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Abdelsalam MA, Felefel W, Fadl S, Bessat M. Molecular prevalence and associated infection risk factors of tick-borne protozoan and rickettsial blood pathogens in small ruminants. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:138. [PMID: 37653481 PMCID: PMC10469425 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03702-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne blood pathogens cause highly pathogenic diseases, which are associated with substantial economic losses in ruminants. Despite this, epidemiological research on these pathogens remains neglected in many countries. This study initiated a regional epidemiological survey that included the detection of molecular prevalence, associated risk factors, and gene sequencing, combined with phylogenetic analysis, targeting the two main tick-borne blood protozoan and rickettsial pathogens of Babesia, Theileria, and Anaplasma that infect small ruminants. One hundred blood samples were collected from 76 sheep and 24 goats. RESULTS Microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood films revealed that 73% of the samples were infected with at least one species of the three blood pathogenic organisms. Molecular diagnosis based on the 18 S rRNA for Babesia and Theileria species and the major surface protein 4 (msp4) for Anaplasma species, revealed that 43% of the small ruminants were infected with at least one of these pathogens. The animal's sex was the most significant associated risk factor, with 49.4% of female animals infected compared with only 4% of male animals (P < 0.05). The open breeding system recorded the highest infection rate for tick-borne blood pathogens. Homology-based and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the specific isolate species were Babesia ovis (B. ovis), Theileria ovis (T. ovis), and Anaplasma ovis (A. ovis), with sequences showing significant identities with isolates from sheep, goats, and other animal species, and geographically diverse countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe, in addition to Egypt. CONCLUSION This was the first molecular evidence of B. ovis, T. ovis, and A. ovis infections in sheep and goat populations in the North Coast region of Egypt. More extensive studies are required to develop an epidemiological map of blood pathogenic organisms, while more effective control strategies are required to reduce the burden of tick-borne pathogens on small ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mennat-Allah Abdelsalam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Matrouh, Egypt.
| | - Wael Felefel
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Matrouh, Egypt
| | - Sabreen Fadl
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Matrouh, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Bessat
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, King Salman International University KSIU, Ras Sudr, South Sinai, Egypt
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Rahravani M, Moravedji M, Mostafavi E, Mozoun MM, Zeeyaie AH, Mohammadi M, Seyfi H, Adhami G, Esmaeili S, Ameri M. Clinical, hematological and molecular evaluation of piroplasma and Anaplasma infections in small ruminants and tick vectors from Kurdistan province, western Iran. Res Vet Sci 2023; 159:44-56. [PMID: 37080001 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne haemoparasite infections are a major challenge in small ruminant (SR) production across tropical areas. The present study evaluated the prevalence of Theileria, Babesia and Anaplasma in SRs and their tick vectors and estimated the association between pathogen prevalence with clinical hematological findings among SR populations in Kurdistan province, western Iran. In total, 250 blood samples and 250 tick species (one per animal) were collected from SR populations, along with clinical and hematological examinations. Microscopy of blood smears and molecular analysis were performed to detect potential infection with Theileria, Babesia and Anaplasma. Moreover, haemoparasites were explored in the isolated ticks using semi-nested PCR. Based on microscopy, the prevalence of Theileria, Anaplasma and Babesia infections was 91.2%, 23.2% and 2.4%, respectively. Semi-nested PCR analysis of blood samples demonstrated 86.8%, 78.8% and 14% prevalence for T. ovis, A. ovis and B. ovis, respectively. Dermacentor marginatus and Rhipicephalus turanicus were predominant isolated tick vectors from SR, while D. marginatus was the most contaminated tick in all investigated counties. There were, also, a statistically significant association between the estimated molecular prevalence rates with semi-yellow conjunctiva (A. ovis), body temperature (T. ovis and A. ovis), heart rate (T. ovis and B. ovis), mean white blood cell count (T. ovis and A. ovis), mean red blood cell count (T. ovis and B. ovis), as well as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in all haemoparasite infections. Future studies are recommended to reveal the epidemiology of such infections in SRs in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rahravani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Meysam Moravedji
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | | | - Ghazaaleh Adhami
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Saber Esmaeili
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Ameri
- Clinical Pathology, Non-Clinical Safety (NCS), In Vitro/In Vivo Translation (IVIVT), GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 S. Collegeville Rd., Collegeville, PA. 19426, United States of America
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Ulucesme MC, Ozubek S, Karoglu A, Turk ZI, Olmus I, Irehan B, Aktas M. Small Ruminant Piroplasmosis: High Prevalence of Babesia aktasi n. sp. in Goats in Türkiye. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040514. [PMID: 37111400 PMCID: PMC10142182 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant piroplasmosis is the hemoparasitic infection of sheep and goats caused by Babesia and Theileria species responsible for clinical infections with high mortality outcomes. The disease is transmitted by ixodid ticks and prevalent in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Türkiye. A prevalence survey, using molecular methods, is conducted in this study to determine the frequency of newly defined Babesia aktasi n. sp. and other tick-borne piroplasm species in small ruminants in Turkiye. A total of 640 blood samples from sheep (n = 137) and goats (n = 503) were analyzed by nested PCR-based reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization. The results show that 32.3% (207/640) of apparently healthy, small ruminants are infected with three Theileria and two Babesia species. Babesia aktasi n. sp. was the most prevalent species in goats, with 22.5% of samples being positive, followed by B. ovis (4%), T. ovis (2.8%), T. annulata (2.6%), and Theileria sp. (0.6%). None of the sheep samples were positive for Babesia aktasi n. sp.; however, 51.8% were infected with T. ovis. In conclusion, the findings reveal that B. aktasi n. sp. is highly prevalent in goats, but absent in sheep. In future studies, experimental infections will determine whether B. aktasi n. sp. is infectious to sheep, as well as its pathogenicity in small ruminants.
