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González MA, Ruiz-Arrondo I, Bravo-Barriga D, Cervera-Acedo C, Santibáñez P, Oteo JA, Miranda MÁ, Barceló C. Surveillance and screening of Stomoxyinae flies from Mallorca Island (Spain) reveal the absence of selected pathogens but confirm the presence of the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia pipientis. Res Vet Sci 2024; 171:105206. [PMID: 38493661 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Adult brachycera biting flies can significantly impact livestock through both direct effects (reduction of food intake, disturbance, painful bites, and blood loss) and indirect effects (pathogen transmission), leading to substantial economic losses and production damage. This study aimed to assess the presence of blood-sucking flies in six mixed-animal farm environments on the island of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) by employing multiple trapping methods. Additionally, distribution maps of brachycera biting fly species recorded in Spain were created, based on data extracted thorough review of scientific literature and citizen digital databases. Investigation of several pathogens, including equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), Anaplasmataceae bacteria, and piroplasm protozoa, was carried out using different PCR targets (18S rRNA, 16S rRNA, groESL, and tat genes). Citizen science databases and literature review corroborated the consistent distribution trend for two Stomoxyinae species, underscoring the importance of citizen collaboration as a complement to traditional entomological surveillance. Our study confirmed the presence of two biting Stomoxyinae species: the prevalent stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans across all sampled farms, and the horn fly Haematobia irritans, which turned out to be less abundant. DNA barcoding techniques validated the identification of the two species. Neither EIAV nor bacterial/protozoan pathogens were detected using the selected PCR targets in either fly species. However, Wolbachia pipientis (clustered in the supergroup A together with the only sequence of W. pipientis from the USA) was identified through PCR targeting 16S rRNA, groESL and wsp genes in all pools of H. irritans (n = 13) collected from two of the examined farms. This study represents the first attempt to investigate pathogens in Stomoxyinae biting flies in Spain. The discovery of the endosymbiotic Wolbachia organism in H. irritans represents the first record in Spain and the second from Europe. This finding holds significant implications for future research on the applications of this bacterium in biocontrol programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikel A González
- Doñana Biological Station, Spanish National Research Council (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER ESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Center for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
| | - Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Salud Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Sanidad Animal, Ctra.Madrid-Cadiz, Km.396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cervera-Acedo
- Center for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
| | - Paula Santibáñez
- Center for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
| | - José A Oteo
- Center for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
| | - Miguel Á Miranda
- Instituto de Investigaciones Agroambientales y de Economía del Agua (INAGEA), University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra de Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation research group (ZAP), University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra de Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
| | - Carlos Barceló
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation research group (ZAP), University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra de Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
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Khogali R, Bastos A, Bargul JL, Getange D, Kabii J, Masiga D, Villinger J. Tissue-specific localization of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from camels in Kenya: insights into vector competence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1382228. [PMID: 38698904 PMCID: PMC11063324 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1382228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne pathogen (TBP) surveillance studies often use whole-tick homogenates when inferring tick-pathogen associations. However, localized TBP infections within tick tissues (saliva, hemolymph, salivary glands, and midgut) can inform pathogen transmission mechanisms and are key to disentangling pathogen detection from vector competence. Methods We screened 278 camel blood samples and 504 tick tissue samples derived from 126 camel ticks sampled in two Kenyan counties (Laikipia and Marsabit) for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Coxiella, Rickettsia, Theileria, and Babesia by PCR-HRM analysis. Results Candidatus Anaplasma camelii infections were common in camels (91%), but absent in all samples from Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Amblyomma gemma, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma rufipes ticks. We detected Ehrlichia ruminantium in all tissues of the four tick species, but Rickettsia aeschlimannii was only found in Hy. rufipes (all tissues). Rickettsia africae was highest in Am. gemma (62.5%), mainly in the hemolymph (45%) and less frequently in the midgut (27.5%) and lowest in Rh. pulchellus (29.4%), where midgut and hemolymph detection rates were 17.6% and 11.8%, respectively. Similarly, in Hy. dromedarii, R. africae was mainly detected in the midgut (41.7%) but was absent in the hemolymph. Rickettsia africae was not detected in Hy. rufipes. No Coxiella, Theileria, or Babesia spp. were detected in this study. Conclusions The tissue-specific localization of R. africae, found mainly in the hemolymph of Am. gemma, is congruent with the role of this tick species as its transmission vector. Thus, occurrence of TBPs in the hemolymph could serve as a predictor of vector competence of TBP transmission, especially in comparison to detection rates in the midgut, from which they must cross tissue barriers to effectively replicate and disseminate across tick tissues. Further studies should focus on exploring the distribution of TBPs within tick tissues to enhance knowledge of TBP epidemiology and to distinguish competent vectors from dead-end hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rua Khogali
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Sudan
| | - Armanda Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Getange
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - James Kabii
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
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Al-Hosary A, Radwan AM, Ahmed LS, Abdelghaffar SK, Fischer S, Nijhof AM, Clausen PH, Ahmed JS. Isolation and propagation of an Egyptian Theileria annulata infected cell line and evaluation of its use as a vaccine to protect cattle against field challenge. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8565. [PMID: 38609410 PMCID: PMC11014843 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57325-2] [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: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tropical theileriosis is an important protozoan tick-borne disease in cattle. Vaccination using attenuated schizont-infected cell lines is one of the methods used for controlling the disease. This study describes the production of attenuated schizont-infected cell lines from Egypt and an evaluation of its use as a vaccine to protect calves against clinical disease upon field challenge. Two groups of exotic and crossbred male calves were divided into vaccinated and control groups. The vaccinated groups were inoculated with 4 ml (1 × 106 cells/ml) of the attenuated cell line. Three weeks after vaccination, calves of both groups were transported to the New Valley Governorate (Egyptian oasis) where they were kept under field conditions and exposed to the natural Theileria annulata challenge. All animals in the control group showed severe clinical signs and died despite treatment with buparvaquone, which was administered after two days of persistent fever due to a severe drop in packed cell volume (PCV). Animals in the vaccinated group became seropositive without developing severe clinical signs other than transient fever. Post-mortem examinations revealed enlarged and fragile lymph nodes, spleen, and liver with necrosis and hemorrhages. These findings indicate that the Egyptian attenuated cell line was successful in protecting both exotic and crossbred animals against tropical theileriosis under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Al-Hosary
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed M Radwan
- Field Veterinarian, EL-Minia's Veterinary Directorate, EL-Minia, Egypt
| | - Laila S Ahmed
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Sary Kh Abdelghaffar
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Assiut, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Susanne Fischer
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, Insel Riems, 17943, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ard M Nijhof
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
- Veterinary Center for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Peter-Henning Clausen
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jabbar S Ahmed
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
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Charles RA, Pow-Brown P, Gordon-Dillon A, Blake L, Nicholls S, Brown-Jordan A, Caruth J, Sant C, Pargass I, Basu A, Albina E, Oura C, Georges K. Completing the Puzzle: A Cluster of Hunting Dogs with Tick-Borne Illness from a Fishing Community in Tobago, West Indies. Pathogens 2024; 13:161. [PMID: 38392899 PMCID: PMC10891510 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Eight hunting dogs were visited by a state veterinarian on the island of Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, as owners reported anorexia and paralysis in five of their dogs. The veterinarian observed a combination of clinical signs consistent with tick-borne illness, including fever, anorexia, anaemia, lethargy and paralysis. Blood and ticks were collected from each dog and submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for analysis. Microscopic analysis revealed a mixed infection of intracytoplasmic organisms consistent with Babesia spp. (erythrocyte) and Ehrlichia spp. (monocyte), respectively, from one dog, while a complete blood count indicated a regenerative anaemia (n = 1; 12.5%), non-regenerative anaemia (n = 4; 50%), neutrophilia (n = 3; 37.5%), lymphocytosis (n = 2; 25%), thrombocytopaenia (n = 3; 37.5%) and pancytopaenia (n = 1; 12.5%). DNA isolated from the eight blood samples and 20 ticks (16 Rhipicephalus sanguineus and 4 Amblyomma ovale) were subjected to conventional PCR and next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia and Babesia/Theileria/Hepatozoon, respectively. The DNA of Ehrlichia spp., closely related to Ehrlichia canis, was detected in the blood of three dogs (37.5%), Anaplasma spp., closely related to Anaplasma marginale, in two (25%), Babesia vogeli in one dog (12.5%) and seven ticks (35%) and Hepatozoon canis and Anaplasma spp., in one tick (5%), respectively. These findings highlight the need to test both the vector and host for the presence of tick-borne pathogens when undertaking diagnostic investigations. Further studies are also warranted to elucidate the susceptibility of canids to Anaplasma marginale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne A. Charles
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Patricia Pow-Brown
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Annika Gordon-Dillon
- Animal Health Unit, Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, The Environment and Sustainable Development, Tobago House of Assembly, Milshirv Administrative Complex, Corner Milford & Shirvan Road, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago; (A.G.-D.); (J.C.)
| | - Lemar Blake
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Soren Nicholls
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (S.N.); (A.B.-J.)
| | - Arianne Brown-Jordan
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (S.N.); (A.B.-J.)
| | - Joanne Caruth
- Animal Health Unit, Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, The Environment and Sustainable Development, Tobago House of Assembly, Milshirv Administrative Complex, Corner Milford & Shirvan Road, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago; (A.G.-D.); (J.C.)
| | - Candice Sant
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Indira Pargass
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Asoke Basu
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Emmanuel Albina
- Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), DGDRS, 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Christopher Oura
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Karla Georges
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Perles L, Filippi E, Szafranski N, Montinaro G, Carbonara M, Scalera R, de Abreu Teles PP, Walochnik J, Otranto D. Parasites and microorganisms associated with the snakes collected for the "festa Dei serpari" in Cocullo, Italy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011973. [PMID: 38381797 PMCID: PMC10911609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
While in much of the Western world snakes are feared, in the small, rural, mountainous town of Cocullo, in the middle of central Italy, snakes are annually collected and celebrated in a sacro-profane ritual. Every 1st of May, Serpari (snake catchers) capture and showcase dozens of non-venomous snakes to celebrate the ritual of San Domenico. In order to detect potential zoonotic pathogens within this unique epidemiological context, parasites and microorganisms of snakes harvested for the "festa dei serpari" ritual were investigated. Snakes (n = 112) were examined and ectoparasites collected, as well as blood and feces sampled. Ectoparasites were identified morpho-molecularly, and coprological examination conducted through direct smear and flotation. Molecular screenings were performed to identify parasites and microorganisms in collected samples (i.e., Mesostigmata mites, Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, Babesia/Theileria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Leishmania spp. and helminths). Overall, 28.5% (32/112) of snakes were molecularly positive for at least one parasite and/or microorganism. Endosymbiont Wolbachia bacteria were identified from Macronyssidae mites and zoonotic vector-borne pathogens (e.g., Rickettsia, Leishmania), as well as orally transmitted pathogens (i.e., Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas), were detected from blood and feces. Thus, given the central role of the snakes in the tradition of Cocullo, surveys of their parasitic fauna and associated zoonotic pathogens may aid to generate conservation policies to benefit the human-snake interactions, whilst preserving the cultural patrimony of this event.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Livia Perles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Ernesto Filippi
- Biologist consultant for the Cocullo municipality, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicole Szafranski
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Julia Walochnik
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
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Schäfer I, Helm CS, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Krücken J, Kottmann T, Holtdirk A, Kohn B, Hendrickx G, Marsboom C, Müller E. Molecular detection of Babesia spp. in dogs in Germany (2007-2020) and identification of potential risk factors for infection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:396. [PMID: 37919757 PMCID: PMC10621212 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06005-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, canine babesiosis is most frequently caused by Babesia canis and Babesia vogeli, and occasionally by Babesia gibsoni.. In Germany, B. canis is recognized as endemic. The aims of this study were to assess how often Babesia spp. infections were diagnosed in a commercial laboratory in samples from dogs from Germany, and to evaluate potential risk factors for infection. METHODS The database of the LABOKLIN laboratory was screened for Babesia spp.-positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for dogs for the period January 2007-December 2020. Sequencing was performed for positive tests from 2018 and 2019. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of sex, season, and year of testing. Questionnaires were sent to the submitting veterinarians to obtain information on travel abroad, tick infestation, and ectoparasite prophylaxis of the respective dogs. Fisher's exact test was used to calculate statistical significance and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS In total, 659 out of 20,914 dogs (3.2%) tested positive for Babesia spp. by PCR. Of 172 sequenced samples, B. canis was identified in 156, B. vogeli in nine, B. gibsoni in five, and B. vulpes in two. Season had a statistically significant impact on test results when summer/winter (1.6% tested positive) was compared to spring/autumn (4.7%), with peaks in April (5.2%) and October (7.4%) [P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 3.16]. Sex (male 3.5%, female 2.8%; P = 0.012, OR = 1.49) and age (< 7 years old 4.0%, ≥ 7 years old 2.3%; P < 0.001, OR = 1.76) of the tested dogs also had a statistically significant effect. A statistically significant impact was demonstrated for observed tick attachment (P < 0.001, OR = 7.62) and lack of ectoparasite prophylaxis (P = 0.001, OR = 3.03). The frequency of positive Babesia spp. tests did not significantly differ between the 659 dogs that had never left Germany and the 1506 dogs with known stays abroad (P = 0.088). CONCLUSIONS The possibility of canine infection with B. canis needs to be especially taken into consideration in spring and autumn in Germany as the activity of the tick Dermacentor reticulatus, a potential vector for canine babesiosis, is highest in these seasons. Travel and importation of dogs are considered major factors associated with canine babesiosis in Germany. However, autochthonous Babesia spp. infections also occur in a considerable number of dogs in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Schäfer
- LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, Bad Kissingen, 97688, Germany.
