which enables the detection of hybrid specimens. These primer pairs were validated by testing eight different populations of H. contortus, H. placei and hybrids.

Two benzimidazole resistance-associated SNPs in the isotype-1 β-tubulin gene predominate in Haemonchus contortus populations from eight regions in China

Haemonchus contortus is one of the most important parasitic nematodes of small ruminants around the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The control of haemonchosis relies mainly on anthelmintics, but the excessive and prolonged use of anthelmintics is causing serious drug resistance issues in many countries. As benzimidazole (BZ) anthelmintics have been broadly used in China, we hypothesized that resistance is widespread. Given the link between three known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, designated F167Y, E198A and F200Y) in the isotype-1 β-tubulin gene and BZ resistance, our goal here was to explore the presence of these mutations in H. contortus from small ruminants (sheep and goats) from eight provinces in China using PCR-coupled sequencing. In addition, the genetic diversity and genetic relationship of isotype-1 β-tubulin sequence haplotypes were also investigated. Among 192 H. contortus adult individuals representing the eight populations, we identified six distinct sequence types, five of which had SNP E198A (GCA) and/or F200Y (TAC). Sequence analysis showed that the frequencies of SNPs E198A and F200Y were 0-70% and 0-31%, respectively. SNP F167Y (TAC) was not detected in any population. In addition, high haplotype diversities (0.455-0.939) and nucleotide diversities (0.018-0.039) were calculated. A network analysis of the isotype-1 β-tubulin gene sequences showed that SNPs E198A and F200Y occurred in multiple distinct groupings, suggesting multiple independent origins of these SNPs. The findings of this first study of SNPs in the isotype-1 β-tubulin gene of H. contortus populations suggest that BZ resistance is prevalent in some regions of China, and that any control strategy might focus on monitoring BZ resistance in this country.

Population structure of Haemonchus contortus from seven geographical regions in China, determined on the basis of microsatellite markers

Background

Studying genetic variation within and among Haemonchus contortus populations can inform some aspects of this parasite’s population genetics and epidemiology. However, almost nothing is known about such variation in China.

Methods

Adult males of H. contortus (n = 184) representing seven distinct populations in China were collected, and genetic variation within and among these populations was explored using eight distinct microsatellite markers.

Results

Genetic parameters, such as heterozygosity and inbreeding coefficient (F_IS) indicated that all eight microsatellites were highly polymorphic. Various analyses (AMOVA, F_ST, phylogenetic, structure, mantel test and population dynamics) revealed high within-population variation, low population genetic differentiation and high gene flow for H. contortus in China.

Conclusions

This study provides a first snapshot of the genetic substructuring of H. contortus populations in China using polymorphic markers, and might provide a starting point for assessing genetic changes over space and time during or following the implementation of particular treatment or control strategies, or changes as a consequence of environmental, management and climatic factors.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1864-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Phylogenetic patterns of Haemonchus contortus and related trichostrongylid nematodes isolated from Egyptian sheep

Haemonchus contortus is a major parasite of small ruminants and its blood-feeding behaviour causes effects ranging from mild anaemia to death. Knowledge of the genetic variation within and among H. contortus populations can provide the foundation for understanding transmission patterns and aid in the control of haemonchosis. Adult male H. contortus were collected from three geographical regions in Egypt. The second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced directly. The population genetic diversity and sequence variations were determined. Nucleotide sequence analyses revealed one genotype (ITS2) in all worms, without genetic differentiation. The similarity in population genetic diversity and genetic patterns observed among the three geographical regions could be attributed to possible movement between the sites. This is the first study of genetic variation in H. contortus in Egypt. The present results could have implications for the rapid characterization of H. contortus and other trichostrongyloid nematodes, and evaluation of the epidemiology of H. contortus in Egypt.

Microsatellite marker analysis of Haemonchus contortus populations from Pakistan suggests that frequent benzimidazole drug treatment does not result in a reduction of overall genetic diversity

Background

The impact of drug selection pressure on the overall genetic diversity of parasitic nematode populations in the field is poorly understood. In this study, we address this issue for the small ruminant parasite Haemonchus contortus in the Punjab, Pakistan. This region provides an opportunity to compare H. contortus populations that have been subjected to a prolonged period of frequent benzimidazole drug treatments on government farms with parasite populations that have been exposed to little or no drug treatment in neighbouring pastoral herds.