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Stevanović O, Radalj A, Subić I, Jovanović NM, Sladojević Ž, Amović M, Zuko A, Nedić D, Ilić T. The presence of malignant ovine babesiosis in Bosnia and Herzegovina indicates a possible emerging risk for Balkan region. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 90-91:101893. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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First Molecular Evidence for the Presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Naturally Infected Small Ruminants in Tunisia, and Confirmation of Anaplasma ovis Endemicity. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030315. [PMID: 35335639 PMCID: PMC8950766 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma species are obligate intracellular rickettsial vector-borne pathogens that impose economic constraints on animal breeders and threaten human health. Anaplasma ovis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum infect sheep and goats worldwide. A duplex PCR targeting the msp2 and msp4 genes of A. phagocytophilum and A. ovis, respectively, was developed to analyze the field blood samples collected from sheep and goats. A total of 263 apparently healthy small ruminants from 16 randomly selected flocks situated in 3 bioclimatic zones in Tunisia were analyzed for Anaplasma infections. Anaplasma spp. was detected in 78.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 72.8–83.1) of the analyzed animals. The prevalence of A. ovis in sheep (80.4%) and goats (70.3%) was higher than that of A. phagocytophilum (7.0% in sheep and 1.6% in goats). Using an inexpensive, specific, and rapid duplex PCR assay, we provide, to the best of our knowledge, the first molecular evidence for the presence of A. phagocytophilum in small ruminants in Tunisia. A. phagocytophilum generally presented as a co-infection with A. ovis. This study provides important data to understand the epidemiology of anaplasmosis in small ruminants, and highlights the risk of contracting the infection upon tick exposure.
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Selmi R, Belkahia H, Dhibi M, Abdelaali H, Lahmar S, Ben Said M, Messadi L. Zoonotic vector-borne bacteria in wild rodents and associated ectoparasites from Tunisia. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 95:105039. [PMID: 34438095 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Wild rodents are considered as potential carriers of several zoonotic vector-borne bacteria but their epidemiology is poorly understood in Tunisia. A total of 305 biological samples (100 spleens, 100 livers, 100 kidneys, and 5 pooled ectoparasites (Xenopsylla cheopis, Laelaps echidninus, Ornithonyssus sp., Hoplopleura sp. and eggs of the rat fleas)) were collected from 100 wild rodents from three Tunisian governorates. Molecular screening was performed to reveal infections with main vector-borne bacteria. Captured rodents belonged to three rodent genera and species including Rattus rattus (n = 51, 51%), Meriones shawi (n = 24, 24%) and Mus musculus (n = 25, 25%). Examined rodents were found to be heavily infested by the rat flea X. cheopis (n = 32, 47%) and the rat mite L. echidninus (n = 22, 32.3%). However, the rat mite Ornithonyssus sp. (n = 13, 19.1%) and the rat lice Hoplopleura sp. (n = 1, 1.5%) were rarely identified. Based on 16S rRNA and msp4 genes, infection with Anaplasmataceae bacteria was detected in six specimens of R. rattus and one M. shawi. Pathogenic A. phagocytophilum (n = 1), A. phagocytophilum-like 1 (Anaplasma sp. Japan) (n = 1), and A. ovis (n = 5) were identified. On the basis of ompB, ompA and gltA genes, infection with Rickettsia spp. was identified in three specimens of R. rattus and one of M. shawi. Five Rickettsia species of the spotted fever group, corresponding to R. monacensis, R. helvetica, R. massiliae, R. africae, and R. aeschlimannii, were detected in mixed infections. Bartonella henselae DNA was also found in two R. rattus, based on rpoB partial sequences. All revealed Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Bartonella bacteria were detected in spleen samples. Ehrlichia, Coxiella and Borrelia spp. were not identified in any of the tested samples. In Tunisia, this is the first report indicating infections with Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Bartonella spp. in wild rodents, particularly present alongside domestic livestock and human. This represents a serious risk of potential bacterial transmission. Thus, controlling rodent population in animal herds, residential areas and sensitizing local people to this risk seem absolutely necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Selmi
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie; Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Hanène Belkahia
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie
| | - Mokhtar Dhibi
- Service de Parasitologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie
| | - Hedi Abdelaali
- Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Samia Lahmar
- Service de Parasitologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie; Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Sidi Thabet, Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie.
| | - Lilia Messadi
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie.
