1
|
Ahedor B, Otgonsuren D, Zhyldyz A, Guswanto A, Ngigi NMM, Valinotti MFR, Kothalawala H, Kalaichelvan N, Silva SSP, Kothalawala H, Acosta TJ, Sivakumar T, Yokoyama N. Development and evaluation of specific polymerase chain reaction assays for detecting Theileria equi genotypes. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:435. [PMID: 38007442 PMCID: PMC10675911 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06045-z] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Theileria equi causes equine piroplasmosis, an economically significant disease that affects horses and other equids worldwide. Based on 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA sequences), T. equi can be classified into five genotypes: A, B, C, D, and E. These genotypes have implications for disease management and control. However, no conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are available to differentiate the genotypes of T. equi. To overcome this limitation, we developed and evaluated PCR assays specific for the detection of each T. equi genotype. METHODS A pair of forward and reverse primers, specifically targeting the 18S rRNA sequence of each genotype, was designed. The genotype-specific PCR assays were evaluated for their specificity using plasmids containing inserts of the 18S rRNA sequence of each genotype. Subsequently, the assays were tested on 270 T. equi-positive equine blood DNA samples (92 from donkeys in Sri Lanka and 178 from horses in Paraguay). 18S rRNA sequences derived from the PCR amplicons were analyzed phylogenetically. RESULTS Each genotype-specific PCR assay accurately targeted the intended genotype, and did not produce any amplicons when 18S rRNA from other T. equi genotypes or genomic DNA of Babesia caballi or uninfected horse blood was used as the template. Previous studies employing PCR sequencing methods identified T. equi genotypes C and D in the Sri Lankan samples, and genotypes A and C in the Paraguayan samples. In contrast, our PCR assay demonstrated exceptional sensitivity by detecting four genotypes (A, C, D, and E) in the Sri Lankan samples and all five genotypes in the Paraguayan samples. All the Sri Lankan samples and 93.3% of the Paraguayan samples tested positive for at least one genotype, further emphasizing the sensitivity of our assays. The PCR assays also had the ability to detect co-infections, where multiple genotypes in various combinations were detected in 90.2% and 22.5% of the Sri Lankan and Paraguayan samples, respectively. Furthermore, the sequences obtained from PCR amplicons clustered in the respective phylogenetic clades for each genotype, validating the specificity of our genotype-specific PCR assays. CONCLUSIONS The genotype-specific PCR assays developed in the present study are reliable tools for the differential detection of T. equi genotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Believe Ahedor
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Davaajav Otgonsuren
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Atambekova Zhyldyz
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Azirwan Guswanto
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Noel Muthoni Mumbi Ngigi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | | | | | - Nizanantha Kalaichelvan
- Department of Farm Animal Production and Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | | | | | - Tomás Javier Acosta
- Universidad Nacional de Canendiyu, Salto del Guaira, Paraguay
- Field Center of Animal Science and Agriculture, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Thillaiampalam Sivakumar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Equine Piroplasmosis, National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
|
3
|
Yam J, Bogema DR, Micallef ML, Djordjevic SP, Jenkins C. Complete Genomes of Theileria orientalis Chitose and Buffeli Genotypes Reveal within Species Translocations and Differences in ABC Transporter Content. Pathogens 2022; 11:801. [PMID: 35890045 PMCID: PMC9323827 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Theileria orientalis causes losses to cattle producers in Eastern Asia, Oceania and, more recently, North America. One pathogenic genotype (Ikeda) has been sequenced to the chromosomal level, while only draft genomes exist for globally distributed Chitose and Buffeli genotypes. To provide an accurate comparative gene-level analysis and help further understand their pathogenicity, we sequenced isolates of the Chitose and Buffeli genotypes of T. orientalis using long-read sequencing technology. A combination of several long-read assembly methods and short reads produced chromosomal-level assemblies for both Fish Creek (Chitose) and Goon Nure (Buffeli) isolates, including the first complete and circular apicoplast genomes generated for T. orientalis. Comparison with the Shintoku (Ikeda) reference sequence showed both large and small translocations in T. orientalis Buffeli, between chromosomes 2 and 3 and chromosomes 1 and 4, respectively. Ortholog clustering showed expansion of ABC transporter genes in Chitose and Buffeli. However, differences in several genes of unknown function, including DUF529/FAINT-domain-containing proteins, were also identified and these genes were more prevalent in Ikeda and Chitose genotypes. Phylogenetics and similarity measures were consistent with previous short-read genomic analysis. The generation of chromosomal sequences for these highly prevalent T. orientalis genotypes will also support future studies of population genetics and mixed genotype infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerald Yam
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia; (J.Y.); (D.R.B.); (M.L.M.)
- Australian Institute for Microbiology & Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Daniel R. Bogema
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia; (J.Y.); (D.R.B.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Melinda L. Micallef
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia; (J.Y.); (D.R.B.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Steven P. Djordjevic
- Australian Institute for Microbiology & Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Cheryl Jenkins
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia; (J.Y.); (D.R.B.); (M.L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Theileria annulata: Its Propagation in Rabbits for the Attenuation of Piroplasms in Cross-Bred Calves. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070813. [PMID: 35405803 PMCID: PMC8997059 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070813] [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: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical theileriosis caused by the protozoan; Theileria annulata is a tick-borne disease (TBD) transmitted by ticks of genus Hyalomma; is clinically characterized by fever, anemia, and lymphadenopathy; and is responsible for heavy economic losses in terms of high morbidity and mortality rates with reduced production. Infected red blood cells of T. annulata were inoculated into rabbits intraperitoneally, and propagation of T. annulata has been investigated. The current study has shown an association between induced tropical theileriosis and variation of body temperature in rabbits. A significant rise in temperature (39.92 ± 0.33 °C) was seen on day 8 onwards, with the maximum temperature (40.27 ± 0.44 °C) on day 14 post-inoculation. In the current study, in vivo trials in susceptible cross-bred calves to investigate the attenuation and comparison with the infected group were also conducted. All the infected calves (n = 5) showed a significant rise in temperature (40.26 ± 0.05 °C) on day 10 onwards, with the maximum temperature (40.88 ± 0.05 °C) on day 16. The temperature of inoculated calves increased gradually post-inoculation, but the difference was not significant. A maximum parasitemia of 20% was observed in infected calves, but no piroplasm parasitemia was observed in inoculated calves. The prescapular lymph nodes of infected calves were enlarged, while the lymph nodes of inoculated calves remained normal throughout the trial. Analysis of clinical and parasitological responses of infected and inoculated calves showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in terms of temperature, parasitemia, and lymph node scoring between two groups. The current study was primarily aimed to attenuate T. annulata in rabbit and to check its virulence in susceptible calves. It is concluded that propagation of Theileria annulata in rabbits made it attenuated. Rabbit can be used as an in vivo model to weaken the virulence of T. annulata.