| | - Christina Sabine Helm
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, Berlin, 14163, Germany
| | - Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, Berlin, 14163, Germany
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, Berlin, 14163, Germany
| | - Tanja Kottmann
- Clinical Research Organization Dr. med. Kottmann GmbH & Co. KG, Beverstraße 64, Hamm, 59007, Germany
| | - Annette Holtdirk
- Clinical Research Organization Dr. med. Kottmann GmbH & Co. KG, Beverstraße 64, Hamm, 59007, Germany
| | - Barbara Kohn
- Small Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, Berlin, 14163, Germany
| | - Guy Hendrickx
- R&D Department, AVIA GIS, Risschotlei 33, Zoersel, 2980, Belgium
| | - Cedric Marsboom
- R&D Department, AVIA GIS, Risschotlei 33, Zoersel, 2980, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Müller
- LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, Bad Kissingen, 97688, Germany
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Galon EM, Macalanda AM, Sugi T, Hayashida K, Kawai N, Kidaka T, Ybañez RH, Adjou Moumouni PF, Ringo AE, Li H, Ji S, Yamagishi J, Ybañez A, Xuan X. Bovine Piroplasma Populations in the Philippines Characterized Using Targeted Amplicon Deep Sequencing. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2584. [PMID: 37894242 PMCID: PMC10609017 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular assays and capillary electrophoresis sequencing have been used to identify parasites in livestock. The low sample capacity, which increases labor and processing time, is one drawback. Targeted amplicon sequencing (Ampliseq) uses the fast and large sample capacity platform to identify parasites in the target host, overcoming this limitation. DNA was extracted from 162 whole blood samples collected from cattle in three provinces in the Philippines. Using Illumina's Miseq platform, the V4 hypervariable region of the piroplasma 18S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced. The AMPtk pipeline was used to obtain distinct amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and the NCBI BLAST non-redundant database was used to assign taxonomy. In total, 95 (58.64%) samples were positive for piroplasma. Using the AMPTk pipeline, 2179 ASVs were obtained. A total of 79 distinct ASVs were obtained after clustering and filtering, which belonged to genera Babesia (n = 58), Theileria (n = 17), Hepatozoon (n = 2), and Sarcocystis (n = 2). The ASV top hits were composed of 10 species: Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, Theileria orientalis, Babesia sp., Hepatozoon canis, Sarcocystis cruzi, T. annulata, T. equi, T. mutans, and Theileria sp. Thung Song. The results generated in this study demonstrated the applicability of Ampliseq in detecting piroplasmid parasites infecting cattle in the Philippines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloiza May Galon
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (R.H.Y.); (P.F.A.M.); (A.E.R.); (H.L.); (S.J.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang 4122, Philippines;
| | - Adrian Miki Macalanda
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang 4122, Philippines;
| | - Tatsuki Sugi
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (T.S.); (K.H.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (J.Y.)
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (T.S.); (K.H.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (J.Y.)
| | - Naoko Kawai
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (T.S.); (K.H.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (J.Y.)
| | - Taishi Kidaka
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (T.S.); (K.H.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (J.Y.)
| | - Rochelle Haidee Ybañez
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (R.H.Y.); (P.F.A.M.); (A.E.R.); (H.L.); (S.J.)
| | - Paul Franck Adjou Moumouni
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (R.H.Y.); (P.F.A.M.); (A.E.R.); (H.L.); (S.J.)
| | - Aaron Edmond Ringo
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (R.H.Y.); (P.F.A.M.); (A.E.R.); (H.L.); (S.J.)
| | - Hang Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (R.H.Y.); (P.F.A.M.); (A.E.R.); (H.L.); (S.J.)
| | - Shengwei Ji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (R.H.Y.); (P.F.A.M.); (A.E.R.); (H.L.); (S.J.)
| | - Junya Yamagishi
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (T.S.); (K.H.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (J.Y.)
| | - Adrian Ybañez
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Parasitology, and Vector-Borne Diseases—Main Campus, Cebu Technological University, Cebu City 6000, Philippines;
- College of Veterinary Medicine—Barili Campus, Cebu Technological University, Barili 6036, Philippines
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (R.H.Y.); (P.F.A.M.); (A.E.R.); (H.L.); (S.J.)
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8
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Carbonara M, Iatta R, Sgroi G, Papadopoulos E, Lima C, Bouhsira E, Miró G, Nachum-Biala Y, Baneth G, Otranto D. Hepatozoon species infecting domestic cats from countries of the Mediterranean basin. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102192. [PMID: 37201249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are caused by pathogens of human and veterinary concern representing a major public health issue worldwide. Although feline medicine has progressed much in the recent decades, data on feline TBDs (FeTBDs) remain scant. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of apicomplexan parasite infections, associated risk factors and clinical-hematological abnormalities in domestic feline populations from countries of the Mediterranean basin. Blood and serum samples from cats (n = 600) living in France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Portugal and Spain were collected along with animal data (i.e., age, sex, breed, housing conditions and geographical origin), clinical signs and laboratory blood test parameters. Cats were grouped according to their age as kitten (up to one year), young (between one and six years), mature (between seven and ten years) and senior (older than ten years). Blood samples were tested for Hepatozoon spp. and piroplasmids by conventional PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection was 14.5%, being significantly higher in cats from Greece (30%) and Portugal (23%), followed by Spain (15%), Israel (15%) and France (4%). Cats from Italy scored negative. Hepatozoon felis was identified in 86 animals, with three different sequence types and H. silvestris was detected in one shelter cat from Portugal. No piroplasmid DNA was amplified. The risk of Hepatozoon spp. infection was related to feline geographical provenience, housing condition and age. No statistical correlation was reported with any clinical signs, while increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was the only laboratory abnormality significantly associated (p = 0.03) with the infection. Data suggest a high circulation of H. felis, and only occasionally of H. silvestris, within domestic feline populations in the Mediterranean basin, mainly in shelter or free roaming and young cats with asymptomatic or subclinical infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariaelisa Carbonara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari 70010, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari 70010, Italy
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Clara Lima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Emilie Bouhsira
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, InTheres, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gad Baneth
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari 70010, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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9
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Glidden CK, Karakoç C, Duan C, Jiang Y, Beechler B, Jabbar A, Jolles AE. Distinct life history strategies underpin clear patterns of succession in microparasite communities infecting a wild mammalian host. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:3733-3746. [PMID: 37009964 PMCID: PMC10389068 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16949] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Individual animals in natural populations tend to host diverse parasite species concurrently over their lifetimes. In free-living ecological communities, organismal life histories shape interactions with their environment, which ultimately forms the basis of ecological succession. However, the structure and dynamics of mammalian parasite communities have not been contextualized in terms of primary ecological succession, in part because few datasets track occupancy and abundance of multiple parasites in wild hosts starting at birth. Here, we studied community dynamics of 12 subtypes of protozoan microparasites (Theileria spp.) in a herd of African buffalo. We show that Theileria communities followed predictable patterns of succession underpinned by four different parasite life history strategies. However, in contrast to many free-living communities, network complexity decreased with host age. Examining parasite communities through the lens of succession may better inform the effect of complex within host eco-evolutionary dynamics on infection outcomes, including parasite co-existence through the lifetime of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline K. Glidden
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Canan Karakoç
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Chenyang Duan
- Department of Statistics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Yuan Jiang
- Department of Statistics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Brianna Beechler
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna E. Jolles
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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10
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Noll Louzada-Flores V, Lekouch N, Khouchfi I, Annoscia G, Zatelli A, Beugnet F, Walochnik J, Otranto D. Snakes and Souks: Zoonotic pathogens associated to reptiles in the Marrakech markets, Morocco. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011431. [PMID: 37467211 PMCID: PMC10355457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The world-famous markets of Marrakech, also known in Arabic as souks, harbor a vast diversity of reptiles that are sold for medicinal/magic/pet purposes or used for snake charming. This unique epidemiological context has never been studied considering the interactions of humans, reptiles, and zoonotic pathogens. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the parasites and pathogens present in blood and feces associated with handled reptiles in the markets of Marrakech to assess the risk of zoonotic transmission within the reptile-human interface. Privately owned reptiles (n = 118), coming from vendors or snake charmers, were examined and blood and feces sampled. DNA was extracted and molecular screening (cPCR, nPCR, qPCR, dqPCR) was performed aiming to identify potentially zoonotic pathogens (i.e., Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, Babesia/Theileria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Leishmania spp., Cestoda). Overall, 28.9% (34/118) of reptiles were positive for at least one pathogen. In blood, Anaplasma spp. were detected in four snakes, with two Montpellier snakes positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, while Rickettsia spp. were detected in one Mediterranean chameleon and four puff adders. Leishmania tarentolae was molecularly detected in a Mediterranean chameleon and a Montpellier snake. In feces, the cox1 gene generated a myriad of sequences for nematodes, cestodes, fungi and bacteria. Importantly, Proteus vulgaris was identified from a Mediterranean chameleon. Cryptosporidium spp. nPCR yielded a positive sample (i.e., Cryptosporidium sp. apodemus genotype I) from a Moroccan worm lizard, as well as for bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an Egyptian cobra, and Morganella morganii from a puff adder. Results from this study demonstrated the risk of zoonotic transmission of microorganisms and parasites present in blood and feces from reptiles that are brought to the souks in Marrakech, Morocco, to be sold for medicinal purposes or used for snake charming, being in direct and straight contact with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Julia Walochnik
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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11
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Kurth KA, Watson EM, Gerhold RW, Metts DL, Miller BF, Morin DJ, Eda S, Yang SI, Muller LI. MORTALITY, SURVIVAL, AND SEROLOGIC RESULTS FOR ELK (CERVUS CANADENSIS) IN THE CUMBERLAND MOUNTAINS OF TENNESSEE, USA. J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:420-431. [PMID: 37269302 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Comprehensive disease surveillance has not been conducted in elk (Cervus canadensis) in Tennessee, US, since their reintroduction to the state 20 yr ago. We identified causes of death, estimated annual survival, and identified pathogens of concern in elk at the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (NCWMA), Tennessee, US. In 2019 and 2020, we captured 29 elk (21 females, eight males) using chemical immobilization and fitted individuals with GPS collars with mortality sensors. Elk that died between February 2019 and February 2022 were necropsied to identify causes of death; these included disease associated with meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis; n=3), poaching (n=1), vehicular collision (n=1), legal hunter harvest (n=1), and unknown due to carcass degradation (n=3). Using data from GPS collars and known-fate survival models, we estimated an average yearly survival rate of 80.2%, indicating that survival had not significantly increased from soon after elk reintroduction (79.9%). We collected blood, tissue, feces, and ectoparasites opportunistically from anesthetized elk for health surveillance. We identified lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum; n=53, 85.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 73.72-92.75), American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis; n=8, 12.9%; 95% CI, 6.13-24.40), and black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis; n=1, 1.6%; 95% CI, 0.08-9.83). We detected evidence of exposure to Anaplasma marginale (100%; 95% CI, 84.50-100.00), Leptospira interrogans (70.4%; 95% CI, 49.66-85.50), Toxoplasma gondii (55.6%; 95% CI, 35.64-73.96), epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (51.9%; 95% CI, 32.35-70.84), and Theileria cervi (25.9%; 95% CI, 11.78-46.59). Johne's disease (Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis) is potentially established within the population, but has not been previously documented in eastern elk populations. Disease associated with P. tenuis was a primary cause of death, and more research is needed to understand its ecology and epidemiology. Research to determine population implications of other detected pathogens at the NCWMA is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Kurth
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, 427 Plant Biotechnology, 2505 E. J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Eryn M Watson