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Shahbazi P, Nouri Gharajalar S, Mohebbi K, Taeb J, Hashemzadeh Farhang H, Nikvand AA, Norouzi R. First Survey on the Presence and Distribution of Oxytetracycline-Resistance Genes in Anaplasma Species. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:501-507. [PMID: 33180256 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00306-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anaplasma sp. is an obligatory intracellular Gram-negative tick-transmitted bacterial pathogen of humans and animals. Oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline are the drugs of choice for treating domestic animals with acute anaplasmosis. Lack of documented information about oxytetracycline resistance in Anaplasma species in the world was the scope of this study to screen by PCR for the detection of the oxytetracycline-resistance genes in Anaplasma species from infected cattle and sheep in the Northwest and Southwest of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS Total of 100 cattle and sheep blood samples collected from 2 provinces in the Northwest and 1 province in the Southwest of Iran were tested microscopically by the Giemsa staining examination and confirmed by PCR. Then the presence of two different oxytetracycline-resistance genes (otrA, and otrB) was detected by PCR in positive samples. RESULTS The results showed that 60% of Anaplasma-infected samples were identified to have an otrA-resistance gene, and 26.67% had an otrB-resistance gene. The coexistence of two oxytetracycline-resistance determinants was encountered in 13.33% of the isolates. The significant difference in the frequency of otr genes was found among three Anaplasma species (A. marginale, A. centrale and A. ovis), and among three studied regions in Iran (p < 0.05). The identified sequences were submitted to the GenBank and deposited under accession numbers MN880729 and MN895439 for otrB and otrA genes. CONCLUSION This study, for the first time, indicated the oxytetracycline-resistance genes in the three most prevalent Anaplasma species in ruminants. This finding helps to select an appropriate treatment strategy for eradication of anaplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Shahbazi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, 29th Bahman Street, 5166616471, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Sahar Nouri Gharajalar
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, 29th Bahman Street, 5166616471, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kolsoum Mohebbi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, 29th Bahman Street, 5166616471, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jafar Taeb
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, 29th Bahman Street, 5166616471, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hosein Hashemzadeh Farhang
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Abbas Nikvand
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Norouzi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, 29th Bahman Street, 5166616471, Tabriz, Iran
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Ceylan O, Byamukama B, Ceylan C, Galon EM, Liu M, Masatani T, Xuan X, Sevinc F. Tick-Borne Hemoparasites of Sheep: A Molecular Research in Turkey. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020162. [PMID: 33546428 PMCID: PMC7913608 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) indulge in severe economic losses in the livestock industry by adversely affecting the small ruminant breeding in tropical and subtropical zone countries, including Turkey. Turkey encompasses a wide land area representing diverse climatic conditions. The present study explored the presence and distribution of Babesia ovis, Theileria ovis, Theileria lestoquardi, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and the co-occurrence status of these pathogens. A total of 299 sheep blood samples were collected from fifteen provinces located in six different geographical regions in Turkey. PCR analyses were executed using species-specific primers based on Babesia ovis BoSSU rRNA, Theileria ovis ToSSU rRNA, Theileria lestoquardi 18S rRNA, Anaplasma ovis Major Surface Protein (AoMSP4), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum 16S rRNA genes. Overall, 219 (73.24%) sheep were found to be infected with at least one of the following protozoan and rickettsial pathogens; B. ovis, A. ovis,T. ovis, and A. phagocytophilum. Theileria lestoquardi was not detected in any blood sample. The global prevalence of B. ovis, A. ovis, T. ovis, and A. phagocytophilum was estimated to be 2.68%, 16.05%, 41.47%, and 57.19%, respectively. Besides this, dual (24.41%), triple (9.03%), and quadruple (0.67%) co-infections were detected in the study. Phylogenetic analysis revealed significant nucleotide sequence identities between the sequences obtained in this study and the sequences registered in the GenBank. This study provides relevant data regarding the predominance of ovine tick-borne protozoan and rickettsial agents in Turkey. A high molecular prevalence of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) was identified in the study. This situation indicates that TBPs should be screened continuously, and necessary control measures should be taken to prevent diseases caused by tick-borne protozoan and rickettsial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Ceylan
- Department of Parasiyology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, 42250 Konya, Turkey; (O.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Benedicto Byamukama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (B.B.); (E.M.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Ceylan Ceylan
- Department of Parasiyology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, 42250 Konya, Turkey; (O.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Eloiza May Galon
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (B.B.); (E.M.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Mingming Liu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (B.B.); (E.M.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Tatsunori Masatani
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan;
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (B.B.); (E.M.G.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (F.S.)
| | - Ferda Sevinc
- Department of Parasiyology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, 42250 Konya, Turkey; (O.C.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (F.S.)
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Perveen N, Muzaffar SB, Al-Deeb MA. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases of Livestock in the Middle East and North Africa: A Review. INSECTS 2021; 12:83. [PMID: 33477991 PMCID: PMC7835866 DOI: 10.3390/insects12010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of an array of viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens resulting in a wide range of animal and human diseases. There is limited information in the literature about tick species in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, even though they have suitable climate and vegetation for ticks and their hosts. We reviewed the occurrence of tick species and the pathogens they transmit from the MENA on published papers from 1901-2020. We found taxonomic records of 55 tick species infesting livestock representing the following eight genera: Ornithodoros, Otobius, Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes, and Rhipicephalus. In addition, 15 pathogens were recorded causing diseases of significance, with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis being widely distributed diseases in the region. In recent decades, there has been increasing trends in disease occurrence and movement associated with global movement of humans and global trade of animals. We suggest that disease control and prevention could be achieved effectively through good integration between public health, veterinary medicine and animal management, and ecological approaches. We recommend further research in the areas of tick ecology and tick born-disease transmission. Furthermore, we suggest evaluation and improvement of disease control policies in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad Ali Al-Deeb
- Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, UAE; (N.P.); (S.B.M.)