Collapse
|
5
|
Fukushima Y, Horii Y, Honkawa K, Sasaki Y. A large-scale survey of Theileria orientalis infection in grazing dairy heifers in Kyushu, Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 83:36-41. [PMID: 33177267 PMCID: PMC7870415 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Theileria orientalis infection and the influence of this disease on dairy
grazing heifers in Kyushu by monitoring red blood cell (RBC) indexes, and to evaluate the efficacy of diminazene diaceturate treatment of T.
orientalis-infected animals. A monthly epidemiological survey was conducted for Holstein heifers, which were reared from 10 to 16 months of age on a large
commercial dairy farm and grazed on eight independent grasslands from April to November, 2009. During the survey, a total of 2,803 blood samples were collected from
the 891 grazing heifers, in which the prevalence of T. orientalis infection was 52.4%. Compared with the heifers before infection, heifers with high
parasitemia (more than 100 parasites per 104 RBC) had significantly decreased RBC indexes, such as RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit
(P<0.05), whereas heifers with low parasitemia (less than 100 parasites per 104 RBC) had similar RBC indexes as those before
infection. Treatment with diminazene diaceturate had lower efficacy in heifers with high parasitemia than those with low parasitemia (40.7% and 73.2% became
negative, respectively, P<0.05). In summary, T. orientalis infection is a potentially serious problem in Kyushu, and it is
important to routinely implement control programs for heifers that are grazed on grasslands in this region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Fukushima
- Course of Animal and Grassland Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Horii
- Honkawa Ranch, Oita 877-2259, Japan.,Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | | | - Yosuke Sasaki
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.,Department of Animal and Grassland Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tatsukawa F, Nohara R, Taniguchi T, Goto A, Misawa N, Katamoto H. Detection of Mycoplasma wenyonii and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos" from Japanese Black breeding cows in Kyushu and Okinawa region, southern part of Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 83:9-16. [PMID: 33162434 PMCID: PMC7870408 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the epidemiological status of hemoplasma infection and investigate the interaction between Theileria orientalis
and hemoplasmas in Japanese Black breeding cows raised in the Kyushu and Okinawa regions. Blood samples were collected from 400 cows from 80 different farms in
eight prefectures (five samples per farm and 10 farms per prefecture). Mycoplasma wenyonii (Mw), “Candidatus Mycoplasma
haemobos” (CMh), and T. orientalis were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using whole blood samples. PCR results showed that
91.5% (366/400) of cows were positive for bovine hemoplasma: 40.3% were infected with Mw only, 9.5% with CMh only, and 41.8% with both species. T.
orientalis was detected in 36% (144/400) of cows. The infection rate of T. orientalis was higher in the grazing group
(P<0.001) than in the housed group, while the rate of CMh infection was higher (P<0.05) in the housed group than in
the grazing group, suggesting that not only the tick but also other arthropod vectors may contribute to hemoplasma transmission. Although the cows with
hemoplasma dual infection showed higher (P<0.05) white blood cell counts compared with hemoplasma-negative cows, there was no difference in
hematologic parameters related to the anemia between the hemoplasma-positive and -negative animals. This may indicate that Japanese Black cattle could have
resistance to the anemia caused by infection with hemoplasma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumio Tatsukawa
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Rika Nohara
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen Kibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Takako Taniguchi
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen Kibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Akira Goto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Nishi 2-11, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Naoaki Misawa
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen Kibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Hiromu Katamoto
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shirozu T, Badolo A, Soga A, Yoshimura A, Morishita YK, Koketsu M, Shirafuji RU, Inokuma H, Yokoyama N, Fukumoto S. Development and evaluation of a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method targeting Theileria parasites infecting Yezo sika deer. Parasitol Int 2020; 77:102130. [PMID: 32325118 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The increasing Yezo sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) population is creating a large problem. Yezo sika deer are an important blood meal source, and these deer contribute to the maintenance of tick populations. Theileria spp. infections in Yezo sika deer and T. orientalis infections in cows occur at high frequencies, and the same tick species infests both deer and cows. Therefore, a specific detection method to identify deer Theileria spp. is important. In this study, we establish a novel molecular detection method for identifying Theileria spp. from deer and tick samples using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). This method targets a metalloprotease/cell division cycle protein gene homologue. Our LAMP protocol was able to detect deer Theileria and did not show cross reactivity with other closely related protozoan parasites, including T. orientalis. The LAMP method showed sensitivity and specificity equivalent to those of nested PCR performed on the same field samples from deer and ticks. These results demonstrate the applicability of LAMP to field surveys in which the detection of deer Theileria spp. is required. In conclusion, due to its simplicity, specificity, and reliability, we suggest our LAMP protocol as an appropriate method for routine surveys to detect Yezo sika deer and ticks infected with deer Theileria spp. parasites. Additionally, this LAMP method offers great promise as a useful tool to distinguish Yezo sika deer Theileria from related Theileria parasites present in livestock.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Shirozu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Athanase Badolo
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Laboratoire d'Entomologie Fondamentale et Appliquée, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, BP 7021 Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Akira Soga
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Aya Yoshimura
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Center for Research Promotion and Support, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Yu-Ki Morishita
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Mami Koketsu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Rika-Umemiya Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hisashi Inokuma
- Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science, The University of Tokyo Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Shinya Fukumoto
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gebrekidan H, Perera PK, Ghafar A, Abbas T, Gasser RB, Jabbar A. An appraisal of oriental theileriosis and the Theileria orientalis complex, with an emphasis on diagnosis and genetic characterisation. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:11-22. [PMID: 31811422 PMCID: PMC7223495 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06557-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oriental theileriosis, a tick-borne disease of bovids caused by members of the Theileria orientalis complex, has a worldwide distribution. Globally, at least 11 distinct genotypes of T. orientalis complex, including type 1 (chitose), type 2 (ikeda), type 3 (buffeli), types 4 to 8, and N1-N3, have been described based on the sequence of the major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene. Of these 11 genotypes, mainly ikeda and chitose are known to be pathogenic and cause considerable morbidity (including high fever, anaemia, jaundice and abortion), production losses and/or mortality in cattle. Mixed infections with two or more genotypes of T. orientalis is common, but do not always lead to a clinical disease, posing challenges in the diagnosis of asymptomatic or subclinical forms of oriental theileriosis. The diagnosis of oriental theileriosis is usually based on clinical signs, the detection of piroplasms of T. orientalis in blood smears, and/or the use of serological or molecular techniques. This paper reviews current methods used for the diagnosis of T. orientalis infections and the genetic characterisation of members of the T. orientalis complex, and proposes that advanced genomic tools should be established for investigations of these and related haemoparasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hagos Gebrekidan
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Piyumali K Perera
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, The University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Abdul Ghafar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tariq Abbas
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nimisha M, Devassy JK, Pradeep RK, Pakideery V, Sruthi MK, Pious A, Kurbet PS, Amrutha BM, Chandrasekhar L, Deepa CK, Ajithkumar KG, Varghese A, Juliet S, Dinesh CN, Nair SN, Chandy G, Ghosh S, Ravindran R. Ticks and accompanying pathogens of domestic and wild animals of Kerala, South India. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 79:137-155. [PMID: 31489558 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00414-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to detect the chosen nucleotide DNA or RNA sequences of the pathogens in ticks of domestic and wild animals of Kerala, South India based on molecular techniques. Among 602 ticks collected, 413 were from bovines (cattle and buffalo), 26 from goats, 101 from dogs and 62 from wild animals. Amblyomma integrum, Am. gervaisi, Dermacentor auratus, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Ha. intermedia, Ha. shimoga, Ha. spinigera, Rhipicephalus annulatus, Rh. microplus, Rh. haemaphysaloides and Rh. sanguineus s.l. were identified from various domestic and wild animals of Kerala. The cDNA synthesized from the RNA isolated from fully or partially engorged adult female/nymphal ticks was used as template for the specific polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Out of 602 ticks examined, nucleotide sequences of pathogens were detected in 28 ticks (4.65%). The nucleotide sequences of tick-borne pathogens like Theileria orientalis, Babesia vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, Anaplasma marginale, An. bovis, Rickettsia sp. closely related to Ri. raoultii, Ri. massiliae, Ri. africae and Ri. slovaca were detected. The identification of the previously unreported nucleotide sequences of rickettsial pathogens from India is of particular interest due to their zoonotic significance. The phylogenetic analysis of the major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene of T. orientalis amplified from Rh. annulatus ticks revealed that they were genetically close to type 7, which belong to the highly pathogenic Ikeda group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murikoli Nimisha