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, 427 Plant Biotechnology, 2505 E. J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Richard W Gerhold
- Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, A201 Veterinary Medical Center, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Dailee L Metts
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, 427 Plant Biotechnology, 2505 E. J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Brad F Miller
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, 609 Titus Hollow Road, Pioneer, Tennessee 37847, USA
| | - Dana J Morin
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University, Thompson Hall, Starkville, Mississippi 39762, USA
| | - Shigetoshi Eda
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, 427 Plant Biotechnology, 2505 E. J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Sheng-I Yang
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, 427 Plant Biotechnology, 2505 E. J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Lisa I Muller
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, 427 Plant Biotechnology, 2505 E. J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
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12
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Valente D, Dutra AP, Carolino N, Gomes J, Coelho AC, Espadinha P, Pais J, Carolino I. Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Theileria annulata Infection in Two Bovine Portuguese Autochthonous Breeds. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050669. [PMID: 37242339 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropical Bovine Theileriosis is an important tick-borne disease. This study aims to assess the occurrence of Theileria annulata infection in two indigenous Portuguese cattle breeds. A total of 843 blood samples collected from animals of Alentejana (n = 420) and Mertolenga (n = 423) breeds were analyzed. The detection of Theileria annulata was determined by amplification of a fragment of the merozoite-pyroplasm surface antigen gene with 319 base pairs (bp). The prevalence found (10.8%) is lower than that reported in previous studies (21.3%). A statistically significant difference was found for positivity between breeds (p < 0.05). There is also a higher probability of older animals being positive compared to younger ones (p < 0.05). The region where Mertolenga animals are located is shown to have a significant impact on positivity (p < 0.05). Thus, the development of sustainable T. annulata control strategies and their implementation, adapted to the epidemiological conditions of higher risk, will be extremely important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Valente
- CIVG-Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG-Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Animal and Veterinary Research Center, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Dutra
- Unidade Estratégica de Investigação e Serviços-Produção e Saúde Animal (UEIS-PSA), Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Av. Da República, Quinta do Marquês (edifício sede), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Nuno Carolino
- CIVG-Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG-Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Polo de Inovação da Fonte Boa-Estação Zootécnica Nacional, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, 2005-424 Santarém, Portugal
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Escola Superior Agrária de Elvas, Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre, 7350-092 Elvas, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Animal and Veterinary Research Center, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Espadinha
- Associação de Criadores de Bovinos da Raça Alentejana, Herdade da Coutada Real-Assumar, 7450-051 Assumar, Portugal
| | - José Pais
- Associação de Criadores de Bovinos Mertolengos, 7006-806 Évora, Portugal
| | - Inês Carolino
- CIVG-Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG-Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Polo de Inovação da Fonte Boa-Estação Zootécnica Nacional, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, 2005-424 Santarém, Portugal
- ISA-Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
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13
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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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14
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Weingart C, Helm CS, Müller E, Schäfer I, Skrodzki M, von Samson‐Himmelstjerna G, Krücken J, Kohn B. Autochthonous Babesia canis infections in 49 dogs in Germany. Vet Med (Auckl) 2023; 37:140-149. [PMID: 36629833 PMCID: PMC9889677 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-borne diseases are of increasing importance in Germany. Since 2015, autochthonous cases have been increasingly documented in Berlin/Brandenburg. OBJECTIVES Describe autochthonous Babesia canis infection in the Berlin/Brandenburg region. ANIMALS Forty-nine dogs with autochthonous B. canis infection. METHODS Evaluation of history, clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS Dogs were presented between March and August (9) and September and January (40) in the years 2015-2021. Historical and clinical findings were lethargy (100%), pale mucous membranes (63%), fever (50%), and pigmenturia (52%). Common clinicopathological findings were thrombocytopenia (100%), anemia (85%), intravascular hemolysis (52%), pancytopenia (41%), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS; 37%). Babesia detection was based on blood smear evaluation (n = 40) and PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasms (n = 49). Sequencing indicated 99.47% to 100% identity to B. canis sequences from GenBank. All dogs were treated with imidocarb (2.4-6.3 mg/kg; median, 5 mg/kg); 8 dogs received 1, 35 received 2, and 1 dog each received 3, 4, or 5 injections, respectively. Continued PCR-positive results were detected in 7 dogs after the 1st, in 5 after the 2nd, in 2 after the 3rd, and in 1 28 days after the 4th injection. Four dogs were euthanized and 3 dogs died. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Autochthonous B. canis infections in Berlin/Brandenburg were associated with severe clinicopathological changes, SIRS, and multiorgan involvement. Testing by PCR during and after treatment is advisable to monitor treatment success. Screening of blood donors in high-risk areas and year-round tick protection is strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Weingart
- Clinic for Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Christina S. Helm
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary MedicineFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | | | | | - Marianne Skrodzki
- Clinic for Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | | | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary MedicineFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Barbara Kohn
- Clinic for Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
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15
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Ozubek S, Ulucesme MC, Aktas M. Discovery of a Novel Species Infecting Goats: Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Babesia aktasi n. sp. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010113. [PMID: 36678461 PMCID: PMC9863244 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel Babesia sp. infecting goats was discovered based on the molecular findings obtained in the current study, which was conducted in the Mediterranean region of Türkiye. The goal of this study was to isolate this species of Babesia (Babesia sp.) infecting goats in vivo and to assess the genetic and morphological characterization of the parasite. To identify the animal naturally infected with Babesia sp. and isolate the parasite from this animal, field studies were conducted first, and genomic DNA were extracted from blood samples taken from goats (n = 50). The Theileria, Babesia, and Anaplasma species were identified using a nested PCR-based reverse line blotting (RLB) method. The study included one goat that was determined to be infected with Babesia sp. (single infection) in RLB for in vivo isolation. A blood smear was prepared to examine the parasite's morphology, but it was found to be negative microscopically. Following that, a splenectomy operation (to suppress the immune system) was performed to make the parasites visible microscopically in this animal. Parasitemia began after splenectomy, and the maximum parasitemia was determined to be 1.9%. The goat displayed no significant symptoms other than fever, loss of appetite, and depression. During a period when parasitemia was high, blood from this goat was inoculated into another splenectomized goat (Theileria-Babesia-Anaplasma-Mycoplasma spp. free). On the third day of inoculation, 10% parasitemia with high fever was detected in the goat, and on the fourth day, the goat was humanely euthanized due to severe acute babesiosis symptoms. Except for mild subcutaneous jaundice, no lesions were discovered during the necropsy. According to the microscopic measurement results, ring, double pyriform, spectacle-frame-like, and line forms were observed, and it was observed to be between 1.0-2.5 µm (1.38 ± 0.17 to 0.7 ± 0.21-all forms). A phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparison using the 18S rRNA and cox1 genes revealed that this species is distinct from the small ruminant Babesia species (18S rRNA 92-94%, cox1 79-80%) and has the highest similarity to Babesia sp. deer, which has been reported in deer. Furthermore, it was determined to resemble B. venatorum, B. divergens, Babesia sp. FR1 and Babesia sp. MO1 species, all of which are zoonotic. Additional research is needed to clarify the clinical status of this parasite in goats and other hosts (mountain goat, sheep, calf).
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16
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Hasan M, Roohi N, Rashid MI, Ali S, Ul-Rehman Z. Occurrence of ticks and tick-borne mixed parasitic microbiota in cross-bred cattle in District Lahore, Pakistan. BRAZ J BIOL 2022; 82:e266721. [PMID: 36515298 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.266721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was focused on the incidence of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBD) in cross-bred cattle (Friesian x Sahiwal) of two farms (n = 2548) in district Lahore, Pakistan. We collected total of 572 ticks (adults and nymphs) and blood samples (10 ml) for microscopic i.e., blood smear test - Giemsa Stain (BST) and molecular analysis; Reverse Line Blot-General Primer-PCR (RLB-PCR) and Specie Specific Primer PCR (SP-PCR) from infested cattle (n = 100) from months of April to September. Results: The tick specie identified was Rhipicephalus microplus at both farms, with significant difference in infestations rate amongst both farms (p< 0.0001). The cross-bred cattle having higher ratio of Friesian blood and lower ratio of Sahiwal blood were mostly infested by ticks (p < 0.0458) and haemoparasites (p <0.474) and vice versa. The SP-PCR showed higher number of haemoparasites infection than BST, which revealed 16% T. annulata (p < 0.0001 and k value 0.485, 0.0001), 51% B. bigemina (p < 0.0001 and k value 0.485, 0.0001) and 15% A. marginale (p < 0.001 and k value 0.207, 0.001), respectively. The single infection with B. bigemina was 34% (n = 34/100) and A. marginale 6% (n = 6/100). The double infection with T. annulata/B. bigemina was 8% (n = 8/100) and B. bigemina/A. marginale 1% (n = 1/100). Whereas the triple infection with T. annulata/B. bigemina/A .marginale was 8% (n = 8/100). The phylogenetic study of isolated sequence of T. annulata revealed close homology to isolates from Iran (87%), B. bigemina to isolates from Cuba (94 to 100%) and A. marginale with isolates from Pakistan (99 to 98%).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hasan
- University of the Punjab, Institute of Zoology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - N Roohi
- University of the Punjab, Institute of Zoology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - M I Rashid
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Department of Parasitology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - S Ali
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Department of Parasitology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Z Ul-Rehman
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Department of Parasitology, Lahore, Pakistan
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Kumar B, Maharana BR, Thakre B, Brahmbhatt NN, Joseph JP. 18S rRNA Gene-Based Piroplasmid PCR: An Assay for Rapid and Precise Molecular Screening of Theileria and Babesia Species in Animals. Acta Parasitol 2022. [PMID: 36178614 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The parasites of genera such as Babesia and Theileria are called piroplasmids due to the pear-shaped morphology of the multiplying parasite stages in the blood of the vertebrate host. Because of the enormous number of parasite species and the challenges of multiplex PCR, initial screening of samples using piroplasmid-specific PCR may be a more cost-effective and efficient technique to identify parasite species, especially during epidemiological studies. Accordingly, 18S rRNA PCR was standardized and optimized on common piroplasmids of different animals like cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, dogs, horses, and leopards. METHODS Bloods samples from 1250 animals were collected from different animals in Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. 18S rRNA PCR was standardized and optimized as a primary method for molecular screening of piroplasms in domestic and wild animals. The method was checked for its analytical sensitivity and specificity. Parasite species-specific PCR and sequencing was used to validate the test. Moreover, in-silico restriction enzyme (RE) analysis was also done to assess its applicability in PCR-RFLP. RESULTS Piroplasm infections were recorded in 63.3% of animals in Junagadh. The 18S rRNA PCR detected the piroplasmid DNA in as low as 39 picograms (pg) of whole blood genomic DNA isolated from microscopically Theileria positive blood samples and no reactivity was recorded from common but unrelated haemoparasites viz., Trypanosoma evansi, Hepatozoon spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia canis was observed. The 18S rRNA PCR assay findings were confirmed by species-specific PCR and sequencing. Analysis of different sequences generated using 18S rRNA PCR revealed that the amplicon size of Babesia spp. is nearly 400 bp (393-408 bp) whereas Theileria spp. were more than 400 bp (418-424 bp). The percentage of sequence divergence among Babesia and Theileria spp. was 7.3-12.2% and 0.7-12.2%, respectively. In-silico restriction enzyme (RE) analysis reveals the presence of at least one site for a commercially available RE in 18S rRNA fragments of every parasite, which can differentiate it from its congeners. CONCLUSIONS The presented universal oligonucleotide-based PCR assay provides a highly sensitive, specific, cost-effective, and rapid diagnostic tool for the initial screening of piroplasmids infecting domestic and wild animals and is potentially helpful for large-scale epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Junagadh, Gujarat, 362001, India.
