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Amer MM, Galon EM, Soliman AM, Do T, Zafar I, Ma Y, Li H, Ji S, Mohanta UK, Xuan X. Molecular detection of tick-borne piroplasmids in camel blood samples collected from Cairo and Giza governorates, Egypt. Acta Trop 2024; 256:107252. [PMID: 38801911 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Piroplasmosis, a tick-borne disease affecting livestock, including camels, is caused by intracellular apicomplexan parasites belonging to the order Piroplasmida. Despite its importance, there's limited research on piroplasmosis among Egyptian camels. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating tick-borne piroplasmids in camels from Cairo and Giza Governorates. Out of 181 blood samples collected between October 2021 and March 2022 from apparently healthy one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius), PCR assays revealed a 41.4 % infection rate with various piroplasmids. Detected species included B. bovis (17.7 %), B. bigemina (12.2 %), B. caballi (8.3 %), B. naoakii (11.6 %), B. microti (1.7 %), T. equi (4.4 %), and Theileria spp. (28.7 %). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the first detection of T. equi genotype E in Egypt and identified a novel B. caballi genotype. Additionally, B. microti isolates were identified as the US-type. These findings shed lights on piroplasmosis among Egyptian camels, and provide valuable information for devising effective control strategies, especially B. microti, a pathogen with potential human health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moaz M Amer
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Biotechnology, Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki 12618, Egypt
| | - Eloiza May Galon
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Ahmed M Soliman
- Department of Biotechnology, Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki 12618, Egypt
| | - Thom Do
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Iqra Zafar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yihong Ma
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hang Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Shengwei Ji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Uday Kumar Mohanta
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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Ramadan RM, Taha NM, Auda HM, Elsamman EM, El-Bahy MM, Salem MA. Molecular and immunological studies on Theileria equi and its vector in Egypt. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 93:439-458. [PMID: 38967736 PMCID: PMC11269342 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-024-00933-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis is not fully understood regarding pathogenicity, prophylaxis, host immune response expression, and specific vectors. Accurately identifying the parasite vector is crucial for developing an effective control plan for a particular infection. This study focused on morphologically identifying two Hyalomma species (H. anatolicum and H. marginatum) and one Rhipicephalus annulatus (R. annulatus) at the species level. The identification process was followed by phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining method based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COXI) gene as a specific vector for Theileria equi (T. equi) in horses. T. equi was diagnosed morphologically and molecularly from infected blood samples and crushed tick species using conventional PCR. Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis based on the amplification of the 18 S rRNA gene was conducted. The obtained sequence data were evaluated and registered in GenBank under accession numbers OR064161, OR067911, OR187727, and OR068139, representing the three tick species and the isolated T. equi, respectively. The study demonstrated that T. equi infection leads to immune system suppression by significantly increasing the levels of oxidative stress markers (CAT, GPx, MDA, and SOD) (P ≤ 0.0001), with this elevation being directly proportional to parasitemia levels in infected blood cells. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between parasitemia levels and the expression of immune response infection genes (IFN-gamma, TGF-β1, and IL-1β cytokines) in infected horses compared to non-infected equine. Common macroscopic symptoms indicating T. equi infection in horses include intermittent fever, enlarged lymph nodes (LN), and tick infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem M Ramadan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt.
| | - Noha Madbouly Taha
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hend M Auda
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eslam M Elsamman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University (Equine Veterinarian), Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M El-Bahy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Mai A Salem
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
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Rar V, Marchenko V, Suntsova O, Epikhina T, Tikunov A, Meltsov I, Fedorets V, Igolkina Y, Kozlova I, Tikunova N. The first study of the prevalence and genetic diversity of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in horses in Russia. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:279. [PMID: 39031213 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08300-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a global worldwide infection, which can lead to the death of animals. Despite the causative agents of EP being well studied, there are no data on the distribution and genetic characteristics of EP agents in any region of Russia. In this study, blood samples from 750 horses from Novosibirsk province, Irkutsk province, and Altai region of Russian Siberia were examined for the presence of EP agents. Theileria equi and Babesia caballi were detected in all examined regions, with mean prevalence rates of 60.4% and 7.2%, respectively. The identified pathogens were genetically characterized by the 18S rRNA gene. The determined T. equi sequences were highly conserved and belonged to genotypes A and E, with genotype E being found in 88.6% of genotyped samples. In contrast to T. equi, B. caballi sequences were genetically diverse. Seven sequence variants of B. caballi were identified, and only two of them matched known sequences from the GenBank database. The determined B. caballi sequences belonged to four distinct branches within genotype A. Mixed infections with several variants of B. caballi or with T. equi and B. caballi were common. The conducted phylogenetic analysis based on all available B. caballi sequences of the 18S rRNA gene (> 900 bp) from GenBank and from this study first demonstrated the presence of five monophyletic clusters within genotype A and three clusters within genotype B. Thus, the genetic study of B. caballi from Siberia has significantly expanded the data on the genetic diversity of this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Rar
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Victor Marchenko
- Federal Altai Scientific Center for Agrobiotechnology, Barnaul, Russia
| | - Olga Suntsova
- Scientific Centre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - Tamara Epikhina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Artem Tikunov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ivan Meltsov
- Irkutsk State Agrarian University Named After A.A. Ezhevsky, Irkutsk Province, Molodezhny Settlement, Russia
| | - Valeria Fedorets
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yana Igolkina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Irina Kozlova