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Jeena Kaitharath Devassy
- Center for Wildlife Studies, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Rangapura Kariyappa Pradeep
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Vidya Pakideery
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Meethalae Koombayil Sruthi
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Anu Pious
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Prashant Somalingappa Kurbet
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Birur Mallappa Amrutha
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Leena Chandrasekhar
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Chundayil Kalarikkal Deepa
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | | | - Anju Varghese
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Sanis Juliet
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | | | - Suresh Narayanan Nair
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - George Chandy
- Center for Wildlife Studies, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Srikant Ghosh
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, UP243122, India
| | - Reghu Ravindran
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hayashida K, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Sivakumar T, Yamagishi J, Suzuki Y, Sugimoto C, Yokoyama N. Establishment of a mouse-tick infection model for Theileria orientalis and analysis of its transcriptome. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:915-924. [PMID: 30176237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oriental theileriosis caused by Theileria orientalis is an economically significant disease in cattle farming. The lack of laboratory animal models and in vitro culture systems is a major obstacle in the drive to better understand the biology of this parasite. Notably, research on the sporozoite stage of T. orientalis has rarely been undertaken, although such investigations are of paramount importance for vaccine development based on blocking sporozoite invasion of its host animals. In the present study, we established a mouse-tick infection model for propagating T. orientalis in mice and for producing the sporozoite stage in tick salivary glands. Splenectomized severe combined immunodeficient mice transfused with bovine erythrocytes were infected with T. orientalis. The larval ticks of Haemaphysalis longicornis were then fed on the T. orientalis-infected mice. The piroplasm and sporozoite stages were microscopically observed in the mouse blood and nymphal salivary glands, respectively. The transcriptomics data generated from the piroplasm and sporozoite stages revealed a stage-specific expression pattern for the parasite genes. The mouse-tick infection model and the transcriptomics data it has provided will contribute to a better understanding of T. orientalis biology and will also provide much needed information for the design of effective control measures targeting oriental theileriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Hayashida
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Division of Collaboration and Education, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0020, Japan
| | - Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Thillaiampalam Sivakumar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Junya Yamagishi
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0020, Japan; Global Station for Zoonosis Control, GI-CoRE, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0020, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0020, Japan; Global Station for Zoonosis Control, GI-CoRE, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0020, Japan
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shibata S, Sivakumar T, Igarashi I, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Inokuma H, Fukumoto S, Yokoyama N. Epidemiological survey of a cervine Theileria in wild deer, questing ticks, and cattle in Hokkaido, Japan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1235-1240. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
12
|
Detection and molecular characterization of Babesia, Theileria, and Hepatozoon species in hard ticks collected from Kagoshima, the southern region in Japan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:581-587. [PMID: 28501503 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To reveal the distribution of tick-borne parasites, we established a novel nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system to detect the most common agents of tick-borne parasitic diseases, namely Babesia, Theileria, and Hepatozoon parasites. We collected host-seeking or animal-feeding ticks in Kagoshima Prefecture, the southernmost region of Kyusyu Island in southwestern Japan. Twenty of the total of 776 tick samples displayed a specific band of the appropriate size (approximately 1.4-1.6kbp) for the 18S rRNA genes in the novel nested PCR (20/776: 2.58%). These PCR products have individual sequences of Babesia spp. (from 8 ticks), Theileria spp. (from 9 ticks: one tick sample including at least two Theileria spp. sequences), and Hepatozoon spp. (from 3 ticks). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that these sequences were close to those of undescribed Babesia spp. detected in feral raccoons in Japan (5 sequences; 3 sequences being identical), Babesia gibsoni-like parasites detected in pigs in China (3 sequences; all sequences being identical), Theileria spp. detected in sika deer in Japan and China (10 sequences; 2 sequences being identical), Hepatozoon canis (one sequence), and Hepatozoon spp. detected in Japanese martens in Japan (two sequences). In summary, we showed that various tick-borne parasites exist in Kagoshima, the southern region in Japan by using the novel nested PCR system. These including undescribed species such as Babesia gibsoni-like parasites previously detected in pigs in China. Importantly, our results revealed new combinations of ticks and protozoan parasites in southern Japan. The results of this study will aid in the recognition of potential parasitic animal diseases caused by tick-borne parasites.
Collapse
|
13
|
Inadequate Differentiation of Theileria orientalis Genotypes buffeli and ikeda in a Multiplexed Tandem PCR (MT-PCR) Assay Using the p23 Gene as a Marker. J Clin Microbiol 2016; 55:641-644. [PMID: 27927924 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02017-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
14
|
Gebrekidan H, Abbas T, Wajid M, Ali A, Gasser RB, Jabbar A. Molecular characterisation of Theileria orientalis in imported and native bovines from Pakistan. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 47:19-25. [PMID: 27838527 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiological aspects of Theileria orientalis in Pakistan are unknown; therefore, investigations using sensitive and precise molecular techniques are required. This study reports the first molecular characterisation of T. orientalis detected from imported (Bos taurus) and native cattle (Bos indicus×Bos taurus) and buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) selected from four districts of Punjab, Pakistan. DNA samples from blood (n=246) were extracted and tested using conventional PCR utilising the major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene and multiplexed tandem PCR (MT-PCR). Theileria orientalis DNA was detected (15%; 22/147) only in imported cattle by conventional PCR, whereas 24.5% (36/147), 6% (3/50) and 6.1% (3/49) of the imported cattle and native Pakistani cattle and buffaloes, respectively were test-positive for T. orientalis using MT-PCR. Using MT-PCR, the prevalence of T. orientalis was significantly higher (P<0.0001) in imported cattle compared to that of detected in native Pakistani bovines. The prevalence of T. orientalis and DNA copies of chitose and ikeda were significantly higher (P<0.05) in imported cattle than those detected in native Pakistani bovines. DNA sequencing of amplicons of the conventional PCR revealed the presence of buffeli, chitose and ikeda genotypes of T. orientalis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the MPSP sequences of buffeli, chitose and ikeda from imported cattle were closely related to those sequences reported previously from Australia and other regions. This study provides the first survey of T. orientalis infection in imported and native bovines in Pakistan, and highlights the need for future studies to understand the spread of transboundary animal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hagos Gebrekidan
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Tariq Abbas
- University College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Wajid
- Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Aamir Ali
- Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Genetic characterization of Theileria orientalis from cattle in the Republic of Korea. Parasitol Res 2016; 116:449-454. [PMID: 27817011 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5316-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Theileria orientalis is the causative agent of benign theileriosis, which is distributed mainly in Asian countries, and causes serious economic losses in the livestock industry. The present study was performed to investigate the epidemiology of T. orientalis infections in cattle in the Republic of Korea (ROK) and to characterize the genetic diversity of T. orientalis based on the major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) genes. In 2015, between July and August, blood samples were collected from 138 asymptomatic cattle in four different geographical regions (Hoengseong, Jeongeup, Namwon, and Jeju island) in the ROK. In total, 57 blood samples (41.3 %, 57/138) were positive for T. orientalis based on PCR amplification of the MPSP gene. A high prevalence of T. orientalis infection was observed in Jeju island, whereas the infection rate was relatively low in Jeongeup. Phylogenetic analysis showed that isolates identified in this study belonged to four MPSP genotypes, specifically types 1, 2, 3, and 7. The distribution of the four genotypes varied considerably among the four regions; types 1, 2, and 3 were detected in Jeju island, whereas types 1 and 7 were found in Namwon, types 1 and 2 in Jeongeup, and type 2 in Hoengseong. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the identification of type 7 T. orientalis in cattle in the ROK. These results suggest that the MPSP genotypes detected in this study showed genetic diversity related to geographical location. Our findings revealed that the T. orientalis infection rate was relatively high, indicating that T. orientalis infection is closely associated with grazing. Of the four MPSP genotypes, the prevalence of the most pathogenic type 2 was relatively high in the ROK. Therefore, further studies should focus on the development of an effective monitoring and prevention program for T. orientalis.