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Abdullah DA, Ali FF, Jasim AY, Ola-Fadunsin SD, Gimba FI, Ali MS. Clinical signs, prevalence, and hematobiochemical profiles associated with Anaplasma infections in sheep of North Iraq. Vet World 2020; 13:1524-1527. [PMID: 33061222 PMCID: PMC7522931 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1524-1527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Anaplasma infection is a worldwide prevalent condition that causes significant economic losses in affected flocks. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and clinical signs associated with ovine anaplasmosis as well as the hematological and biochemical changes associated with the disease in natural infection in North Iraq. Materials and Methods: A total of 420 sheep were appropriately examined, and the clinical signs were documented accordingly. Blood samples were collected and subjected to parasitological, hematological, and biochemical analyses. Results: Anaplasma-infected sheep displayed the following clinical signs: Paleness of the mucous membrane, bloody diarrhea, emaciation, pyrexia, jaundice, nasal discharge, coughing, loss of wool, nervous signs, hemoglobinuria, and lacrimation. The prevalence of Anaplasma infection was 66.19%, and female sheep were significantly (p<0.05) more infected than male sheep. The hematological and biochemical parameters were significantly different between Anaplasma-positive and Anaplasma-negative sheep. Conclusion: Anaplasma infection among sheep is a significant concern in North Iraq considering its prevalence, clinical signs, and hematological and biochemical findings, which entirely causes significant debilitating effects on sheep productivity. It is important to pay more attention toward managing tick infestation among sheep to reduce the occurrence of this rickettsial disease for a more robust livestock sector of the Iraqi economy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fawwaz Fadhil Ali
- Department of Animal Production Techniques, Northern Technical University, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Afrah Younis Jasim
- Department of Animal Production Techniques, Northern Technical University, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Shola David Ola-Fadunsin
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515 Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Fufa Ido Gimba
- Avian Influenza Control Project Animal Health Component Desk office, Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria
| | - Moeena Sadeq Ali
- Department of Animal Production Techniques, Northern Technical University, Mosul, Iraq
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Li J, Jian Y, Jia L, Galon EM, Benedicto B, Wang G, Cai Q, Liu M, Li Y, Ji S, Tumwebaze MA, Ma L, Xuan X. Molecular characterization of tick-borne bacteria and protozoans in yaks (Bos grunniens), Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) and Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area, China. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101466. [PMID: 32723655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Due to the specific plateau climate, a variety of unique animals live in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA) including yaks (Bos grunniens), Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) and Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus). However, information on tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in the QTPA and on the molecular characteristics of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in the area is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Rickettsia spp. infecting yaks, Tibetan sheep and camels in this area. A total of 276 animals were screened. Overall, 84.5% (164/194) of yaks, 58% (23/40) of Tibetan sheep, and 38% (16/42) of camels tested positive for at least one pathogen. Theileria spp., Anaplasma ovis and spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. were detected as TBPs in the current study with overall infection rates of 10.9% (30/276), 8.3% (23/276) and 62.9% (171/276), respectively. Further study revealed that 1.5% (3/194) of the yaks were infected with Theileria sp. OT3, 1.5% (3/194) with T. luwenshuni, 6.2% (12/194) with T. uilenbergi, 1.1% (2/194) with T. ovis and 82% (159/194) with SFG Rickettsia spp. It was also shown that 58% (23/40) of the Tibetan sheep were infected with A. ovis and 15% (6/40) with T. ovis. Among the camels, 10% (4/42) were infected with T. equi, while 29% (12/42) were positive for Rickettsia spp. Sequence analysis revealed that the Rickettsia spp. infecting yaks and camels were Rickettsia raoultii and Rickettsia slovaca. To the best of our knowledge, this study reports the first detection and characterization of these pathogens in yaks, Tibetan sheep and camels in the country, except for T. luwenshuni infections in yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixu Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yingna Jian
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture Qinghai University, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Disease, Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University,Xining 810016, China
| | - Lijun Jia
- Departmentof Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin 133000, China
| | - Eloiza May Galon
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Byamukama Benedicto
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Geping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture Qinghai University, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Disease, Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University,Xining 810016, China
| | - Qigang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture Qinghai University, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Disease, Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University,Xining 810016, China
| | - Mingming Liu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yongchang Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Shengwei Ji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Maria Agnes Tumwebaze
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Liqing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture Qinghai University, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Disease, Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University,Xining 810016, China.