| | - Biswa Ranjan Maharana
- Referral Veterinary Diagnostic and Extension Centre, LUVAS, Uchani, Karnal, 132001, India
| | - Bhupendrakumar Thakre
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Junagadh, Gujarat, 362001, India
| | - Nilima N Brahmbhatt
- Animal Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Junagadh, Gujarat, 362001, India
| | - Joice P Joseph
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Junagadh, Gujarat, 362001, India
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18
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P SS, Chennuru S, Krovvidi S, Chitichoti J. Status of tick-borne haemoprotozoan infection in south Indian sheep in association with variation in Ovar-DRB1 gene. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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19
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Nkosi NF, Oosthuizen MC, Quan M. Development and validation of a TaqMan® probe- based real-time PCR assay for detection of Ehrlichia canis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102055. [PMID: 36270114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichiosis is a potentially fatal zoonotic tick-borne disease, caused by a pleomorphic Gram-negative bacterium. It occurs worldwide and affects humans, domestic and wild animals. Dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis develop canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), a significant infectious disease of canines. TaqMan® based real-time PCR assays to detect Ehrlichia spp. affecting dogs were developed and a real-time PCR assay specific for E. canis validated. The efficiency of the assay was 93% and the 95% limit of detection was 33 E. canis plasmid copies/µl of blood (95% confidence interval: 23 - 58). The assay was specific for E. canis when tested against other haemoparasites. Consistent repeatability was observed, with an inter-run standard deviation (SD) range between 0.33 and 1.29 and an intra-run SD range between 0.04 and 1.14. Field samples were tested in parallel by both the E. canis real-time PCR assay and a reverse line blot hybridization assay. The results were in agreement for the two assays, with an exception of two out of 121 samples. Bayesian latent class analysis was used to calculate a diagnostic sensitivity of the E. canis real-time PCR assay of 90% and a specificity of 92%. This assay is a sensitive and reliable molecular detection method for E. canis and will be a useful tool for early diagnosis and timely treatment for this haemoparasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nokuzola F Nkosi
- Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marinda C Oosthuizen
- Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Melvyn Quan
- Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
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20
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18S rRNA Gene-Based Piroplasmid PCR: An Assay for Rapid and Precise Molecular Screening of Theileria and Babesia Species in Animals. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1697-1707. [PMID: 36178614 PMCID: PMC9523193 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00625-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The parasites of genera such as Babesia and Theileria are called piroplasmids due to the pear-shaped morphology of the multiplying parasite stages in the blood of the vertebrate host. Because of the enormous number of parasite species and the challenges of multiplex PCR, initial screening of samples using piroplasmid-specific PCR may be a more cost-effective and efficient technique to identify parasite species, especially during epidemiological studies. Accordingly, 18S rRNA PCR was standardized and optimized on common piroplasmids of different animals like cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, dogs, horses, and leopards. Methods Bloods samples from 1250 animals were collected from different animals in Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. 18S rRNA PCR was standardized and optimized as a primary method for molecular screening of piroplasms in domestic and wild animals. The method was checked for its analytical sensitivity and specificity. Parasite species-specific PCR and sequencing was used to validate the test. Moreover, in-silico restriction enzyme (RE) analysis was also done to assess its applicability in PCR–RFLP. Results Piroplasm infections were recorded in 63.3% of animals in Junagadh. The 18S rRNA PCR detected the piroplasmid DNA in as low as 39 picograms (pg) of whole blood genomic DNA isolated from microscopically Theileria positive blood samples and no reactivity was recorded from common but unrelated haemoparasites viz., Trypanosoma evansi, Hepatozoon spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia canis was observed. The 18S rRNA PCR assay findings were confirmed by species-specific PCR and sequencing. Analysis of different sequences generated using 18S rRNA PCR revealed that the amplicon size of Babesia spp. is nearly 400 bp (393–408 bp) whereas Theileria spp. were more than 400 bp (418–424 bp). The percentage of sequence divergence among Babesia and Theileria spp. was 7.3–12.2% and 0.7–12.2%, respectively. In-silico restriction enzyme (RE) analysis reveals the presence of at least one site for a commercially available RE in 18S rRNA fragments of every parasite, which can differentiate it from its congeners. Conclusions The presented universal oligonucleotide-based PCR assay provides a highly sensitive, specific, cost-effective, and rapid diagnostic tool for the initial screening of piroplasmids infecting domestic and wild animals and is potentially helpful for large-scale epidemiological studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11686-022-00625-2.
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21
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First Molecular Identification of Babesia, Theileria, and Anaplasma in Goats from the Philippines. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101109. [PMID: 36297166 PMCID: PMC9612162 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Goats are key livestock animals and goat raising is an income-generating venture for smallholder farmers, supporting agricultural development in many parts of the world. However, goat production is often limited by various factors, such as tick-borne diseases. Goat piroplasmosis is a disease caused by apicomplexan parasites Babesia spp. and Theileria spp., while anaplasmosis is caused by bacterial Anaplasma spp. In the Philippines, the presence of Babesia, Theileria, and Anaplasma has not been reported in goats. In this study, DNA obtained from goats were molecularly screened for Babesia/Theileria and Anaplasma. Of 396, 77.02% (305/396) and 38.64% (153/396) were positive for piroplasma and Anaplasma using PCR assays targeting the 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes, respectively. Similarly, Babesia ovis was detected in six samples (1.52%). Representative Babesia/Theileria sequences shared 89.97–97.74% identity with each other and were most closely related to T. orientalis, T. annulata, and Theileria spp. Meanwhile, Anaplasma 16SrRNA sequences were related to A. odocoilei, A. platys, and A. phagocytophilum. This is the first molecular identification of B. ovis, Theileria spp., and Anaplasma spp. in goats from the Philippines.
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22
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Molecular Characterization and Assessment of Risk Factors Associated with Theileria annulata Infection. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081614. [PMID: 36014032 PMCID: PMC9412660 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Theileria annulata is a tick-associated parasite that causes tropical theileriosis in livestock and is responsible for huge economic losses. Studies have been neglected on the effect of Theileria spp. on cattle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The present study was designed to determine the genetic diversity and assess the risk factors associated with Theileria infection in selected districts of KP. Information on the risk factors related to the Theileria infection was collected through a questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from symptomatic cattle from January 2019 to February 2020, identified morphologically through microscopic examination, and processed for molecular characterization using the 18S rRNA gene as a genetic marker. Of the 555 cattle examined (136, 24.5%) and (294, 53%) were found positive for Theileria spp. by microscopic examination and a PCR test, respectively. Based on the PCR test, the highest prevalence of infection was found in district Upper Dir (46/75, 61.3%), followed by Lower Dir (54/90, 60%); Malakand (51/88, 57.9%); Peshawar (40/80, 50%); and Charsadda (52/112, 46.4%), with the lowest in Bajaur (51/110, 46.34%). A BLAST analysis of the 18S rDNA sequences showed 99.5% identity with T. annulata. In a phylogenetic tree, the 18S rDNA sequence of T. annulata clustered with sequences from Pakistan, China, and Italy. A significant association was observed between the prevalence of infection and different host characteristics. The highest infection was found in adult cattle (216/360, 60%); females (218/377, 57.8%); and Holstein Friesian (120/180, 66.6%). Theileria infection was significantly associated with management practices. Higher infection rates were observed in free-grazing cattle (190/412, 42.2%); those kept in unhygienic conditions (246/405, 60.7%); cattle in combined farming systems (165/255, 64.8%); and those in congested stall systems (150/218, 68.8%). Seasonal patterns were found to be significantly associated with infection, and a higher infection rate was observed in summer (215/350, 61.4%) than in winter (79/205, 38.5%). Identified risk factors should be considered in designing practical control approaches to reduce the burden of Theileria infection. Large scale studies are required to explore the diversity of Theileria species in KP, Pakistan.
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23
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Saratsis A, Ligda P, Aal F, Jelicic M, Polgar J, de Vries M, Mastranestasis I, Musella V, Rinaldi L, Jongejan F, Sotiraki S. The Scenario of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens of Sheep on a Mediterranean Island. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081551. [PMID: 36013969 PMCID: PMC9412349 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and transmitted pathogens constitute a major concern for livestock health/welfare and productivity for the Mediterranean region, often posing an important zoonotic threat. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence, infection intensity, and seasonality of ticks and tick-borne pathogens on the island of Lesvos in Greece, which was selected as a potential hotspot for their circulation. To this end, 101 sheep farms were visited over a tick activity season, and ticks, blood samples, and questionnaire data were collected. Ticks were identified by species, and DNA from both ticks and blood samples was further investigated using the polymerase chain reaction–reverse line blot (PCR–RLB) technique. In 72.3% of the farms, sheep were found to be infected by 9 ixodid species, with Rhipicephalus turanicus being the most common during the spring/early summer period. As regards tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), 84.9% of the animals were found to be infected with at least one pathogen, the most common being genera of Anaplasma and Theileria, alone or in co-infections. To further characterize the Anaplasma species found, selected samples were sequenced, revealing isolates of A. ovis, A. capra, A. marginale, and A. phagocytophilum. Of the 169 female R. turanicus ticks analyzed by PCR–RLB, 89.9% were harboring at least one TBP belonging to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Theileria, or Rickettsia. Overall, the data presented in this study revealed a high burden of ticks and TBPs in sheep, including zoonotic species, stressing the need for applying effective monitoring and control programs using a more holistic One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Saratsis
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.L.); (I.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); or (S.S.)
| | - Panagiota Ligda
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.L.); (I.M.)
| | - Fredie Aal
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (M.J.); (J.P.); (M.d.V.); or (F.J.)
| | - Mandy Jelicic
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (M.J.); (J.P.); (M.d.V.); or (F.J.)
| | - Juliette Polgar
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (M.J.); (J.P.); (M.d.V.); or (F.J.)
| | - Myrthe de Vries
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (M.J.); (J.P.); (M.d.V.); or (F.J.)
| | - Ioannis Mastranestasis
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.L.); (I.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Musella
- Department of Health Science, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Via Della Veterinaria 1, 80137 Naples, Italy;
| | - Frans Jongejan
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (M.J.); (J.P.); (M.d.V.); or (F.J.)
- TBD International B.V., Ramstraat 39, 3581 HE Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.L.); (I.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); or (S.S.)