Collapse
|
16
|
Masatani T, Yoshihara S, Matsubara A, Gotoh T, Takahashi H, Tanaka T, Andoh M, Endo Y, Matsuo T. Dynamics of Theileria orientalis genotype population in cattle in a year-round grazing system. Acta Parasitol 2016; 61:419-24. [PMID: 27078669 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2016-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Theirelia orientalis is a tick-borne haemoprotozoan parasite, and infection with this parasite is one of the most important diseases for grazing cattle. Co-infection of cattle with different genotypes of T. orientalis often occurs. In this study, we investigated the temporal dynamics of genotypes in cattle in a year-round grazing system in Japan. Genotype-specific PCR assays to determine major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) genotypes (types 1 to 5) of T. orientalis were performed by using time-course blood samples collected from grazing cattle and ticks in a pasture. All 20 cattle investigated in this study were infected with T. orientalis. By using genotype-specific PCR, we detected the combination of genotypes of T. orientalis (types 1 to 5) from each cattle. These multiple genotypes of T. orientalis were also confirmed in ticks. Notably, each genotype of T. orientalis in cattle was temporally detected from cattle and more variable genotypes were found in summer. The observed temporal dynamics of the MPSP genotypes of T. orientalis in cattle could be explained by host immunity against the parasites or genetic recombination of parasite in ticks.
Collapse
|
17
|
Liyanagunawardena N, Sivakumar T, Kothalawala H, Silva SSP, Battsetseg B, Lan DTB, Inoue N, Igarashi I, Yokoyama N. Type-specific PCR assays for Babesia bovis msa-1 genotypes in Asia: Revisiting the genetic diversity in Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and Vietnam. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 37:64-9. [PMID: 26520797 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Babesia bovis is the most virulent Babesia organism, resulting in a high mortality rate in cattle. The genetic diversity of B. bovis merozoite surface antigens (MSAs), such as MSA-1, MSA-2b, and MSA-2c, might be linked to altered immune profiles in the host animals. The present study aimed to develop type-specific PCR assays for Asian msa-1 genotypes, thereby re-analyzing the genetic diversity of msa-1 in Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and Vietnam. Specific primers were designed for nine Asian msa-1 genotypes, which had been detected based on the phylogeny constructed using msa-1 gene sequences retrieved from the GenBank database. Specificity of the type-specific PCR assays was confirmed using plasmids containing the inserts of msa-1 gene fragments that represent Asian genotypes. Furthermore, no amplicons were observed by these PCR assays when DNA samples of Babesia bigemina, Babesia ovata, Theileria annulata, Theileria orientalis, Trypanosoma evansi, Trypanosoma theileri, Anaplasma marginale, and Anaplasma bovis, and non-infected bovine blood were analyzed. In total, 109 B. bovis-positive blood DNA samples sourced from Sri Lanka (44 cattle), Mongolia (26 cattle), and Vietnam (23 cattle and 16 water buffaloes) were then screened by the type-specific PCR assays. The sequences derived from all of the PCR amplicons were phylogenetically analyzed. Out of 109 DNA samples, 23 (20 from cattle and 3 from water buffaloes) were positive for at least one genotype. In agreement with previous studies, five and four different genotypes were detected among the DNA samples from Sri Lanka and Vietnam, respectively. In contrast, four genotypes, including three novel genotypes, were detected from Mongolia. Five DNA samples were found to be co-infected with multiple genotypes. The sequences of the PCR amplicons clustered phylogenetically within the corresponding clades. These findings indicated that the type-specific PCR assays described herein are useful for the determination of genotypic diversity of the B. bovis msa-1 gene in Asia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilukshi Liyanagunawardena
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan; Veterinary Research Institute, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Thillaiampalam Sivakumar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan; Veterinary Research Institute, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | | | | | - Badgar Battsetseg
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | | | - Noboru Inoue
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Ikuo Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jirapattharasate C, Adjou Moumouni PF, Cao S, Iguchi A, Liu M, Wang G, Zhou M, Vudriko P, Changbunjong T, Sungpradit S, Ratanakorn P, Moonarmart W, Sedwisai P, Weluwanarak T, Wongsawang W, Suzuki H, Xuan X. Molecular epidemiology of bovine Babesia spp. and Theileria orientalis parasites in beef cattle from northern and northeastern Thailand. Parasitol Int 2015; 65:62-69. [PMID: 26475202 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Beef cattle production represents the largest cattle population in Thailand. Their productivity is constrained by tick-borne diseases such as babesiosis and theileriosis. In this study, we determined the prevalence of Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis and Theileria orientalis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genetic markers that were used for detection of the above parasites were sequenced to determine identities and similarity for Babesia spp. and genetic diversity of T. orientalis. Furthermore the risk factors for the occurrence of the above protozoan parasites in beef cattle from northern and northeastern parts of Thailand were assessed. A total of 329 blood samples were collected from beef cattle in 6 provinces. The study revealed that T. orientalis was the most prevalent (30.1%) parasite in beef cattle followed by B. bigemina (13.1%) and B. bovis (5.5%). Overall, 78.7% of the cattle screened were infected with at least one of the above parasites. Co-infection with Babesia spp. and T. orientalis was 30.1%. B. bigemina and T. orientalis were the most prevalent (15.1%) co-infection although triple infection with the three parasites was observed in 3.0% of the samples. Sequencing analysis revealed that B. bigemina RAP1 gene and B. bovis SBP2 gene were conserved among the parasites from different cattle samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the T. orientalis MPSP gene from parasites isolated from cattle in north and northeast Thailand was classified into types 5 and 7 as reported previously. Lack of tick control program was the universal risk factor of the occurrence of Babesia spp. and T. orientalis infection in beef cattle in northern and northeastern Thailand. We therefore recommend training of farmers on appropriate tick control strategies and further research on potential vectors for T. orientalis and elucidate the effect of co-infection with Babesia spp. on the pathogenicity of T. orientalis infection on beef in northern and northeastern Thailand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charoonluk Jirapattharasate
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Paul Franck Adjou Moumouni
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Shinuo Cao
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Aiko Iguchi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Mingming Liu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Guanbo Wang
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Mo Zhou
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Patrick Vudriko
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Tanasak Changbunjong
- Department of Pre-clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Sivapong Sungpradit
- Department of Pre-clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Parntep Ratanakorn
- Department of Clinical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Walasinee Moonarmart
- Department of Clinical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Poonyapat Sedwisai
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Thekhawet Weluwanarak
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Witsanu Wongsawang
- Livestock and Wildlife Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University (Kanchanaburi Campus), Saiyok District, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
| | - Hiroshi Suzuki