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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Ceylan O, Sevinc F. Endemic instability of ovine babesiosis in Turkey: A country-wide sero-epidemiological study. Vet Parasitol 2020; 278:109034. [PMID: 31991285 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Ovine babesiosis is an endemic tick-borne disease of small ruminants in the Middle East, European, and some African and Asian countries, including Turkey. This study assessed whether the endemic status of this disease was stable or instable, which is important for disease control efforts. For this aim, 4115 sheep blood samples were collected from 81 cities in the seven geographical regions of Turkey. The diagnosis of Babesia ovis was made using microscopic and serological techniques. Thin blood smears were prepared from anticoagulated venous blood. Serum samples were screened for specific antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Recombinant Babesia ovis secreted antigen 1 (rBoSA1) was used in the ELISA. The antigen slides used in the IFAT were prepared from the B. ovis-infected blood at a high level of parasitemia (5 %). The animals were divided into three groups according to their age: group I (one to six months), group II (6-12 months), and group III (older than one year). The endemic status of B. ovis was determined according to the inoculation rate (h value) calculations. Babesia spp. merozoites were observed in 40 (0.97 %) of the slides. Seropositivity rates were 29.89 % (1230/4115) and 49.16 % (2023/4115) by the ELISA and IFAT, respectively. According to the IFAT results, 31.7 %, 33.6 %, and 52.8 % of the animals were seropositive in groups I, II, and III, respectively. The inoculation rates of the animals indicated that the endemic status of ovine babesiosis was mostly instable throughout the country. Endemic stability was found only in group I from four regions (Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, Aegean, and Mediterranean). Based on these results, the risk of clinical infection due to tick infestation was high when the maternal immunity and non-specific age resistance weakens or disappears. Thus, vaccination is needed to protect sheep against B. ovis infections in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Ceylan
- Selcuk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasiyology, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Ferda Sevinc
- Selcuk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasiyology, Konya, Turkey
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Abdullah DA, Ali MS, Omer SG, Ola-Fadunsin SD, Ali FF, Gimba FI. Prevalence and climatic influence on hemoparasites of cattle and sheep in Mosul, Iraq. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6:492-498. [PMID: 31819877 PMCID: PMC6882721 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2019.f373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Hemoparasitism is a condition commonly found in animals and it exerts negatively on the health, production, reproduction, and performance of the affected animals. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of different hemoparasites affecting cattle and sheep in Mosul, Iraq, and to deduce the effect of climatic factors on the occurrence of these hemoparasites. Materials and Methods: Blood samples from cattle and sheep that were submitted to the Parasitology Laboratory of the Veterinary Hospital of Ninavah between 2008 and 2018 were examined for the presence of blood parasites using the thin blood smear preparation. Data were analyzed using percentages (%), tabulations, and graphs. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to measure the strength of association between the occurrence of hemoparasites of cattle/sheep and each climatic variable. Results: Anaplasma spp. Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. were the hemoparasites detected among cattle and sheep in the study, with Theileria spp. been the most prevalent among cattle, while Anaplasma spp. was the most prevalent among sheep. There was no distinct pattern in the yearly and monthly prevalence of these hemoparasites among cattle and sheep. Rainfall and relative humidity negatively influenced the occurrence of hemoparasites infections, while temperature favored their occurrences. Conclusion: This study appears to be the first to evaluate the correlation between climatic variables and the prevalence of hemoparasites of cattle and sheep in Mosul, Iraq. Climatic variables influenced the abundance of hemoparasites of cattle and sheep in the study area. The outcome of this study will add to the existing knowledge on the effect of climatic factors on the occurrence of parasitic diseases of ruminants in Middle East.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Moeena Sadeq Ali
- Department of Animal production Techniques, Northern Technical University Mosul, Iraq
| | - Sanaa Gazei Omer
- Department of Animal production Techniques, Northern Technical University Mosul, Iraq
| | - Shola David Ola-Fadunsin
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Fawwaz Fadhil Ali
- Department of Animal production Techniques, Northern Technical University Mosul, Iraq
| | - Fufa Ido Gimba
- Avian Influenza Control Project, Animal Health Component Desk office, Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jalingo, Nigeria
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Bilgic HB, Hacilarlioglu S, Bakirci S, Kose O, Unlu AH, Aksulu A, Pekagirbas M, Ahmed J, Deschermeier C, Langley G, Karagenc T. Comparison of protectiveness of recombinant Babesia ovis apical membrane antigen 1 and B. ovis-infected cell line as vaccines against ovine babesiosis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101280. [PMID: 31506224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Babesiosis is a disease complex caused by unicellular Babesia parasites and among them, malignant ovine babesiosis caused by B. ovis has a devastating economical impact on the small ruminant industry. The control of disease is mainly based on chemotherapy and preventing animals from tick infestation and to date no vaccine is available against ovine babesiosis. The requirement for vaccination against B. ovis infection in endemically unstable regions is necessary for implementation of effective disease control measures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different immunisation protocols against disease in sheep experimentally vaccinated with recombinant B. ovis apical membrane antigen-1 (rBoAMA-1) and/or live, a B. ovis-infected cell line. Sheep were divided into four experimental groups, plus a control group. Animals were immunised either with the B. ovis stabilate, or with rBoAMA-1, or with both rBoAMA-1 and the B. ovis stabilate. Western blots and ELISAs indicated that immunisation with rBoAMA-1 resulted in generation of a specific response against the recombinant protein, but the degree of antibody response did not correlate with the level of induced protection against challenge. The strongest immune response was induced in animals co-immunised with the live B. ovis stabilate plus rBoAMA-1. Both the hematological and parasitological findings indicated that this co-immunisation regimen has vaccine potential to limit losses incurred by ovine babesiosis in endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin Bilgin Bilgic
- Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, 09016, Isikli/Aydin, Turkey.
| | - Selin Hacilarlioglu
- Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, 09016, Isikli/Aydin, Turkey.
| | - Serkan Bakirci
- Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, 09016, Isikli/Aydin, Turkey.
| | - Onur Kose
- Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, 09016, Isikli/Aydin, Turkey; Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, 15030, Istiklal Yerleskesi, Burdur, Turkey.
| | - Ahmet Hakan Unlu
- Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, 09016, Isikli/Aydin, Turkey; Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Vocational High School of Gevas, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Programme of Laboratorian and Veterinary Health, 65700, Van, Turkey.
| | - Ayca Aksulu
- Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, 09016, Isikli/Aydin, Turkey.
| | - Metin Pekagirbas
- Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, 09016, Isikli/Aydin, Turkey.
| | - Jabbar Ahmed
- Institue for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christina Deschermeier
- Diagnostics Development Laboratory, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Gordon Langley
- Laboratoire de Biologie Comparative des Apicomplexes, Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, Cnrs UMR 8104, Faculte de Medecine - Universite Paris Descartes, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
| | - Tulin Karagenc
- Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, 09016, Isikli/Aydin, Turkey.