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Helm CS, Weingart C, Ramünke S, Schäfer I, Müller E, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Kohn B, Krücken J. High genetic diversity of Babesia canis (Piana & Galli-Valerio, 1895) in a recent local outbreak in Berlin/ Brandenburg, Germany. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e3336-e3345. [PMID: 35689449 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis (Piana & Galli-Valerio, 1895) is emerging in new regions in Europe since its vector Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) is expanding its geographic range. In the Berlin/Brandenburg area in northeast Germany, D. reticulatus is highly abundant but in the past only one autochthonous B. canis infection was reported. Since 2015, autochthonous cases were occasionally diagnosed but numbers increased since autumn 2019. The aim of the study was to genotype autochthonous canine Babesia spp. infections from Berlin/Brandenburg. Between 04/2015 and 01/2022, 46 dogs with acute babesiosis were presented to the small animal clinic (one dog was infected twice resulting in 47 samples). There were 32 dogs that had never left Berlin/Brandenburg and 14 others that had not left the region in the 6 weeks prior to disease onset. PCRs targeting the 18S rRNA and the Bc28.1 merozoite surface antigen were positive in 47 and 42 samples, respectively. Sequencing of cloned PCR products identified all samples as B. canis with 17 18S rRNA and 12 Bc28.1 haplotypes. Based on network analysis for 18S rRNA sequences and a previously described polymorphic dinucleotide, samples were assigned to two distinct clusters. One contained 31 and the other 16 samples. Using network analysis, the Bc28.1 haplotypes could also be separated into two clusters differing by at least five polymorphisms. Analyses of sequences from multiple clones indicated the presence of up to five 18S rRNA and eight Bc28.1 haplotypes and thus high parasite variability in an individual host. The genetic diversity could suggest that the parasites in the region have multiple origins, but diversity in individual dogs and dog populations from endemic regions is unknown. The suitability of both markers for genotyping is questionable due to potential intragenomic diversity for the rRNA and high intergenomic variability for the Bc28.1 marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina S Helm
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Sabrina Ramünke
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Barbara Kohn
- Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Mwaki DM, Kidambasi KO, Kinyua J, Ogila K, Kigen C, Getange D, Villinger J, Masiga DK, Carrington M, Bargul JL. Molecular detection of novel Anaplasma sp . and zoonotic hemopathogens in livestock and their hematophagous biting keds (genus Hippobosca) from Laisamis, northern Kenya. OPEN RESEARCH AFRICA 2022; 5:23. [PMID: 37396343 PMCID: PMC10314185 DOI: 10.12688/openresafrica.13404.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: Livestock are key sources of livelihood among pastoral communities. Livestock productivity is chiefly constrained by pests and diseases. Due to inadequate disease surveillance in northern Kenya, little is known about pathogens circulating within livestock and the role of livestock-associated biting keds (genus Hippobosca) in disease transmission. We aimed to identify the prevalence of selected hemopathogens in livestock and their associated blood-feeding keds. Methods: We randomly collected 389 blood samples from goats (245), sheep (108), and donkeys (36), as well as 235 keds from both goats and sheep (116), donkeys (11), and dogs (108) in Laisamis, Marsabit County, northern Kenya. We screened all samples for selected hemopathogens by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis and sequencing of PCR products amplified using primers specific to the genera: Anaplasma, Trypanosoma, Clostridium, Ehrlichia, Brucella, Theileria, and Babesia. Results: In goats, we detected Anaplasma ovis (84.5%), a novel Anaplasma sp. (11.8%), Trypanosoma vivax (7.3%), Ehrlichia canis (66.1%), and Theileria ovis (0.8%). We also detected A. ovis (93.5%), E. canis (22.2%), and T. ovis (38.9%) in sheep. In donkeys, we detected ' Candidatus Anaplasma camelii' (11.1%), T. vivax (22.2%), E. canis (25%), and Theileria equi (13.9%). In addition, keds carried the following pathogens; goat/sheep keds - T. vivax (29.3%) , Trypanosoma evansi (0.86%), Trypanosoma godfreyi (0.86%), and E. canis (51.7%); donkey keds - T. vivax (18.2%) and E. canis (63.6%); and dog keds - T. vivax (15.7%), T. evansi (0.9%), Trypanosoma simiae (0.9%) , E. canis (76%), Clostridium perfringens (46.3%), Bartonella schoenbuchensis (76%), and Brucella abortus (5.6%). Conclusions: We found that livestock and their associated ectoparasitic biting keds carry a number of infectious hemopathogens, including the zoonotic B. abortus. Dog keds harbored the most pathogens, suggesting dogs, which closely interact with livestock and humans, as key reservoirs of diseases in Laisamis. These findings can guide policy makers in disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Mwaki
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 62000-00200, Kenya
- Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Kevin O. Kidambasi
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Johnson Kinyua
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Ogila
- Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Collins Kigen
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Dennis Getange
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Daniel K. Masiga
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Mark Carrington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 62000-00200, Kenya
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Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Different Theileria Species in Naturally Infected Goats Using Nested PCR-RFLP: A First Report from Northern India. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:997-1006. [PMID: 35441980 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00553-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Theileriosis is an economically important tick-borne pathogen with a serious impact on livestock health and productivity. Despite the fact that bovine theileriosis has been widely investigated, there exists a paucity of information on these infections in small ruminants, especially in India. The present study was carried out to detect and differentiate different Theileria spp. in goats using nested PCR RFLP. METHODS Blood samples and ticks were collected from 405 goats in various agro-climatic zones of Haryana state, India. The blood samples were screened by microscopy, nested PCR-RFLP, and sequence analysis. The nested PCR-RFLP was performed with four restriction enzymes viz., Hpa II, Bsh 1285I, Hae II and Rsa I. Six nested PCR amplicons with different RFLP patterns were sequenced and submitted to NCBI (OM666861, MZ220430, OM666628, MZ220437, OM666637, OM721806). RESULTS Microscopy revealed 18.27% (n = 74) infection with Theileria spp., while 33.58% (n = 136) of blood samples were confirmed positive by nested PCR. Out of 136 positive samples, 43.38% (n = 59), 11.02% (n = 15) and 20.58% (n = 28), were positive for T. ovis, T. lestoquardi and T. luwenshuni (Theileria sp. China 1), respectively. Mixed infection was detected in 25% (n = 34) cases. Based upon Hpa II digestion pattern, 13 samples with T. lestoquardi and T. ovis, and 21 samples with T. ovis and T. luwenshuni were detected. Sequence study further confirmed their identity. The majority of ticks collected from goats were identified as Rhipicephalus spp., Hyalomma anatolicum and Hemaphysalis spp. CONCLUSION This study represents the first confirmed molecular report of goats infected with T. ovis, T. lestoquardi, and T. luwenshuni from northern India.
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Prevalence of Theileria/Babesia Species in Ruminants in Burdur Province of Turkey. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:723-731. [PMID: 35032244 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00515-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Theileriosis and babesiosis, two tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases (TBHDs) of ruminants, are caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Theileria and Babesia, respectively. Among them, some species are considered to be highly pathogenic causing serious economic losses to livestock holders especially in tropic and subtropic regions. Local and/or general control measures are needed to be applied to reduce economic impact of TBHDs. Prevalence studies are essential for the implementation and/or design of effective prevention and control measures based on true epidemiological data. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence, prevalence and possible cross infections of Theileria/Babesia species between sheep, goat and cattle herds in Burdur province in Turkey. METHODS A total of 964 blood samples were collected from sheep (n = 330), goat (n = 300) and cattle (n = 334) from five different districts of Burdur province. The samples were investigated for ovine and bovine Theileria/Babesia species using reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization assay. RESULTS In small ruminants, T. ovis was the most abundant Theileria species detected in sheep with a rate of 79.69%. Among Babesia species, B. ovis and B. crassa were detected only in blood of goats (0.66%) and sheep (1.12%) as single and mixed infections, respectively. In cattle, T. annulata, B. bovis, Babesia spp. were detected in rates of 0.59%, 3.29%, 3.59%, respectively. CONCLUSION Obtained results clearly indicated that no cross infections with Theileria/Babesia species occurred in small ruminant and cattle herds that use the same grazing area.
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Allen KE, Lineberry MW. Trypanosoma cruzi and Other Vector-Borne Infections in Shelter Dogs in Two Counties of Oklahoma, United States. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:273-280. [PMID: 35580215 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is an emerging zoonotic vector-borne parasite infecting dogs and other mammals in the United States. In this study we evaluated shelter dogs in one northeastern and one southeastern county in Oklahoma for prevalence of exposure to T. cruzi. Dogs were tested for antibodies against T. cruzi using the Chagas STAT PAK® assay and for T. cruzi in circulation by PCR. In addition, dogs were tested for evidence of infection with other vector-borne organisms using the SNAP® 4Dx® Plus Test and PCR. Overall, 26 of 197 (13.2%) shelter dogs had detectable antibodies against T. cruzi and 3 of 189 (1.6%) dogs were PCR positive. In addition, we found that 42 of 197 (21.3%) shelter dogs had evidence of exposure to or were infected with at least one vector-borne agent other than T. cruzi based on serology and/or PCR; 9 of 42 (21.4%) of these dogs were also positive for T. cruzi antibodies. Other infections identified in dogs included Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Babesia sp. (Coco), Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Hepatozoon americanum. This study serves to boost state-wide veterinary and public health awareness of T. cruzi and other vector-borne pathogens infecting shelter dogs in Oklahoma. Results indicate the need for more comprehensive screening of shelter dogs in Oklahoma for exposure to vector-borne agents to enhance surveillance and to identify dogs in need of additional specific veterinary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Allen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Megan W Lineberry
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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Garrett K, Halseth A, Ruder MG, Beasley J, Shock B, Birkenheuer AJ, Gabriel M, Fiorello C, Haire MM, Olfenbuttel C, Keel MK, Yabsley MJ. Prevalence and genetic characterization of a Babesia microti-like species in the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis). Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 29:100696. [PMID: 35256123 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A 4.5-month-old, male, North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) from Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, USA being temporarily housed at a rehabilitation facility, presented with a three-day history of lethargy, anorexia, and severe anemia. Antemortem blood smears revealed intraerythrocytic piroplasms. Supportive care and antiparasitic treatments were initiated, but the animal died three days following presentation. Gross necropsy revealed yellow discoloration of all adipose tissue throughout the carcass and a mildly enlarged, diffusely yellow to pale orange liver. Microscopically, moderate, centrilobular hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis were observed, consistent with hypoxia secondary to apparent hemolytic anemia. Piroplasms were frequently observed in red blood cells in histologic sections. The nearly full-length 18S rRNA gene sequence (1588 bp) was identical to a previously described piroplasm from North American river otters from North Carolina. Phylogenetically, based on the 18S rRNA gene sequence, the otter Babesia sp. was in a sister group with a clade that included several strains of Babesia microti-like species including Babesia sp. from badgers (Meles meles), Babesia vulpes, and Babesia sp. from raccoons (Procyon lotor). To better understand the distribution and genetic variability of this Babesia species, otters from four states in the eastern U.S. and California were tested. Overall, 30 of 57 (53%) otters were positive for Babesia sp. None of four otters from California were positive, but prevalences in eastern states were generally high, 5/9 (55%) in Georgia, 7/14 (50%) in South Carolina, 10/17 (59%) in North Carolina, and 8/13 (62%) in Pennsylvania). Partial 18S rRNA gene sequences from all populations were identical to the clinical case sequence. No Babesia sensu stricto infections were detected. There were six unique COI sequences (937 bp) detected in 18 positive otters. The most common lineage (A) was detected in 12 of 18 (67%) samples from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Lineage B was found in two otters and the remaining lineage types were found in single otters. These six lineages were 99-99.8% similar to each other and were < 88% similar to related parasites such as B. vulpes, B. microti-like species of raccoons, B. microti, and B. rodhaini. Phylogenetically, the Babesia sp. of otters grouped together in a well-supported clade separate from a sister group including B. vulpes from fox (Vulpes vulpes) and domestic dogs. In conclusion, this report demonstrates that this piroplasm is a potential pathogen of North American river otters and the parasite is widespread in otter populations in the eastern United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Garrett
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Ashlyn Halseth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Mark G Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - James Beasley
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29082, USA
| | - Barbara Shock
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Adam J Birkenheuer
- College of Veterinary Medicine, 1061 William Moore Drive, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Mourad Gabriel
- Integral Ecology Research Center, Blue Lake, California, USA; United States Forest Service, Law Enforcement and Investigations, Eureka, CA 95501, USA
| | - Christine Fiorello
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | - Colleen Olfenbuttel
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, NCSU Centennial Campus, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - M Kevin Keel
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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Molecular identification of Theileria species in naturally infected sheep using nested PCR-RFLP. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1487-1497. [PMID: 35314893 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07489-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ovine theileriosis is an important tick-borne haemoprotozoan disease of sheep in tropical and subtropical regions, causing severe productivity and economic loss. There is a paucity of information related to molecular studies of ovine theileriosis from India. The present study identified different Theileria spp. in naturally infected sheep using nested PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (nPCR-RFLP). Blood samples and ticks were collected from 204 sheep in different agro-climatic zones of Haryana state, India, during the tick active season. Microscopic examination of thin blood smears revealed 33.3% (68/204) infections with Theileria spp., while 44.6% (91/204) of blood samples were positive by nPCR assay. Different Theileria spp. were identified based upon RFLP patterns using four restriction enzymes: Hpa II, Bsh 1285I, Hae II and Rsa I. Out of 91 positive samples, 50.5% (46/91), 23.08% (21/91), 11% (10/91) and 2.2% (2/91) were positive for T. ovis, T. lestoquardi, T. luwenshuni (Theileria sp. China 1/Theileria sp. China) and T. annulata, respectively. Mixed infection was detected in 13.2% (12/91) of cases. Based upon HpaII enzymatic digestion pattern, two samples with T. lestoquardi and T. annulata, nine samples with T. lestoquardi and T. ovis and one sample with T. ovis and T. annulata were detected. The presence of these Theileria spp. was further confirmed by sequence analysis. The majority of ticks collected from sheep were identified as Rhipicephalus spp. followed by Hyalomma anatolicum and Hemaphysalis spp. The present investigation depicts the first comprehensive molecular report of naturally infected sheep with T. ovis, T. lestoquardi, T. annulata and T. luwenshuni from northern India.