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kakati P, Sarmah PC, Ray D, Bhattacharjee K, Sharma RK, Barkalita LM, Sarma DK, Baishya BC, Borah P, Stanley B. Emergence of oriental theileriosis in cattle and its transmission through Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in Assam, India. Vet World 2015; 8:1099-104. [PMID: 27047205 PMCID: PMC4774779 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1099-1104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of Theileria in blood samples of crossbred and indigenous adult cows raised under unorganized small scale farming system in a Babesia and Anaplasma endemic geographical area from Assam, India and to see its transmission through Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks. Materials and Methods: For the present study, 57 clinical cases of cattle suspected to be of hemoparasitic infections were taken into consideration. The parasites were identified based on morphology in giemsa stained blood smear followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sera samples were tested for T. annulata antibodies in plate and Dot-ELISA. PCR was also conducted in eggs of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick collected from a Theileria orientalis positive animal. Results: PCR amplified 1124, 776, and 160 bp DNA fragments of B. bigemina (64.91%), T. orientalis (21.05%) and A. marginale (14.03%), respectively. This assay further conducted in 12 T. orientalis positive blood samples with primers of Buffeli, Chitose, and Ikeda variants of T. orientalis showed 3 samples positive to Ikeda type and none for Buffeli and Chitose. Babesia bovis and Theileria annulata specific primers also did not amplify any fragment during the PCR assay of the blood samples. Further, all sera samples tested negative to T. annulata antibodies in Plate and Dot-ELISA. PCR conducted in eggs of R (B).microplus tick collected from a T. orientalis positive animal revealed presence of the parasite DNA. Gradual improvement in physical condition leading to complete recovery in 10 out of 12 T. orientalis infected clinical cases treated with buparvaquone(at 2.5mg/kg.b.wt I/M) was the feedback obtained from field veterinarians and the cattle owners. Conclusion: The present investigation represents the first report of occurrence of T. orientalis in cattle of Assam with involvement of pathogenic Ikeda strain in clinical outbreaks and its possible natural transmission by R (B). microplus through the transovarian mode.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parikshit Kakati
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Prabhat Chandra Sarmah
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Debdatta Ray
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kanta Bhattacharjee
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Rajeev Kumar Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Assam, India
| | - Luit Moni Barkalita
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Assam, India
| | - Dipak Kumar Sarma
- Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Assam, India
| | - Bhaben Chandra Baishya
- Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Assam, India
| | - Pranjal Borah
- Goat Research Station, Burnihat, Assam Agricultural University, Assam, India
| | - Bobitha Stanley
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
George N, Bhandari V, Reddy DP, Sharma P. Emergence of new genotype and diversity of Theileria orientalis parasites from bovines in India. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 36:27-34. [PMID: 26318544 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Bovine theileriosis is a serious threat to livestock worldwide. Uncertainty around species prevalence, antigenic diversity and genotypes of strains make it difficult to assess the impact of this parasite and to provide necessary treatment. We aimed to characterize genotypic diversity, phylogeny and prevalence of Theileria orientalis parasites from the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India by collecting bovine blood samples from the major districts of the two states. Bioinformatic analysis identified antigenic diversity among the prevalent parasite strains using major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene. Our study revealed a prevalence rate of 4.8% (n=41/862) of T. orientalis parasites in bovine animals and a new genotype of T. orientalis parasite which was not previously reported in India. The emergence of these new genotypes could be an explanation for the frequent outbreaks of bovine theileriosis. Further, whole genome sequencing of T. orientalis strains will help to elucidate the genetic factors relevant for transmissibility and virulence as well as vaccine and new drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neena George
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology-DBT, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - D Peddi Reddy
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology-DBT, Hyderabad, India
| | - Paresh Sharma
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology-DBT, Hyderabad, India.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gebrekidan H, Gasser RB, Perera PK, McGrath S, McGrath S, Stevenson MA, Jabbar A. Investigating the first outbreak of oriental theileriosis in cattle in South Australia using multiplexed tandem PCR (MT-PCR). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:574-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
22
|
Perera PK, Gasser RB, Jabbar A. Assessment of sequence variability in a p23 gene region within and among three genotypes of the Theileria orientalis complex from south-eastern Australia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 6:123-8. [PMID: 25468761 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oriental theileriosis is a tick-borne, protozoan disease of cattle caused by one or more genotypes of Theileria orientalis complex. In this study, we assessed sequence variability in a region of the 23kDa piroplasm membrane protein (p23) gene within and among three T. orientalis genotypes (designated buffeli, chitose and ikeda) in south-eastern Australia. Genomic DNA (n=100) was extracted from blood of infected cattle from various locations endemic for oriental theileriosis and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-coupled mutation scanning (single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP)) and targeted sequencing analysis. Eight distinct sequences represented all DNA samples, and three genotypes were found: buffeli (n=3), chitose (3) and ikeda (2). Nucleotide pairwise comparisons among these eight sequences revealed considerably higher variability among the genotypes (6.6-11.7%) than within them (0-1.9%), indicating that the p23 gene region allows the accurate identification of T. orientalis genotypes. In the future, we will combine this gene with other molecular markers to study the genetic structure of T. orientalis populations in Australasia, which will pave the way to establish a highly sensitive and specific PCR-based assay for genotypic diagnosis of infection and for assessing levels of parasitaemia in cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piyumali K Perera
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Semiquantitative multiplexed tandem PCR for detection and differentiation of four Theileria orientalis genotypes in cattle. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 53:79-87. [PMID: 25339402 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02536-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oriental theileriosis is an emerging, tick-borne disease of bovines in the Asia-Pacific region and is caused by one or more genotypes of the Theileria orientalis complex. This study aimed to establish and validate a multiplexed tandem PCR (MT-PCR) assay using three distinct markers (major piroplasm surface protein, 23-kDa piroplasm membrane protein, and the first internal transcribed spacer of nuclear DNA), for the simultaneous detection and semiquantification of four genotypes (Buffeli, Chitose, Ikeda, and type 5) of the T. orientalis complex. Analytical specificity, analytical sensitivity, and repeatability of the established MT-PCR assay were assessed in a series of experiments. Subsequently, the assay was evaluated using 200 genomic DNA samples collected from cattle from farms on which oriental theileriosis outbreaks had occurred, and 110 samples from a region where no outbreaks had been reported. The results showed the MT-PCR assay specifically and reproducibly detected the expected genotypes (i.e., genotypes Buffeli, Chitose, Ikeda, and type 5) of the T. orientalis complex, reliably differentiated them, and was able to detect as little as 1 fg of genomic DNA from each genotype. The diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of the MT-PCR were estimated at 94.0% and 98.8%, respectively. The MT-PCR assay established here is a practical and effective diagnostic tool for the four main genotypes of T. orientalis complex in Australia and should assist studies of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of oriental theileriosis in the Asia-Pacific region.