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A Retrospective Epidemiological Study: The Prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli in Dogs in the Aegean Region of Turkey. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2019-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Among tick-borne diseases, Ehrlichia canis and Babesia piroplasm cause important diseases in dogs where the distributions of the pathogen, vector and host overlap. The primary aim of the present study was to detect the prevalence of Babesia spp. and E. canis using PCR and reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization assay in a total of 379 samples comprising stray and owned dogs and to compare the diagnostic sensitivity of the two tests. Overall, 41.4% of dogs were infected with B. vogeli and/or E. canis as single (35.4%) and mixed (6.1%) infections. The majority of Babesia positive dogs (74.1%) were co-infected with E. canis. PCR detected a higher (P= 0.000) number of positivity in some provinces compared to RLB. To the best of our knowledge, these findings provide the first molecular evidence for the existence of B. vogeli in the Aegean Region, Turkey. The present study pinpoints the distribution and prevalence of E. canis and B. vogeli in the Aegean region of Turkey as of 2004 and as such establishes a baseline. This is of pivotal importance for future studies aimed to demonstrate changes in the dynamics of E. canis and B. vogeli infections in the region.
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Shabana II, Alhadlag NM, Zaraket H. Diagnostic tools of caprine and ovine anaplasmosis: a direct comparative study. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:165. [PMID: 29788965 PMCID: PMC5964659 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1489-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The diagnosis of anaplasmosis is rather conflicting with other haemoprotozoans. Hence, the study aimed to compare and evaluate the efficiency of competitive ELISA (cELISA), indirect fluorescence antibody (IFA), and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for precise diagnosis of Anaplasma spp. and to assess their concordance with microscopic examination (ME). Results A total of 312 blood samples (189 sheep and 123 goats) were examined for Anaplasma infection during a 1 year period. Giemsa-stained blood smears were examined under the microscope. IFA and cELISA were used for the detection of Anaplasma spp. antibodies. PCR was used as a standard of truth and for the identification of Anaplasma species. Using cELISA assay, 47.4% (148) were positive (93 sheep and 55 goats) with a sensitivity and specificity of 91.9, and 86.9%, respectively. Using IFA, it was found that 57.4% (179)were positive (113 sheep and 66 goats) with a sensitivity and specificity of 100, and 93.3%, respectively. PCR assay identified A. ovis in 49 (25.3%) sheep and 30 (15.5%) goats, and A. phagocytophilumin 74 (38.1%) sheep and 41 (20.8%) goats. Conclusions High sensitivity and specificity values of IFA and ELISA tests compared to microscopic examination strongly support their utility in the diagnosis of Anaplasma infection. PCR was a more specific diagnostic tool that allows to discriminate between Anaplasma subspecies, which makes it the method of choice for anaplasmosis diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I I Shabana
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Al- madinah Al-munawarah, Saudi Arabia. .,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Bacteriology, Immunology and Mycology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
| | - N M Alhadlag
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Al- madinah Al-munawarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - H Zaraket
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology & Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Haemoparasitic agents associated with ovine babesiosis: A possible negative interaction between Babesia ovis and Theileria ovis. Vet Parasitol 2018; 252:143-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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18
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Cui Y, Zhang Y, Jian F, Zhang L, Wang R, Cao S, Wang X, Yan Y, Ning C. Development of duplex PCR for simultaneous detection of Theileria spp. and Anaplasma spp. in sheep and goats. Exp Parasitol 2017; 176:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Bilgic HB, Bakırcı S, Kose O, Unlu AH, Hacılarlıoglu S, Eren H, Weir W, Karagenc T. Prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasites in small ruminants in Turkey and diagnostic sensitivity of single-PCR and RLB. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:211. [PMID: 28449722 PMCID: PMC5408456 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2151-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases (TBHDs), caused by Theileria, Babesia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, are common in regions of the world where the distributions of host, pathogen and vector overlap. Many of these diseases threaten livestock production and some also represent a concern to human public health. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the above-mentioned pathogens in a large number of blood samples (n = 1979) collected from sheep (n = 1727) and goats (n = 252) in Turkey. A secondary aim was to assess the diagnostic sensitivity of a number of species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and the reverse line blotting (RLB) assay. DNA samples were screened using species-specific PCR for the presence of Theileria ovis, Theileria sp. MK, T. lestoquardi, T. uilenbergi, T. luwenshuni, Babesia ovis, Anaplasma ovis and A. phagocytophilum while RLB was undertaken to test for the presence of all known Theileria, Babesia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species. The diagnostic sensitivity of these two approaches was then compared in terms of their ability to detect single species and mixed infections. Results Overall, 84 and 74.43% of the small ruminants sampled were identified as hosting one or more pathogen(s) by species-specific PCR and RLB respectively. The presence of Theileria sp. OT1, T. luwenshuni and T. uilenbergi in Turkey was revealed for the first time while the presence of Babesia motasi, B. crassa and T. separata in Turkish small ruminants was confirmed using molecular methods. A high prevalence of mixed infection was evident, with PCR and RLB approaches indicating that 52.24 and 35.42% of animals were co-infected with multiple species, respectively. More than 80% of the mixed infections contained T. ovis and/or A. ovis. The RLB approach was found to be capable of detecting mixed infections with species such as Theileria sp. OT1, Theileria sp. OT3, T. separata, B. crassa and Babesia spp. Conclusion The results indicated that pathogens causing TBHDs are highly prevalent in sheep and goats in Turkey. The diagnostic sensitivity of species-specific single PCR was generally higher than that of RLB. However, the latter approach was still capable of identifying a high proportion of individuals containing mixed-species infections. The use of species-specific single PCR is recommended to accurately estimate pathogen prevalence and to identify co-infected hosts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2151-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin Bilgin Bilgic
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey.