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Ganzinelli S, Byaruhanga C, Primo ME, Lukanji Z, Sibeko K, Matjila T, Neves L, Benitez D, Enkhbaatar B, Nugraha AB, Igarashi I, Florin-Christensen M, Schnittger L. International interlaboratory validation of a nested PCR for molecular detection of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina causative agents of bovine babesiosis. Vet Parasitol 2022; 304:109686. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Fava NMN, Alves TS, Lopes MG, Labruna MB, Santos AQ, Cury MC. Occurrence and Molecular Identification of Hemoparasites in Wild Mammals Kept in Rehabilitation Centers in Brazil. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:476-486. [PMID: 34797498 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00492-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatozoonosis and piroplasmosis are diseases caused by apicomplexan protozoa that affect different types of animals, including mammals. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. and piroplasms in wild mammals kept in captivity in rehabilitation centers in the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás, Brazil. METHODS For this, blood samples from 152 animals were collected and analyzed by conventional optical microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, positive PCR samples were submitted to sequencing for molecular characterization of the specimens found. RESULTS Microscopic analysis revealed 53 of the 152 animals (28.3%) parasitized by piroplasms. No Hepatozoon sp. was observed. On the other hand, using the primers HepF300/HepR900 and Piro1F/Piro5R, both amplifying fragments of the 18S rDNA gene, eight animals (5.2%) were positive for Hepatozoon spp. and 40 (26.3%) for piroplasms. From the sequencing of the positive samples Hepatozoon canis, Hepatozoon felis, Theileria cervi, Theileria equi and Cytauxzoon felis were identified. In addition to the aforementioned hemoparasites, some animals were found parasitized by microfilaria. Such data ratify the presence of hemoparasites in captive wild animals, and are unprecedented in the two geographical regions covered by the present study. 19.7% of mammals harbored ectoparasites of the genera Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus. CONCLUSION Wild mammals are infected by several pathogens that can also infect domestic animals, some of them potentially zoonotic which can directly contribute to mortality and species reduction. Therefore, a deep understanding of the parasites, the hosts and the diseases is extremely necessary so that prevention, control and treatment measures are effectively applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália M N Fava
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Molecular Biology of Parasites, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Amazonas Avenue w/n, Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil.
| | - Talita Silva Alves
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Molecular Biology of Parasites, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Amazonas Avenue w/n, Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Marcos Gomes Lopes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87-Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87-Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - André Quagliatto Santos
- Wild Animals Teaching and Research Laboratory (LAPAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Mato Grosso Avenue, 3289-Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Márcia Cristina Cury
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Molecular Biology of Parasites, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Amazonas Avenue w/n, Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
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Sant C, Seunarine D, Holder N, Maharaj K, Vaughan M, Harrus S, Gutierrez R, Nachum-Biala Y, Baneth G, Charles R, Pow-Brown P, Suepaul R, Georges K. Tick-borne pathogens in neotropical animals in Trinidad, West Indies. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:62. [PMID: 35183241 PMCID: PMC8858492 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05184-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Ticks are important vectors of many pathogens that have contributed to the morbidity and mortality of humans and domestic animals worldwide. Wildlife species have also been implicated as reservoir hosts of a variety of tick-borne pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine which tick-transmitted pathogens were present in the animals harvested from the forest in Trinidad for human consumption.
Methods
Thin blood smears from 43 neotropical animals were examined microscopically for tick-borne pathogens. Additionally, DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene were used for amplification of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia while the gltA gene was used for Bartonella, and Rickettsia spp. and the 18S rRNA gene for Babesia, Hepatozoon and Theileria species.
Results
Pathogen DNA was amplified from four samples (a deer, collared peccary and two agoutis). Sequencing of the amplified products from the deer and collared peccary revealed 99.8% homology to Anaplasma bovis and 98.8% homology to Ehrlichia canis, respectively. Sequences from two agoutis revealed 90.4% homology to Theileria spp. DNA of Hepatozoon spp., Bartonella spp. Babesia spp. and Rickettsia spp. was not detected in any of the screened samples. An incidental finding in this study was the presence of bacteria in the blood of animals.
Conclusions
The results indicate that the DNA of tick-transmitted pathogens is present at a frequency of about 10% in the study population and suggests that neotropical mammals may serve as a source for the potential transmission of tick-borne pathogens to domestic animals and humans. In addition, physicians and hunters should be aware of the symptoms associated with zoonotic tick-borne pathogens so that these infections can be recognised, diagnosed and treated promptly. Bacteria present in carcasses can pose a food safety hazard and hunters should be trained in proper harvesting and handling of carcasses.
Graphical Abstract
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The Piroplasmida Babesia, Cytauxzoon, and Theileria in farm and companion animals: species compilation, molecular phylogeny, and evolutionary insights. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1207-1245. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Metwally DM, Alajmi R, Alsulami MN, Al-Turaiki IM, Abdel-Gaber R, Alkhuriji AF, Albohiri HH, Mohamed K, Baghdadi HB, El-Khadragy MF, Isaias GT, El-Ashram S. Identification of Theileria spp. in sheep and goats from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using molecular techniques. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12596. [PMID: 34966592 PMCID: PMC8667737 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thileriosis is a tick -born disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites which has global veterinary and economic implications. Methods Blood samples were collected from 216 sheep and 83 goats from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were analyzed to determine whether the animals were infected with Theileria spp. parasites. The parasites were detected using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the gene of 18S rRNA followed by sequencing. Results According to obtained findings, Theileria spp. were detected in sheep (57.8%, 48/83) and goats (51.9%, 112/216). Phylogenetic analysis to sequence data showed that T. ovis identified in this study were found to be closely connected to an isolate from Turkey, with 84.4–99.8% pairwise identity and 52.35–99.79% coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina M Metwally
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Reem Alajmi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muslimah N Alsulami
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isra M Al-Turaiki
- Department of Information Technology, College of Computer and Information Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rewaida Abdel-Gaber
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Afrah F Alkhuriji
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haleema H Albohiri
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalil Mohamed
- Epidemioligy Department, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanadi B Baghdadi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.,Basic and Applied Scientific Research Center, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam City, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal F El-Khadragy
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, University of Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Guillermo T Isaias
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.,Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh, Egypt.,College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
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Mushtaq A, Shoukat T, Mumtaz T, Qasim M, Ajmal K, Fatima N, Khan A, Kouser M, Hussain N, Khan SS, Afzal MS, Simsek S, Ahmed H. Tick-borne Diseases in Sheep and Goats in Pakistan: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:1316-1325. [PMID: 33990896 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00396-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites and transmit various types of protozoal, bacterial, and viral diseases in a wild as well as domestic animals and humans globally. Only a few published reports are avaliable on the prevalence of tick-borne diseases in sheep and goats in Pakistan. AIM AND OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence (2000-2020) of tick-borne disease (theileriosis, babesiosis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever infection, and anaplasmosis) in sheep and goats in Pakistan. METHODS A systematic review of articles published in English language (since 2000-2020) was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Diagnostic methods used in the original reference articles were PCR, PCR-RLB, microscopy, and ELISA. RESULTS The overall prevalence of theileriosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) infections was 15.40%, 21.18%, 26.78%, and 11.62%, respectively. The prevalence of anaplasmosis was 22.06% (90/408) in sheep, 21.11% (76/360) in goats, and 40% (120/300) in both sheep and goats with substantial differences (P < 0.001). The prevalence of babesiosis among sheep was 29.88% (104/348) with highly significant differences (P < 0.001), in goats was 29.88% (25/60) with slightly significant differences (P < 0.031%), and in both sheep and goats were 7% (21/300) with highly significant differences (P < 0.001) according to subgroup analysis. The percentage of prevalence of theileriosis was 17.70% (207/1169) in sheep with highly substantial differences (P < 0.001), 4.51% (31/687) in goats with significant differences (P < 0.133), and 25% (125/500) in both sheep and goats with a significant difference among them (P < 0.001). The prevalence of CCHF among sheep was 18.63% (149/800) and 4.63% (37/800) in goats, respectively. The widely used detection method was microscopy (45.56%) followed by ELISA (38.38%), PCR (12.56%), and PCR-RLB (3.48%) test, respectively. This is a comprehensive report on the status of tick-borne disease in sheep and goats in Pakistan. CONCLUSION Based on our results, among tick-borne diseases anaplasmosis had the highest prevalence rate in sheep and goats. Due to its high prevalence, control measures should be taken to diagnose and prevent it.
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Kundave V, Nehra AK, Ram H, Kumari A, Shahzad M, Vinay T, Garg R, Banerjee PS, Singh G, Tiwari AK. Genetic diversity in the Tams1 gene of Theileria annulata (Duschunkowsky and Luhs, 1904) infecting cattle. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106121. [PMID: 34481790 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study describes the genetic diversity in the Tams1 gene (733 bp) of Theileria annulata along with the sequence, phylogenetic and haplotype analyses of the Indian isolates. The phylogenetic analyses displayed distinct clustering of the Indian isolates into three groups suggesting the presence of three genotypes, hitherto designated as T. annulata genotypes 1-3 (G1-G3). Genotype 3 seems to be novel containing only two newly generated sequences. Indian isolates displayed 88.4-100% and 82.2-100% similarity with each other at nucleotide (nt) and amino acid (aa) levels, respectively. However, the newly generated sequences (n = 36) showed 90.5-100% and 84.3-100% identity between them at nt and aa levels, respectively. The most diverse and heterogeneous genotype, G1, exhibited the highest number of polymorphic sites (S = 148), haplotypes (h = 16) and nucleotide differences (k = 43.23) besides haplotype (Hd = 0.903 ± 0.031) and nucleotide (π = 0.059 ± 0.005) diversities. Neutrality indices suggested a respective decrease and increase in population sizes of G1 and G2 genotypes in India. The nucleotide sequence analyses indicated the presence of extensive sequence variations between nucleotide positions 1-124, 194-257 and 396-494. The N-terminus of Tams1 protein displayed a considerable sequence variability with extensive variations in two regions, between amino acid positions 1-39 and 127-172, as compared to the conserved carboxyl terminus.
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Calleja-Bueno L, Sainz Á, García-Sancho M, González-Martín JV, Díaz-Regañón D, Rodríguez-Franco F, Agulla B, Tormo B, Villaescusa A. First detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia divergens and high infection rates of Anaplasma marginale and Babesia bigemina in cattle in extensive grazing systems of Central Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e1090-e1100. [PMID: 34792293 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Bovine vector-borne diseases have a considerable economic impact worldwide and affect health of humans and animals. However, different aspects of their epidemiology and their pathogenesis remain unclear. Despite the frequent description of clinical cases reported by practitioners attending cattle from Madrid, Central Spain, molecular prevalence of Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. has not been described. The aim of this study was to assess the positivity rate of A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. centrale, B. bigemina and B. divergens in livestock of this area and to evaluate the existence of associations between these pathogens and haematological, biochemical and epidemiological data. Babesia divergens and A. phagocytophilum were detected for the first time in cattle from Madrid. Their positivity percentages were low (2.2% ± 1.4% and 1.8% ± 1.2%, respectively), but this description is of special interest, as these agents are potentially zoonotic. Both agents were found in areas of higher altitude and relative humidity and lower temperature. The detection of ticks in livestock during the moment of sampling was confirmed as a risk factor for these infections. Anaplasma marginale showed the highest molecular infection rate (30% ± 4.1%) in this study, followed by B. bigemina (21.9% ± 3.7%). Higher positivity rates of A. marginale and B. bigemina were found in the areas of mountain climate and warm-summer continental Mediterranean climate. The use of ectoparasiticide treatment was found as a risk factor for infection by A. marginale and B. bigemina. This finding could lead to reconsider the ectoparasiticide protocols that are used nowadays. Grazing on pastures with domestic or wild ruminants and the presence of wild carnivores were associated with higher rates of infection by these four agents and coinfections were frequently found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Calleja-Bueno
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Sainz
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes García-Sancho
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan V González-Martín
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Díaz-Regañón
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-Franco
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Agulla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bárbara Tormo
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Villaescusa
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Molecular detection of zoonotic blood pathogens in ticks from illegally imported turtles in Italy. Acta Trop 2021; 222:106038. [PMID: 34224721 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
International trade of animals may represent a gateway for the spreading of zoonotic pathogens and their vectors. Amongst animals, reptiles are commonly illegally imported worldwide, being Italy in the fifth position of importation of these animals. Thus, the current study analysed the pathogens associated with Hyalomma aegyptium ticks, which were collected from illegally imported tortoises from North Africa to Italy. All tick DNA samples were tested by conventional PCR for the presence of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Borrelia spp., Coxiella burnetti, Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Rickettsia spp. and microfilariae of filarioids. Out of 22% (n=161) of ticks screened, 78.9% (n=127) were males and 21.1% (n=34) females. Among them, three male specimens collected from two different turtles (1.9%; 95% CI; 0.5-5.5) scored positive for Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., whereas all females were negative. BLAST analysis of the sequences obtained from positive samples revealed 99-99.3% nucleotide identity with the sequence of Ehrlichia ewingii available in GenBank. The finding of E. ewingii in ticks from imported reptiles warrants the need for imposing strict rules in the international trade of reptiles to effectively reduce the introduction of exotic pathogens and their vectors in new geographic areas.