Collapse
|
24
|
Elsify A, Sivakumar T, Nayel M, Salama A, Elkhtam A, Rizk M, Mosaab O, Sultan K, Elsayed S, Igarashi I, Yokoyama N. An epidemiological survey of bovine Babesia and Theileria parasites in cattle, buffaloes, and sheep in Egypt. Parasitol Int 2014; 64:79-85. [PMID: 25305419 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cattle, buffaloes, and sheep are the main sources of meat and milk in Egypt, but their productivity is thought to be greatly reduced by hemoprotozoan parasitic diseases. In this study, we analyzed the infection rates of Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Theileria annulata, and Theileria orientalis, using parasite-specific PCR assays in blood-DNA samples sourced from cattle (n=439), buffaloes (n=50), and sheep (n=105) reared in Menoufia, Behera, Giza, and Sohag provinces of Egypt. In cattle, the positive rates of B. bovis, B. bigemina, T. annulata, and T. orientalis were 3.18%, 7.97%, 9.56%, and 0.68%, respectively. On the other hand, B. bovis and T. orientalis were the only parasites detected in buffaloes and each of these parasites was only found in two individual DNA samples (both 2%), while one (0.95%) and two (1.90%) of the sheep samples were positive for B. bovis and B. bigemina, respectively. Sequence analysis showed that the B. bovis Rhoptry Associated Protein-1 and the B. bigemina Apical Membrane Antigen-1 genes were highly conserved among the samples, with 99.3-100% and 95.3-100% sequence identity values, respectively. In contrast, the Egyptian T. annulata merozoite surface antigen-1 gene sequences were relatively diverse (87.8-100% identity values), dispersing themselves across several clades in the phylogenetic tree containing sequences from other countries. Additionally, the T. orientalis Major Piroplasm Surface Protein (MPSP) gene sequences were classified as types 1 and 2. This is the first report of T. orientalis in Egypt, and of type 2 MPSP in buffaloes. Detection of MPSP type 2, which is considered a relatively virulent genotype, suggests that T. orientalis infection may have veterinary and economic significance in Egypt. In conclusion, the present study, which analyzed multiple species of Babesia and Theileria parasites in different livestock animals, may shed an additional light on the epidemiology of hemoprotozoan parasites in Egypt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Elsify
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt
| | - Thillaiampalam Sivakumar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Mohammed Nayel
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt
| | - Akram Salama
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elkhtam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Rizk
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Omar Mosaab
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South-Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Khaled Sultan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Elsayed
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ikuo Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sivakumar T, Hayashida K, Sugimoto C, Yokoyama N. Evolution and genetic diversity of Theileria. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 27:250-63. [PMID: 25102031 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Theileria parasites infect a wide range of domestic and wild ruminants worldwide, causing diseases with varying degrees of severity. A broad classification, based on the parasite's ability to transform the leukocytes of host animals, divides Theileria into two groups, consisting of transforming and non-transforming species. The evolution of transforming Theileria has been accompanied by drastic changes in its genetic makeup, such as acquisition or expansion of gene families, which are thought to play critical roles in the transformation of host cells. Genetic variation among Theileria parasites is sometimes linked with host specificity and virulence in the parasites. Immunity against Theileria parasites primarily involves cell-mediated immune responses in the host. Immunodominance and major histocompatibility complex class I phenotype-specificity result in a host immunity that is tightly focused and strain-specific. Immune escape in Theileria is facilitated by genetic diversity in its antigenic determinants, which potentially results in a loss of T cell receptor recognition in its host. In the recent past, several reviews have focused on genetic diversity in the transforming species, Theileriaparva and Theileriaannulata. In contrast, genetic diversity in Theileriaorientalis, a benign non-transforming parasite, which occasionally causes disease outbreaks in cattle, has not been extensively examined. In this review, therefore, we provide an outline of the evolution of Theileria, which includes T. orientalis, and discuss the possible mechanisms generating genetic diversity among parasite populations. Additionally, we discuss the potential implications of a genetically diverse parasite population in the context of Theileria vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thillaiampalam Sivakumar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; Veterinary Research Institute, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bawm S, Shimizu K, Hirota JI, Tosa Y, Htun LL, Maw NN, Thein M, Kato H, Sakurai T, Katakura K. Molecular prevalence and genetic diversity of bovine Theileria orientalis in Myanmar. Parasitol Int 2014; 63:640-5. [PMID: 24786731 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Theileria orientalis is a causative agent of benign theileriosis in cattle and distributed in mainly Asian countries. In the present study, we examined the prevalence of T. orientalis infection by PCR based on the major piroplasm surface protein gene (MPSP) sequences in cattle in Myanmar, followed by phylogenetic analysis of the MPSP genes. The MPSP gene was amplified in 258 of 713 (36.2%) cattle blood DNA samples collected from five cities in different geographical regions of Myanmar. Phylogenetic analysis of MPSP sequences from 54 T. orientalis-positive DNA samples revealed the presence of six allelic genotypes, including Types 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and N-3. Types 5 and 7 were the predominant types detected. Sequences of the MPSP genes detected in Myanmar were closely related to those from Thailand, Vietnam or Mongolia. These findings suggest that movement of animals carrying T. orientalis parasites between Southeast Asian countries could be a reason for the similar genotype distribution of the parasites in Myanmar.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saw Bawm
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; Department of Pharmacology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Science, Nay Pyi Taw 05282, Myanmar
| | - Kohei Shimizu
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Hirota
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yusuke Tosa
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Lat Lat Htun
- Department of Pharmacology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Science, Nay Pyi Taw 05282, Myanmar
| | - Ni Ni Maw
- Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (Head Quarter), Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Myint Thein
- Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (Head Quarter), Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Hirotomo Kato
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sakurai
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ken Katakura
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Perera PK, Gasser RB, Firestone SM, Anderson GA, Malmo J, Davis G, Beggs DS, Jabbar A. Oriental theileriosis in dairy cows causes a significant milk production loss. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:73. [PMID: 24552213 PMCID: PMC3937217 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oriental theileriosis is a tick-borne, protozoan disease of cattle caused by members of the Theileria orientalis-complex. Recent outbreaks of this disease in eastern Australia have caused major concerns to the dairy and beef farming communities, but there are no published studies of the economic impact of this disease. On a farm in Victoria, Australia, we assessed whether oriental theileriosis has an impact on milk production and reproductive performance in dairy cows. METHODS Blood samples collected from all 662 cows on the farm were tested using an established molecular test. For individual cows, milk production and reproductive performance data were collected. A clinical assessment of individual cows was performed. Based on clinical findings and molecular test results, the following groups of cows were classified: group 1, with cardinal clinical signs of oriental theileriosis and molecular test-positive for T. orientalis; group 2, with mild or suspected signs of theileriosis and test-positive; group 3, with no clinical signs and test-positive; and group 4, with no clinical signs and test-negative. Milk production and reproductive performance data for groups 1, 2 and 3 were each compared with those for group 4 using linear and logistic regression analyses, respectively. RESULTS At 100 days of lactation, group 1 cows produced significantly less milk (288 l; P = 0.001), milk fat (16.8 kg; P < 0.001) and milk protein (12.6 kg; P < 0.001) compared with group 4. At this lactation point, group 2 also produced significantly less milk fat (13.6 kg; P = 0.002) and milk protein (8.6 kg; P = 0.005) than group 4. At 305 days of lactation, group 1 cows produced significantly less milk (624 l; P = 0.004), milk fat (42.9 kg; P < 0.001) and milk protein (26.0 kg; P < 0.001) compared with group 4 cows. Group 2 cows also produced significantly less milk fat (21.2 kg; P = 0.033) at this lactation point. No statistically significant difference in reproductive performance was found upon pairwise comparisons of groups 1-3 with group 4 cows. CONCLUSIONS The present findings demonstrate that clinical oriental theileriosis can cause significant milk production losses in dairy cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Eamens GJ, Bailey G, Gonsalves JR, Jenkins C. Distribution and temporal prevalence ofTheileria orientalismajor piroplasm surface protein types in eastern Australian cattle herds. Aust Vet J 2013; 91:332-40. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- GJ Eamens
- NSW Department of Primary Industries; Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute; Camden; New South Wales; 2570; Australia
| | - G Bailey
- NSW Department of Primary Industries; Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute; Camden; New South Wales; 2570; Australia
| | - JR Gonsalves
- NSW Department of Primary Industries; Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute; Camden; New South Wales; 2570; Australia
| | - C Jenkins
- NSW Department of Primary Industries; Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute; Camden; New South Wales; 2570; Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sivakumar T, Lan DTB, Long PT, Yoshinari T, Tattiyapong M, Guswanto A, Okubo K, Igarashi I, Inoue N, Xuan X, Yokoyama N. PCR detection and genetic diversity of bovine hemoprotozoan parasites in Vietnam. J Vet Med Sci 2013; 75:1455-62. [PMID: 23856762 PMCID: PMC3942975 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemoprotozoan infections often cause serious production losses in livestock. In the
present study, we conducted a PCR-based survey of Babesia bovis,
Babesia bigemina, Theileria annulata,
Theileria orientalis, Trypanosoma evansi and
Trypanosoma theileri, using 423 DNA samples extracted from blood
samples of cattle (n=202), water buffaloes (n=43), sheep (n=51) and goats (n=127) bred in
the Hue and Hanoi provinces of Vietnam. With the exception of T.