| | - Serkan Bakırcı
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
| | - Onur Kose
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Hakan Unlu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Yuzuncu Yil, Vocational high School of Gevas, Programme of Laboratorian and Veterinary Health, 65700, Van, Turkey
| | - Selin Hacılarlıoglu
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
| | - Hasan Eren
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
| | - William Weir
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Tulin Karagenc
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
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Detection of Babesia infection among human, goats and sheep using microscopic and molecular methods in the city of Kuhdasht in Lorestan Province, West of Iran. J Parasit Dis 2017; 41:837-842. [PMID: 28848288 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0899-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is a lethal protozoan disease, responsible for the loss of livestock in Iran and in the world. The purpose of the current study was to detect and identify Babesia spp. infection using microscopic and molecular methods in human, sheep and goats in Kuhdasht region, in the Lorestan Province, west of Iran. During 2013, a total of 384 blood smear samples were collected from 51 goats, 306 sheep suspected of Babesiosis infection and 27 humans from Kuhdasht region. The blood samples were fixed, stained and under light microscopic examined. DNA samples were extracted and amplified by polymerase chain reaction of 18S-rRNA gene. PCR and the semi-nested PCR were performed to identify to Babesi spp. and to differentiate genus of Theileria and Babesia spp. The results of microscopic examination indicated that a total of 47 (12.2%) samples were positive for Babesia spp. infection: 38 (9.9%) belonging to sheep and 9 to goats (2.3%). No Babesia was observed in human samples. The PCR showed a band size of 389 bp, of Babesia spp. and the semi-nested PCR detected B. ovis with a band size of 186 bp. By molecular method, 16 (4.2%) sheep and 2 (0.5%) goat blood samples were infected by Babesia. Totally, 18 samples (4.7%) were observed to have Babesia, while no infection was found in human. Thus, the results of our study have shown sheep and goats could be vulnerable to Babesia spp., especially B. ovis in Lorestan Province, Iran. Therefore, studies on the status of the animal Piroplasmosis especially Theileriosis are recommended.
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Ait Lbacha H, Zouagui Z, Alali S, Rhalem A, Petit E, Ducrotoy MJ, Boulouis HJ, Maillard R. "Candidatus anaplasma camelii" in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Morocco: a novel and emerging anaplasma species? Infect Dis Poverty 2017; 6:1. [PMID: 28160773 PMCID: PMC5292149 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-016-0216-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There has been a growing interest in camel anaplasmosis due to its recent emergence in this reservoir species and concerns for its zoonotic potential. The epidemiology of anaplasmosis in camels therefore remains poorly understood mostly because camels belong to marginalised poor and often transhumant populations whose interests are largely neglected. Most studies of anaplasmosis in camels have relied on microscopy and serology for diagnosis and only three studies, undertaken in Tunisia, Saudia Arabia and China, have used molecular diagnostics. The present work characterises Anaplasmataceae strains circulating in the Camelus dromedarius reservoir in Morocco using PCR. Methods Camels (n = 106) were randomly sampled from 6 regions representing different agro-ecological areas in southern Morocco. Whole blood was collected and screened using PCR methods targeting the gene groEL. Anaplasmataceae strains were characterised by sequence analysis of the gene groEL. Results A total of 39.62% (42/106) camels screened were positive for Anaplasmataceae spp. GenBank BLAST analysis of five positive sequenced samples revealed that all strains were 100% identical to “Candidatus Anaplasma camelii”. Phylogenetic investigation and genetic characterisation of the aligned segment (650 bp) of the gene groEL confirmed high similarity with A. platys. Conclusion This study demonstrates the circulation of a previously unidentified species of the genus Anaplasma in Morocco which is genetically close to the agent causing canine anaplasmosis but whose main reservoir is thought to be Camelus dromedarius. Trial registration number This study is not a clinical trial and therefore a trial registration number does not apply. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-016-0216-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hicham Ait Lbacha
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco. .,Département de médecine, chirurgie et reproduction, Madinat Al Irfane, Rabat Instituts, IAV Hassan II, BP 6202, Rabat, 10101, Morocco.