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Molecular detection and phylogenetic characterization of Theileria equi in horses (Equus caballus) from a peri-urban area of Argentina. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101810. [PMID: 34416568 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the presence of Theileria equi in an endemic area of equine piroplasmosis 42 horses (Equus caballus) from Corrientes City, Argentina were sampled. Eighty-one percent (34 blood samples) of the analyzed horses were tested positive to the presence of piroplasmid 18S rDNA. All these samples could be identified as T. equi by amplifying the specific EMA-1 (merozoite antigen 1) gene of this species. Phylogenetic analysis of an obtained 18S rDNA complete sequence from one strain resulted in the identification of this sample as T. equi sensu stricto (genotype A). This study presents the first molecular detection and characterization of T. equi by the complete 18S rDNA sequence in Argentina. Based on these results further studies should be carried out to investigate the distribution and heterogeneity of presented genotypes of T. equi in Argentina, which is essential for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of equine piroplasmosis.
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Clift SJ, Martí-Garcia B, Phaswane RM, Mitchell EP, Josemans AI, Vorster I, Koeppel KN, Fehrsen J. Polyclonal antibody-based immunohistochemical detection of intraleukocytic Theileria parasites in roan and sable antelopes. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:1079-1088. [PMID: 34333997 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211033272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Theileria parasites commonly infect African wild artiodactyls. In rare roan (Hippotragus equinus) and sable (H. niger) antelopes, Theileria sp. (sable)-associated calf mortalities constrain breeding programs. The pathogenicity of most leukocyte-transforming Theileria spp. originates in their invasion of and multiplication in various mononuclear leukocytes, the transformation of both infected and uninfected leukocytes, and their infiltration of multiple organs. Understanding the pathogenesis of theileriosis can be improved by the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify the localization of the parasites in tissue sections. Our aim was to develop a reproducible IHC assay to detect leukocyte-associated Theileria parasites in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded roan and sable tissues. Polyclonal antibodies were purified from the sera of 5 roans from an area endemic for Theileria sp. (sable) and tested for IHC reactivity in 55 infected and 39 control roan and sable antelopes, and for antigen and species cross-reactivity in an additional 58 cases. The 3 strongest antibodies consistently detected intraleukocytic theilerial antigens in known positive cases in roan and sable antelopes, and also detected other Theileria spp. in non-hippotraginid wild artiodactyl tissues. The antibodies did not cross-react with other apicomplexan protozoa, with the exception of Cryptosporidium. Given that PCR on its own cannot determine the significance of theilerial infection in wild ruminants, IHC is a useful laboratory test with which to confirm the diagnosis in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Clift
- Departments of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Bernat Martí-Garcia
- Servei de diagnòstic de Patologia Veterinària, Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rephima M Phaswane
- Departments of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Emily P Mitchell
- Departments of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Antoinette I Josemans
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors Programmes, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Ilse Vorster
- Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Katja N Koeppel
- Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.,the Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Jeanni Fehrsen
- Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.,Vaccines and Diagnostics Development Programmes, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, South Africa
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Ouedraogo AS, Zannou OM, Biguezoton AS, Yao KP, Belem AMG, Farougou S, Oosthuizen M, Saegerman C, Lempereur L. Cross border transhumance involvement in ticks and tick-borne pathogens dissemination and first evidence of Anaplasma centrale in Burkina Faso. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101781. [PMID: 34280698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In West Africa, cross-border transhumance, also called seasonal migration, is known to be a very important animal production strategy, as it involves about 70 to 90% of cattle. In spite of the cattle movements, some strategic areas of transhumance remain poorly explored regarding ticks and their associated pathogens investigations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the involvement of transhumance in the spread of cattle ticks and associated pathogens in Burkina Faso (BF) and Benin (BN), in a context of speedy invasion of West African livestock by Rhipicephalus microplus. A longitudinal survey was performed on 210 cattle from BF, monitored for ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBP) during one seasonal transhumance. The first sampling coded "T0BF" took place in eastern BF, at the transhumance departure. A second sampling "T1BN" was carried out in northern BN, the transhumance arrival zone. A third sampling "T2BF" was done at the return of cattle in eastern BF. Ticks were morphologically identified and TBP detected with reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) assay. A total of 1027 ticks (7 species), 1006 ticks (11 species) and 1211 ticks (9 species) were respectively found at T0BF, T1BN and T2BF. Some species were collected at the three times of sampling without any significant difference in their relative abundances. However, other tick species appeared only at T1BN and/or T2BF. The TBP species found at the three points surveyed were Theileria annulata, Theileria mutans, Theileria velifera, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale. The most prevalent was T. mutans with 166/210 (79%), 159/210 (75.7%) and 78/210 (37%) cattle positive respectively at T0BF, T1BN and T2BF. Anaplasma centrale was evidenced with 0.5% and 0.9% respectively at T0BF and T2BF. To our knowledge, this represents its first report in the study area. Overall, the TBP prevalences were significantly lower at T2BF, highlighting the effect of tick populations changes induced by transhumance combined with the seasonal variation influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achille S Ouedraogo
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000, Liège, Belgium; Vector-borne Diseases and Biodiversity Unit (UMaVeB), International Research and Development Centre on Livestock in Sub-humid Areas (CIRDES), 454, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
| | - Olivier M Zannou
- Vector-borne Diseases and Biodiversity Unit (UMaVeB), International Research and Development Centre on Livestock in Sub-humid Areas (CIRDES), 454, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso; Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis applied to veterinary sciences (UREAR-ULg), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Abel S Biguezoton
- Vector-borne Diseases and Biodiversity Unit (UMaVeB), International Research and Development Centre on Livestock in Sub-humid Areas (CIRDES), 454, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
| | - Kouassi Patrick Yao
- UFR Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët Boigny, BP V34, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - Adrien Marie Gaston Belem
- Institut du Développement Rural (IDR), Université Nazi BONI, 01 BP 1091, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
| | - Souaibou Farougou
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Transmissibles, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, BP 01 BP 2009 Cotonou, République du Bénin.
| | - Marinda Oosthuizen
- Department of veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, 0110, Onderspoort, South Africa.
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis applied to veterinary sciences (UREAR-ULg), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Laetitia Lempereur
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
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Getange D, Bargul JL, Kanduma E, Collins M, Bodha B, Denge D, Chiuya T, Githaka N, Younan M, Fèvre EM, Bell-Sakyi L, Villinger J. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens Associated with Dromedary Camels ( Camelus dromedarius) in Northern Kenya. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1414. [PMID: 34209060 PMCID: PMC8306667 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are major constraints to camel health and production, yet epidemiological data on their diversity and impact on dromedary camels remain limited. We surveyed the diversity of ticks and TBPs associated with camels and co-grazing sheep at 12 sites in Marsabit County, northern Kenya. We screened blood and ticks (858 pools) from 296 camels and 77 sheep for bacterial and protozoan TBPs by high-resolution melting analysis and sequencing of PCR products. Hyalomma (75.7%), Amblyomma (17.6%) and Rhipicephalus (6.7%) spp. ticks were morphologically identified and confirmed by molecular analyses. We detected TBP DNA in 80.1% of blood samples from 296 healthy camels. "Candidatus Anaplasma camelii", "Candidatus Ehrlichia regneryi" and Coxiella burnetii were detected in both camels and associated ticks, and Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Coxiella endosymbionts were detected in camel ticks. We also detected Ehrlichia ruminantium, which is responsible for heartwater disease in ruminants, in Amblyomma ticks infesting camels and sheep and in sheep blood, indicating its endemicity in Marsabit. Our findings also suggest that camels and/or the ticks infesting them are disease reservoirs of zoonotic Q fever (C. burnetii), ehrlichiosis (E. chaffeensis) and rickettsiosis (R. africae), which pose public health threats to pastoralist communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Getange
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (D.G.); (T.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (D.G.); (T.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Esther Kanduma
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya;
| | - Marisol Collins
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (M.C.); (E.M.F.); (L.B.-S.)
| | - Boku Bodha
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, County Government of Marsabit, Marsabit P.O. Box 384-60500, Kenya; (B.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Diba Denge
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, County Government of Marsabit, Marsabit P.O. Box 384-60500, Kenya; (B.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Tatenda Chiuya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (D.G.); (T.C.)
| | - Naftaly Githaka
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya;
| | - Mario Younan
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Programme & Operational Support to Syria Crisis, UN cross-border hub, Gaziantep 27010, Turkey;
| | - Eric M. Fèvre
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (M.C.); (E.M.F.); (L.B.-S.)
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya;
| | - Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (M.C.); (E.M.F.); (L.B.-S.)
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (D.G.); (T.C.)
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SPECIFIC MOLECULAR DETECTION OF PIROPLASMS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF β-TUBULIN FOR A NOVEL BABESIA SPECIES IN SIKA DEER ( CERVUS NIPPON YESOENSIS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:200-205. [PMID: 33827177 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Piroplasms, which include Babesia spp. and Theileria spp., are protozoan parasites carried by ticks and commonly cause disease in animals and humans. Those caused by Babesia spp. manifest as fever, anemia, and hemoglobinuria, while Theileria spp. can lead to high fever, diarrhea, and lymphadenopathy. Recently, Theileria capreoli and an undescribed Babesia sp. were detected for the first time in sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) from Hokkaido; however, there is limited information available on their epidemiology in Japan. Here, a touchdown polymerase chain reaction and reverse line blot hybridization were used to perform an epidemiological survey of T. capreoli and Babesia sp. using blood samples from 82 sika deer in Hokkaido, Japan. This was followed by partial sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA and β-tubulin genes to characterize both piroplasm species. A total of 43 (52.4%) and 3 (3.7%) of the sika deer were positive for T. capreoli and Babesia sp., respectively. The β-tubulin gene partial sequences for Babesia sp. were distinct from those of Babesia spp. in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the unknown Babesia sp. is more closely related to B. bigemina and B. ovata than other Babesia spp. based on the β-tubulin gene. Further studies are required to understand the ecology of these tick-borne pathogens in Japan.