annulata and T. evansi, all other
parasite species (B. bovis, B.
bigemina, T. orientalis and
T. theileri) were detected in the cattle populations
with B. bovis being the most common among them.
Additionally, four water buffaloes and a single goat were infected with
B. bovis and B.
bigemina, respectively. The Hue province had more
hemoprotozoan-positive animals than those from the Hanoi region. In the phylogenetic
analyses, B. bovis-MSA-2b, B.
bigemina-AMA-1 and T. theileri-CATL
gene sequences were dispersed across four, one and three different clades in the
respective phylograms. This is the first study in which the presence of
Babesia, Theileria and Trypanosoma
parasites was simultaneously investigated by PCR in Vietnam. The findings suggest that
hemoprotozoan parasites, some of which are genetically diverse, continue to be a threat to
the livestock industry in this country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thillaiampalam Sivakumar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Epidemiological survey following oriental theileriosis outbreaks in Victoria, Australia, on selected cattle farms. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:509-21. [PMID: 23896063 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated Theileria orientalis following outbreaks of oriental theileriosis in cattle in the state of Victoria, Australia, from September 2010 to January 2012, using traditional and molecular methods of diagnosis. A questionnaire was used to collect epidemiological information from cattle farms. Blood samples (n=301), collected from individual symptomatic and asymptomatic cattle from 19 cattle farms, were examined for the presence of Theileria on stained blood smears and tested using a PCR-based approach, employing a region within the major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene as a marker. The microscopic examination of stained blood smears detected stages consistent with Theileria piroplasms in 28.1% (79/281) of the samples. PCR products were amplified from 70.8% (213/301) of the samples. Mutation scanning analysis of all amplicons displayed seven distinct profiles. Following the direct sequencing of representative amplicons, the genotypes ikeda, chitose, buffeli and type 5 were detected in 91.1%, 32.9%, 2.4% and 1.4% of 213 blood samples, respectively. The distribution of these four genotypes varied among the 19 farms; genotype ikeda was detected on all farms, whereas genotypes chitose, buffeli and type 5 were detected on 14, 3 and 2 farms, respectively. Mix infections with genotypes ikeda and chitose were common (21.6%). Survey results revealed that oriental theileriosis affected mainly beef cows of more than two years of age, prior to calving, and disease was associated with abortion and cow deaths. Future investigations should focus on developing improved tools for investigating and managing oriental theileriosis.
Collapse
|
31
|
Cao S, Zhang S, Jia L, Xue S, Yu L, Kamyingkird K, Moumouni PFA, Moussa AAEM, Zhou M, Zhang Y, Terkawi MA, Masatani T, Nishikawa Y, Xuan X. Molecular detection of Theileria species in sheep from northern China. J Vet Med Sci 2013; 75:1227-30. [PMID: 23594412 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovine theileriosis is a tick-borne disease that restricts the development of small ruminant husbandry in northern China. In this study, we report on a molecular epidemiological survey of ovine Theileria spp. in 198 blood samples taken from sheep in northern China. The DNA samples were screened by a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene of ovine Theileria spp. The prevalence of ovine Theileria spp. in Yanji, Nongan, Longjing, Toudao and Jinchang was 80%, 40%, 37%, 24% and 32%, respectively. The sequencing analyses approved the present of the T. orientalis and/or T. luwenshuni in these regions. Taken together, we have demonstrated a high incidence of Theileria spp. in northern China that calls for the need to design effective control programs for ovine theileriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinuo Cao
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Genetic diversity within Theileria orientalis parasites detected in Sri Lankan cattle. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2013; 4:235-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
33
|
Eamens GJ, Gonsalves JR, Jenkins C, Collins D, Bailey G. Theileria orientalis MPSP types in Australian cattle herds associated with outbreaks of clinical disease and their association with clinical pathology findings. Vet Parasitol 2013; 191:209-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Revised: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
34
|
Cufos N, Jabbar A, de Carvalho LM, Gasser RB. Mutation scanning-based analysis of Theileria orientalis populations in cattle following an outbreak. Electrophoresis 2012; 33:2036-40. [PMID: 22806470 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201200082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Bovine theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by one or more hemoprotozoan parasites of the genus Theileria. In the past, Theileria infection in cattle in Australia was largely asymptomatic and recognized to be associated with Theileria buffeli. However, outbreaks of theileriosis have occurred in beef and dairy cattle in subtropical climatic regions (New South Wales) of Australia. There is also one published report of a recent theileriosis outbreak in a beef farm near Seymour in the southeastern state of Victoria. In order to gain an improved insight into the genetic composition of Theileria populations following this outbreak, we undertook herein an integrated PCR-coupled mutation scanning-sequencing-phylogenetic analysis of sequence variation in part of the major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene within and among samples from cattle involved in the outbreak. Theileria DNA was detected in 89.4% of 94 cattle in the Seymour farm; the genetic analysis showed that the ikeda and chitose genotypes representing the Theileria orientalis complex were detected in 75 and 4.8% of 84 infected cattle, respectively, and that mixed populations of these two genotypes were found in 20.2% of infected cattle. Given unpublished reports of a significant increase in the number of outbreaks in Victoria, future investigations should focus sharply on elucidating the epidemiology of Theileria to subvert the economic impact on the cattle industry in this state. Although used here to explore genetic variation within the T. orientalis complex in Australia, a mutation scanning-based approach has broad applicability to other species of Theileria in other countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Cufos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yokoyama N, Sivakumar T, Ota N, Igarashi I, Nakamura Y, Yamashina H, Matsui S, Fukumoto N, Hata H, Kondo S, Oshiro M, Zakimi S, Kuroda Y, Kojima N, Matsumoto K, Inokuma H. Genetic diversity of Theileria orientalis in tick vectors detected in Hokkaido and Okinawa, Japan. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2012; 12:1669-75. [PMID: 22824416 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Revised: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the possible tick vectors that can transmit Theileria orientalis in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Questing ticks collected from three different districts, Taiki, Otofuke, and Shin-Hidaka, of Hokkaido included Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis megaspinosa, Haemaphysalis douglasi, and Ixodes ovatus, while all the ticks collected from Yonaguni island of Okinawa were identified as Haemaphysalis longicornis. When the ticks were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for T. orientalis, the parasite was commonly detected among all tick species. Genotype-specific PCR assays revealed that all tick species in Hokkaido were predominantly detected with type 2, while ticks collected from Okinawa (H. longicornis) were predominantly detected with type 1. Consistent with the genetic diversity of T. orientalis in ticks, genotyping PCR assays from cattle grazed in the same Hokkaido sampling locations identified type 2 as the most prevalent genotype. This study provides the first identification of I. persulcatus, H. megaspinosa, H. douglasi, and I. ovatus as possible tick vectors of T. orientalis, and finds that the variety of vectors apparently capable of transmitting T. orientalis is wider in Japan than expected. The authors suggest that tick control strategies should be modified in Hokkaido based on the seasonal activities of ticks identified in the present study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kang SW, Nguyen LTK, Noh JH, Reddy KE, Kweon CH, Choe SE. Phylogenetic analysis of benign Theileria species based on major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) genes from ticks of grazing cattle in Korea. Vet Parasitol 2012; 189:145-52. [PMID: 22647464 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Complete major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene sequences of benign Theileria parasites were isolated from ticks of grazing cattle in Korea. A total of 556 tick samples were collected in five provinces: Chungbuk, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, Gyeongbuk, and Jeju during 2010-2011. Fifteen samples from Chungbuk and Jeonnam were positive for the Theileria MPSP gene by PCR amplification using a specific primer set. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with the amplified gene sequences and 26 additional sequences published in GenBank. The benign Theileria parasites were classified into eight types, those isolated from Korean cattle ticks belonged to Types 1 (Ikeda), 2 (Chitose), 4, and 8. Types 2 and 4 were the most common types, with the rate of 40%, followed by Types 1 and 8 (with the rate of 13% and 7%, respectively). Nucleotide sequence identities of 23 theilerial MPSP sequences (15 MPSP gene sequences amplified and 8 sequences published) ranged from 67.3 to 99.8%. Multiple alignments of the deduced amino acid sequences also showed that each type was characterized by specific amino acids: 7 for Type 1, 9 for Type 2, 4 for Type 4, and 3 for Type 8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Won Kang
- Parasitology and Insect Disease Research Laboratory, Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and Inspection Agency, 480 Anyang 6 dong, Anyang City 420-480, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
PCR detection of Babesia ovata from cattle reared in Japan and clinical significance of coinfection with Theileria orientalis. J Clin Microbiol 2012; 50:2111-3. [PMID: 22442312 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00220-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe here the clinical significance of coinfection with Theileria orientalis and Babesia ovata in cattle. Anemia status in a herd of dairy cattle in Japan was investigated in relation to infection with these parasites. Our findings indicate that while B. ovata infection might not be the primary cause of anemia in the cattle, it may contribute to the clinical development of anemia in animals coinfected with both B. ovata and T. orientalis.
Collapse
|
38
|
Aparna M, Ravindran R, Vimalkumar MB, Lakshmanan B, Rameshkumar P, Kumar KGA, Promod K, Ajithkumar S, Ravishankar C, Devada K, Subramanian H, George AJ, Ghosh S. Molecular characterization of Theileria orientalis causing fatal infection in crossbred adult bovines of South India. Parasitol Int 2011; 60:524-9. [PMID: 21871972 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Revised: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The disease condition attributed to have been caused by Theileria orientalis is generally benign. However, it is also thought that the parasite, at least some strains of it, can cause fatal disease. The present communication deals with the clinical signs, postmortem lesions and diagnosis of a fatal disease due to T. orientalis which caused mortality in crossbred adult bovines of South India. High body temperature, lacrimation, nasal discharge, swollen lymph nodes and haemoglobinuria were the symptoms observed. The postmortem lesions observed were punched out ulcers in abomasum, enlargement of spleen, massive pulmonary oedema, frothy exudates in trachea, epicardial and endocardial haemorrhage and haemorrhagic duodenitis. Peripheral blood smear examination revealed rod shaped Theileria sp. organisms. Polymerase chain reaction that amplify the T. orientalis specific P(32/33) gene, followed by cloning and sequencing, revealed maximum homology with Narathiwat (Thailand) and Jingole -1 (Indonesia) isolates which were positioned as isolate type 7 of T. orientalis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Aparna
- College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Altangerel K, Sivakumar T, Inpankaew T, Jittapalapong S, Terkawi MA, Ueno A, Xuan X, Igarashi I, Yokoyama N. Molecular prevalence of different genotypes of Theileria orientalis detected from cattle and water buffaloes in Thailand. J Parasitol 2011; 97:1075-9. [PMID: 21671722 DOI: 10.1645/ge-2846.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report on an epidemiological study regarding the molecular prevalence of different genotypes of Theileria orientalis present among domestic cattle and water buffalo populations bred in Thailand. A phylogenetic analysis based on the parasitic gene encoding a major piroplasm surface protein revealed the presence of 5 genotypes (Types 1, 3, 5, 7, and N-3) in cattle and 7 genotypes (Types 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, N-2, and N-3) in water buffaloes. Types 4, 7, and N-3 of T. orientalis were reported for the first time in water buffaloes. The previously reported C and Thai types from Thailand clustered as types 7 and 6, respectively, in the present analysis. Great similarities were observed among nucleotide sequences of isolates of the same genotype from cattle and water buffaloes, and, therefore, water buffaloes were considered to serve as a reservoir for these genotypes of T. orientalis in Thailand. In conclusion, T. orientalis parasites circulating in Thailand are more diverse in their genetic characters than previously anticipated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khukhuu Altangerel
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Altangerel K, Battsetseg B, Battur B, Sivakumar T, Batmagnai E, Javkhlan G, Tuvshintulga B, Igarashi I, Matsumoto K, Inokuma H, Yokoyama N. The first survey of Theileria orientalis infection in Mongolian cattle. Vet Parasitol 2011; 182:343-8. [PMID: 21684083 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we have surveyed the presence of a bovine Theileria protozoan, Theileria orientalis, in Mongolian cattle and engorging tick populations from selected provinces and districts in Mongolia. The percentages of infection in the cattle and ticks ranged from 8.8 to 66.6 and from 3.7 to 73.3, respectively, on a per district basis. The genetic diversity of T. orientalis isolates was also studied, based on the protozoan gene encoding a major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP). At least five genotypes (types 1, 3, 5, 7, and N-3) of T. orientalis were found to be circulating among the Mongolian cattle and tick populations. In particular, types 3 and N-3 were common in most of the districts examined, while a strong geographical relationship among the genotypes was not detected in the present study. This is the first epidemiological report describing the presence of T. orientalis infection in Mongolian cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khukhuu Altangerel
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|