| | - Zaid Zouagui
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Said Alali
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | | | | | - Marie Julie Ducrotoy
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Ceva Santé Animale, Libourne, France
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22
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Ozubek S, Aktas M. Molecular and Parasitological Survey of Ovine Piroplasmosis, Including the First Report of Theileria annulata (Apicomplexa: Theileridae) in Sheep and Goats from Turkey. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:212-220. [PMID: 28082649 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Blood and tick samples were collected from 333 apparently healthy sheep and 257 goats as well as 10 sheep exhibiting clinical signs of babesiosis in Adana, Gaziantep, and Adiyaman Provinces in southern Turkey. Fully engorged female ticks were selected and maintained in an incubator until they oviposited. The tick carcasses and their egg masses were examined. Piroplasms compatible with Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. were observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic small ruminants. Genomic DNA isolates from blood of ovine, tick samples, and egg masses were screened for piroplasms by utilizing 18S rRNA polymerase chain reaction and reverse line blotting (RLB) assays. Parasitemia ranged from 0.01% to 5.6% of erythrocytes in clinical cases. RLB showed positivity in 239 (40.5%) of the sampled apparently healthy sheep and goats and revealed the presence of three Theileria and one Babesia species. Theileria ovis was the most prevalent (35.4%), followed by Babesia ovis (5.4%), Theileria annulata (3.9%), and Theileria sp. MK (0.3%). Thirty-two small ruminants infected with T. ovis were also infected with B. ovis One animal infected with T. ovis was also infected with Theileria sp. MK. Ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma excavatum, Haemaphysalis parva, and Hyalomma anatolicum Egg masses of two female R. bursa carcasses were infected with B. ovis This is the first report of theileriosis caused by T. annulata in sheep and goats in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ozubek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig, 23119, Turkey (; )
| | - M Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig, 23119, Turkey (; )
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23
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Jirapattharasate C, Adjou Moumouni PF, Cao S, Iguchi A, Liu M, Wang G, Zhou M, Vudriko P, Changbunjong T, Sungpradit S, Ratanakorn P, Moonarmart W, Sedwisai P, Weluwanarak T, Wongsawang W, Suzuki H, Xuan X. Molecular epidemiology of bovine Babesia spp. and Theileria orientalis parasites in beef cattle from northern and northeastern Thailand. Parasitol Int 2015; 65:62-69. [PMID: 26475202 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Beef cattle production represents the largest cattle population in Thailand. Their productivity is constrained by tick-borne diseases such as babesiosis and theileriosis. In this study, we determined the prevalence of Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis and Theileria orientalis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genetic markers that were used for detection of the above parasites were sequenced to determine identities and similarity for Babesia spp. and genetic diversity of T. orientalis. Furthermore the risk factors for the occurrence of the above protozoan parasites in beef cattle from northern and northeastern parts of Thailand were assessed. A total of 329 blood samples were collected from beef cattle in 6 provinces. The study revealed that T. orientalis was the most prevalent (30.1%) parasite in beef cattle followed by B. bigemina (13.1%) and B. bovis (5.5%). Overall, 78.7% of the cattle screened were infected with at least one of the above parasites. Co-infection with Babesia spp. and T. orientalis was 30.1%. B. bigemina and T. orientalis were the most prevalent (15.1%) co-infection although triple infection with the three parasites was observed in 3.0% of the samples. Sequencing analysis revealed that B. bigemina RAP1 gene and B. bovis SBP2 gene were conserved among the parasites from different cattle samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the T. orientalis MPSP gene from parasites isolated from cattle in north and northeast Thailand was classified into types 5 and 7 as reported previously. Lack of tick control program was the universal risk factor of the occurrence of Babesia spp. and T. orientalis infection in beef cattle in northern and northeastern Thailand. We therefore recommend training of farmers on appropriate tick control strategies and further research on potential vectors for T. orientalis and elucidate the effect of co-infection with Babesia spp. on the pathogenicity of T. orientalis infection on beef in northern and northeastern Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charoonluk Jirapattharasate
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Paul Franck Adjou Moumouni
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Shinuo Cao
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Aiko Iguchi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Mingming Liu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Guanbo Wang
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Mo Zhou
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Patrick Vudriko
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Tanasak Changbunjong
- Department of Pre-clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Sivapong Sungpradit
- Department of Pre-clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Parntep Ratanakorn
- Department of Clinical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Walasinee Moonarmart
- Department of Clinical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Poonyapat Sedwisai
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Thekhawet Weluwanarak
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Witsanu Wongsawang
- Livestock and Wildlife Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University (Kanchanaburi Campus), Saiyok District, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
| | - Hiroshi Suzuki
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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24
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Rjeibi MR, Darghouth MA, Rekik M, Amor B, Sassi L, Gharbi M. First Molecular Identification and Genetic Characterization of Theileria lestoquardi in Sheep of the Maghreb Region. Transbound Emerg Dis 2014; 63:278-84. [PMID: 25208526 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Theileria lestoquardi is the most prominent Theileria species in small ruminants that causes malignant theileriosis of sheep in Africa and Asia. In the present survey, blood samples and ticks were collected in Kebili (southern Tunisia) from 166 Queue Fine de l'Ouest sheep. Giemsa-stained blood smears, immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and PCR were performed. The DNA was extracted from blood and analysed by PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene of Theileria spp. and then sequenced. A total number of 140 ticks were collected from a total number of 166 sheep during the four seasons. The ticks belonged to two genera and 4 species; the most frequent tick was Hyalomma excavatum 84.3% (118/140) and then Rhipicephalus spp. 15.7% (22/140). Only two animals had positive Giemsa-stained blood smears, and they were also positive by IFAT. The amplicons had 99.3 and 99.6% homology with the BLAST published T. lestoquardi amplicons. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. lestoquardi in small ruminants within the Maghreb region.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Rjeibi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de la Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - M A Darghouth
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de la Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - M Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Amman, Jordan
| | - B Amor
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de la Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - L Sassi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de la Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - M Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de la Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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