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Ouedraogo AS, Zannou OM, Biguezoton AS, Kouassi PY, Belem A, Farougou S, Oosthuizen M, Saegerman C, Lempereur L. Cattle ticks and associated tick-borne pathogens in Burkina Faso and Benin: Apparent northern spread of Rhipicephalus microplus in Benin and first evidence of Theileria velifera and Theileria annulata. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101733. [PMID: 33975003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis, theileriosis, anaplasmosis, and heartwater are tick-borne diseases that threaten livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa including Burkina Faso and Benin. For over a decade, these two bordering countries have been facing an invasion of the livestock by the tick Rhipicephalus microplus, a major vector for babesiosis, accidentally introduced in Benin in 2004. The molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens in this border area is of particular interest due to animals seasonal migration between the two countries. In this survey, epidemiological features of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in cattle were investigated to compare the eastern Burkina Faso, corresponding to a seasonal migration departure zone, and the northern Benin, which represents a seasonal migration arrival zone. Ticks and peripheral blood were collected from a total of 946 cattle in the two areas. Ticks were morphologically identified and the DNA samples from bovine blood and ticks were analysed by Reverse Line Blot (RLB) hybridization process. A total of 2856 ticks were collected on 490 cattle in Burkina Faso, eight tick species were identified, while 3583 ticks were collected on 456 cattle in North Benin with nine tick species identified. The invasive tick, R. microplus was not found in eastern Burkina Faso, but its spread farthest north in Benin is reported. Six tick-borne pathogen species were found in cattle blood both in eastern Burkina Faso and in northern Benin. Ranked in decreasing order of overall prevalences, they are: Theileria mutans (91.1%), Theileria velifera (77.8%), Babesia bigemina (10.9%), Anaplasma marginale (4.2%), Babesia bovis (3.3%), and Theileria annulata (1.8%). To the best of our knowledge, this survey represents the first report of T. velifera and T. annulata in the region. Overall, the TBP prevalences were significantly higher in northern Benin than in eastern Burkina Faso, indicating a higher parasitological risk in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achille S Ouedraogo
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; Vector-borne Diseases and Biodiversity Unit (UMaVeB), International Research and Development Centre on Livestock in Sub-humid Areas (CIRDES), 454 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
| | - Olivier M Zannou
- Vector-borne Diseases and Biodiversity Unit (UMaVeB), International Research and Development Centre on Livestock in Sub-humid Areas (CIRDES), 454 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso; Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis applied to veterinary sciences (UREAR-ULg), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Abel S Biguezoton
- Vector-borne Diseases and Biodiversity Unit (UMaVeB), International Research and Development Centre on Livestock in Sub-humid Areas (CIRDES), 454 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Patrick Y Kouassi
- UFR Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët Boigny, BP V34, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Adrien Belem
- Institut du Développement Rural (IDR), Université Nazi BONI, 01 BP 1091, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Souaibou Farougou
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Transmissibles, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, BP 01 BP 2009 Cotonou, République du Bénin
| | - Marinda Oosthuizen
- Department of veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, 0110 Onderspoort, South Africa.
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis applied to veterinary sciences (UREAR-ULg), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Laetitia Lempereur
- Federal Public Service Public Health, food safety & environment, President services, Research coordination, Place victor Horta 40, 1060 Brussels, Belgium.
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Noaman V, Ghadimipour R, Nabavi R. First report of Babesia occultans in two symptomatic cows in Iran. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1915-1919. [PMID: 33740119 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07119-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the identification and first molecular characterization of Babesia occultans from naturally infected cows in Iran. Microscopic examination showed pyriform trophozoites, and ring-shaped merozoites (>2.5 μm) in Giemsa-stained blood smears obtained from two symptomatic cows in West-Azarbaijan province, Iran. PCR amplification of the partial 18S rRNA gene including the V4 hypervariable region were carried out on DNA extracted from blood samples. BLAST analyses of the partial 18S rRNA (approximately 400 bp) obtained from two cows revealed the presence of B. occultans and the detected sequences were identical to each other. Comparisons of the partial 18S rRNA sequence of the current isolate with other B. occultans sequences from Tunisia, South Africa, Turkey, Pakistan, and China confirmed the relation of the Iranian isolate to the species B. occultans. Sequence analysis of the obtained B. occultans showed 99.5-100% identity to the previously reported isolates. The sequences of B. occultans had 100% identity to a sequence obtained from ticks in Tunisia. This report is the beginning of a path to further research about B. occultans in vectors and reservoirs throughout Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Noaman
- Department of Parasitic Disease Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran. .,Veterinary Medicine Department, Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), P.O. Box: 81785-199, Amirieh town, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Rahim Ghadimipour
- Department of Research and Development, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Marand, Iran
| | - Reza Nabavi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
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Tick Infestation and Piroplasm Infection in Barbarine and Queue Fine de l'Ouest Autochthonous Sheep Breeds in Tunisia, North Africa. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030839. [PMID: 33809606 PMCID: PMC8001609 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As ticks and tick-borne pathogens affect the productivity of livestock, searching for genetically resistant breeds to infestation by ticks may represent an alternative to the overuse of chemical drugs. The aim of this study was to assess if there is a difference in tick infestation among the main sheep breeds in Tunisia. The study was carried out between April 2018 and January 2020 in 17 small to middle-sized sheep flocks from 3 regions across Tunisia. Four hundred and thirty-nine ear-tagged ewes from Barbarine (n = 288, 65.6%) and Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QFO) (n = 151, 34.4%) breeds were examined and sampled each trimester. Ticks were identified to the species level, and piroplasms were detected using PCR that targets a common sequence ARNr18S to both Babesia and Theileria genera using catch-all primers. Totally, 707 adult ticks were collected from animals; 91.4% (646/707) of them were Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. Queue Fine de l'Ouest animals were markedly less infested by ticks, and no one of them was infected by piroplasms compared to the Barbarine breed. Indeed, during the first four seasons, 21 animals, all from the Barbarine breed, were detected positive for piroplasms. This is the first study in Tunisia about the low susceptibility of QFO ewes to infestation by ticks and to infection by piroplasms. The QFO sheep breed could be raised preferably at high-risk areas of tick occurrence and could be considered in concrete control strategies, including a breeding program.
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Byaruhanga C, Akure PC, Lubembe DM, Sibeko-Matjila K, Troskie M, Oosthuizen MC, Stoltsz H. Molecular detection and characterisation of protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in ticks from cattle in the pastoral area of Karamoja, Uganda. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101709. [PMID: 33743472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) significantly affect cattle production and the livelihoods of communities in pastoralist areas. Data on protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in ticks infesting cattle in Uganda is scanty; while it is an indicator of the likelihood of disease transmission and occurrence. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst cattle in the Karamoja Region, northeastern Uganda, from July through September 2017, to determine the tick species diversity, identify protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in the ticks, and characterise pathogenic species by sequence and phylogenetic analyses. About 50 % of the ticks detected from each predilection site on each animal were collected from 100 purposively-selected cattle from 20 randomly-selected herds. Twelve tick species belonging to the genera Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma were identified, the most abundant being Amblyomma lepidum (93.9 %), followed by Amblyomma variegatum (2.0 %) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (1.0 %). Tick species that have not been reported in recent studies amongst cattle in Uganda were found, namely Rhipicephalus pravus, Rhipicephalus praetextatus and Rhipicephalus turanicus. The ticks were grouped into 40 pools, by species and location, and the reverse line blot (RLB) hybridisation assay was used to detect pathogens from the ticks. The most frequently detected tick-borne parasites were Theileria mutans, Theileria velifera and Theileria parva, each observed in 25 % (10/40) of the tick pools. Tick-borne pathogens, namely Babesia rossi, Babesia microti and Theileria sp. (sable) that are not common to, or not known to infect, cattle were identified from ticks. The gene encoding Ehrlichia ruminantium pCS20 region, the Ehrlichia and Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene, and T. parva p67 sporozoite antigen gene were amplified, cloned and sequenced. Seven novel E. ruminantium pCS20 variants were identified, and these grouped into two separate clusters with sequences from other parts of Africa and Asia. The T. parva p67 sequences were of the allele type 1, and parasites possessing this allele type are commonly associated with East Coast fever in eastern Africa. Analysis of the Ehrlichia and Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that they were closely related to Rickettsia africae and to a new Ehrlichia species variant recently found in China. Our R. africae 16S rRNA sequences grouped with R. africae isolates from Nigeria, Egypt and Benin. The information on tick species diversity and pathogens in the various tick species provides an indicator of potential transmission amongst cattle populations, and to humans, and can be useful to estimate disease risk and in control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Byaruhanga
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; National Agricultural Research Organisation, P.O. Box 259, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - Patience C Akure
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Donald M Lubembe
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, 20115, Kenya
| | - Kgomotso Sibeko-Matjila
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Milana Troskie
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Marinda C Oosthuizen
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Hein Stoltsz
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
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Al-Hosary AA, ElSify A, Salama AA, Nayel M, Elkhtam A, Elmajdoub LO, Rizk MA, Hawash MM, Al-Wabel MA, Almuzaini AM, Ahmed LSED, Paramasivam A, Mickymaray S, Omar MA. Phylogenetic study of Theileria ovis and Theileria lestoquardi in sheep from Egypt: Molecular evidence and genetic characterization. Vet World 2021; 14:634-639. [PMID: 33935408 PMCID: PMC8076446 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.634-639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Ovine theileriosis caused by Theileria ovis and Theileria lestoquardi is an important infectious disease affecting small ruminants in regions of the tropic and subtropic zones. There is limited studies about ovine theileriosis in Egypt; so the present study aims to assess the occurrence of ovine theileriosis in Egypt at the molecular level. Materials and Methods Blood samples were collected from 115 randomly selected sheep, which were apparently healthy; the ages of the sampled sheep ranged from 1 to 5 years old, from a local breed (barkae and balade), and showed no symptoms indicating infection with Theileria spp. The study was conducted in three governorates representing Lower Egypt (Menoufia and Beheira) and Upper Egypt (El-Wady El-Geded). All blood samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and semi-nested PCR to target Theileria spp. 18S rRNA genes. Positive samples were sequenced, and these sequences were analyzed using nucleotidebasic local alignment search tool (BLAST). Results Six animals (5.22%) were PCR-positive carriers for ovine theileriosis. Nucleotide BLAST and phylogenetic analyses of the six obtained sequences showed that T. ovis was present in five animals (4.37%) in Menoufia (n=2) and El-Wady El-Geded (n=3), whereas T. lestoquardi was detected in 1 animal (0.87%) in El-Wady El-Geded. Conclusion This study is the first to provide molecular evidence, genetic characterization, and phylogenetic analysis of ovine Theileria spp. in Egypt. Specifically, T. lestoquardi and T. ovis carrier statuses of sheep were confirmed. These results highlight the importance of developing an effective control strategy against ovine theileriosis carriers that might develop and/or spread theileriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Adel Al-Hosary
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Ahmed ElSify
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Akram A Salama
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Nayel
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elkhtam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Manal Mohammed Hawash
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Gerontological Nursing, College of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Mohammad Ali Al-Wabel
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, 51452 Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz M Almuzaini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, 51452 Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Salah El-Din Ahmed
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Anand Paramasivam
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Dentistry, Al-Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suresh Mickymaray
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Al-Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mosaab A Omar
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, 51452 Qassim, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, south valley university, Qena 83523, Egypt
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50
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El Tigani-Asil ETA, Blanda V, Abdelwahab GE, Hammadi ZMA, Habeeba S, Khalafalla AI, Alhosani MA, La Russa F, Migliore S, Torina A, Loria GR, Al Muhairi SS. Molecular Investigation on Tick-Borne Hemoparasites and Coxiella burnetii in Dromedary Camels ( Camelusdromedarius) in Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030666. [PMID: 33801532 PMCID: PMC8000914 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Camels represent an important resource for inhabitants of the most arid regions of the world and their survival is mainly related to environment conditions including the risk of parasitic diseases, which may represent a significant cause of losses in livestock production of these areas. Camels may be parasitized by several hematophagous arthropods, which can be vectors of several diseases including zoonosis. This study aimed to investigate in dromedary camels and their ticks the importance of tick-borne hemoparasites that might be responsible for a recent and obscure morbidity of camels in Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Blood samples and ticks from 93 naturally infected camels belonging to 36 herds, affected by variable acute clinical syndromes lasting from 3 to 5 days, were analyzed through molecular techniques for specific DNA presence of different blood pathogens: Anaplasmamarginale/Anaplasmaovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Coxiella burnetii,Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. DNA. All the 72 ticks collected belonged to the Hyalomma dromedarii species and were negative for blood pathogens. n = 15 camels (16.1%) were found positive to the following tick-borne hemoparasites: A. phagocytophilum 11 (11.8%), Coxiella burnetii 3 (3.2%), and Babesia/Theileria spp. 2 (2.1%). One singular camel showed coinfection of C. burnetii and A. phagocytophiulm. Genetic profile of C. burnetii showed a high phylogenetic relatedness to European, Asian and African C. burnetii strains. This is the first laboratory investigation on tick-borne pathogens in camels in UAE, and the first report of A. phagocytophilum and C. burnetii. Moreover, since the detected pathogens are recognized pathogens for humans, this study highlights the zoonotic risk for humans working in camel husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Shameem Habeeba
- Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Emirate 52150, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohamed Ali Alhosani
- Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Emirate 52150, United Arab Emirates
| | - Francesco La Russa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Sergio Migliore
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Guido Ruggero Loria
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salama Suhail Al Muhairi
- Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Emirate 52150, United Arab Emirates
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