Methods

Adult H. contortus worms were collected from the abomasa of small ruminants from three government farms frequently using benzimidazole drugs, and closed to animal movement, for over 30 years and also from from eighteen pastoral herds subject to minimal drug selection. The frequency of three known benzimidazole resistance associated mutations was determined in each parasite population. For the seven parasite populations in which resistance mutations were found, the diversity, geographical distribution and phylogenetic relationships of isotype-1 β-tubulin benzimidazole resistance haplotypes were determined. In addition, the genetic diversity of the parasite populations on the three government farms were compared with those from four pastoral herds.

Results

The F200Y (TAC) resistance mutation was present at a very high frequency in H. contortus populations from government herds, but not from pastoral herds, consistent with their respective drug selection histories. Population genetic analysis, using a panel of microsatellite markers, revealed that there was little genetic differentiation among the parasite populations with no significant difference in the overall genetic diversity between government and pastoral herds. In addition, sequence analysis of the isotype-1 β-tubulin locus revealed multiple F200Y (TAC) haplotypes demonstrating soft selective sweeps even in government herds with little or no contemporary parasite migration.

Conclusions

The results suggest that, although the frequent drug treatment used on government farms has selected for a high frequency of benzimidazole resistance mutations, there has been little or no reduction in the overall genetic diversity of the selected parasite populations.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1624-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Immunity to Haemonchus contortus and Vaccine Development

Sheep are capable of developing protective immunity to Haemonchus contortus through repeated exposure to this parasite, although this immune protection is the result of a complex interaction among age, gender, physiological status, pregnancy, lactation, nutrition and innate and adaptive immunity in the host animal. There are multiple effectors of the protective immune response, which differ depending on the developmental stage of the parasite being targeted, and our understanding of the effector mechanisms has developed considerably in the 2000s. The rational design of vaccines based on 'natural' or 'exposed' antigens depends on an understanding of this exposure-induced immunity. However, the most effective current vaccines rely on protection via the induction of high circulating antibody levels to 'hidden' gut antigens of H. contortus. The success of this latter strategy has resulted in the launch of a vaccine, which is based on extracts of the parasite's gut, to aid in the control of Haemonchus in Australia. The development of recombinant subunit vaccines based on the components of the successful native vaccine has not yet been achieved and most of the recent successes with recombinant subunit vaccines have focussed on antigens unrelated to the gut antigens. The future integration of an understanding of the immunobiology of this parasite with advances in antigen identification, expression (or synthesis) and presentation is likely to be pivotal to the further development of these recombinant subunit vaccines. Recent progress in each of the components underpinning this integrated approach is summarized in this review.

The Identification of Haemonchus Species and Diagnosis of Haemonchosis

Diagnosis is often equated with identification or detection when discussing parasitic diseases. Unfortunately, these are not necessarily mutually exclusive activities; diseases and infections are generally diagnosed and organisms are identified. Diagnosis is commonly predicated upon some clinical signs; in an effort to determine the causative agent, identification of genera and species is subsequently performed. Both identification and diagnosis play critical roles in managing an infection, and involve the interplay of direct and indirect methods of detection, particularly in light of the complex and expanding problem of drug-resistance in parasites. Accurate and authoritative identification that is cost- and time-effective, based on structural and molecular attributes of specimens, provides a foundation for defining parasite diversity and changing patterns of geographical distribution, host association and emergence of disease. Most techniques developed thus far have been grounded in assumptions based on strict host associations between Haemonchus contortus and small ruminants, that is, sheep and goats, and between Haemonchus placei and bovids. Current research and increasing empirical evidence of natural infections in the field demonstrates that this assumption misrepresents the host associations for these species of Haemonchus. Furthermore, the capacity of H. contortus to utilize a considerably broad spectrum of ungulate hosts is reflected in our understanding of the role of anthropogenic forcing, the 'breakdown' of ecological isolation, global introduction and host switching as determinants of distribution. Nuanced insights about distribution, host association and epidemiology have emerged over the past 30years, coincidently with the development of increasingly robust means for parasite identification. In this review and for the sake of argument, we would like to delineate the diagnosis of haemonchosis from the identification of the specific pathogen. As a foundation for exploring host and parasite biology, we will examine the evolution of methods for distinguishing H. contortus from other common gastrointestinal nematodes of agriculturally significant and free-ranging wild ruminants using morphological, molecular and/or immunological methods for studies at the species and genus levels.