- Scientific Centre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - Nina Tikunova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Barradas PF, Marques J, Tavares C, Brito NV, Mesquita JR. Detection of tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus bursa ticks collected from the autochthonous Garrano breed of horses in Portugal. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 51:101033. [PMID: 38772649 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The Garrano is a semi-feral horse breed native to several mountains in the northern Iberian Peninsula. Despite being endangered, this unique breed of pony has managed to survive in the wild and continues to be selectively bred, highlighting their remarkable resilience and adaptability to harsh environments. Wildlife plays a critical role in the survival of tick vectors in their natural habitats and the transfer of tick-borne pathogens, as they can serve as reservoir hosts for many agents and amplifiers for these vectors. The semi-feral lifestyle of the Garrano horses makes them particularly vulnerable to exposure to numerous tick species throughout the year. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Theileria, and spotted fever rickettsiae in the Garrano horse ticks to obtain a knowledge of circulating agents in this host population. The collected ticks (n = 455) were identified as Rhipicephalus bursa. DNA specimens were organized in pools of 5 ticks, for molecular screening. Pools PCR results confirmed the presence of Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae (n = 12 for the ompB gene, n = 11 for the ompA gene and n = 6 for the gltA gene), Babesia bigemina (n = 1), Babesia caballi (n = 3), Theileria equi (n = 15) and Theileria haneyi (n = 1).These results confirm the circulation of an emerging rickettsial spotted fever group member, Candidatus R. barbariae, in R. bursa ticks. Our findings demonstrated that Candidatus R. barbariae co-circulates with B. bigemina and T. equi, which are vectored by R. bursa. We are reporting for the first time, the detection of T. haneyi among R. bursa ticks feeding in the Garrano horses in Portugal. Surveillance studies for tick-borne infections are essential to provide information that can facilitate the implementation of preventive and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia F Barradas
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal; 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal.
| | - João Marques
- Nanta Portugal, 2615-180 Alverca do Ribatejo, Portugal
| | - Catarina Tavares
- 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vieira Brito
- 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal; ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
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Elsawy BSM, Mahmoud MS, Suarez CE, Alzan HF. Impact of Equine and Camel Piroplasmosis in Egypt: How Much Do We Know about the Current Situation? Pathogens 2023; 12:1318. [PMID: 38003783 PMCID: PMC10675018 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Piroplasmosis is a global tick-borne disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites, which causes high morbidity and substantial economic losses in farm animals. Equine and camel piroplasmosis causes significant losses worldwide and in Egypt. The multifactorial effects and overall impact of equine and camel piroplasmosis in Egypt remain poorly characterized. However, several Babesia and Theileria spp. as well as potential tick vectors affecting these two species have been identified in the country. Equine and camel piroplasmosis has been reported by all governates in the country. Thus, in this work, we intend to provide a broad depiction of the current approaches used for diagnosis and control and the impact of piroplasmosis on the equine and camel industries in Egypt. We also identified current gaps in knowledge that might help develop future research efforts towards improved intervention and control of equine and camel piroplasmosis. It is important to develop specific diagnostic tools suitable for the early and chronic diagnosis of this disease. Altogether, the current situation warrants the development of large-scale epidemiological studies in order to obtain an accurate estimate for equine and camel piroplasmosis to secure the highly needed food resources in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassma S. M. Elsawy
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Center Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt; (B.S.M.E.); (M.S.M.)
- Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Center Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Mona S. Mahmoud
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Center Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt; (B.S.M.E.); (M.S.M.)
- Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Center Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural—Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
| | - Heba F. Alzan
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Center Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt; (B.S.M.E.); (M.S.M.)
- Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Center Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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Elghandour MMMY, Maggiolino A, Vázquez-Mendoza P, Alvarado-Ramírez ER, Cedillo-Monroy J, De Palo P, Salem AZM. Moringa oleifera as a Natural Alternative for the Control of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Equines: A Review. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12091921. [PMID: 37176979 PMCID: PMC10181162 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown a wide variety of parasites that infect horses, causing major gastrointestinal damage that can lead to death, and although the main method of control has been synthetic anthelmintics, there are parasites that have developed resistance to these drugs. For generations, plants have been used throughout the world as a cure or treatment for countless diseases and their symptoms, as is the case of Moringa oleifera, a plant native to the western region. In all its organs, mainly in leaves, M. oleifera presents a diversity of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, saponins, and vitamins, which provide antioxidant power to the plant. The compounds with the greatest antiparasitic activity are tannins and saponins, and they affect both the larvae and the oocytes of various equine gastrointestinal parasites. Therefore, M. oleifera is a promising source for the natural control of gastrointestinal parasites in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aristide Maggiolino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari A. Moro, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Paulina Vázquez-Mendoza
- Facultad Maya de Estudios Agropecuarios, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Catazajá 29980, Chiapas, Mexico
| | | | - José Cedillo-Monroy
- Temascaltepec University Center, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Temascaltepec 51300, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Pasquale De Palo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari A. Moro, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Abdelfattah Zeidan Mohamed Salem
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca 50295, Estado de México, Mexico
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Amer MM, Desouky AY, Helmy NM, Abdou AM, Sorour SS. Identifying 3 rd larval stages of common strongylid and non-strongylid nematodes (class: Nematoda) infecting Egyptian equines based on morphometric analysis. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:432. [PMID: 36503529 PMCID: PMC9743504 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03526-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongylid and non-strongylid nematodes are one of the most important parasites infecting equines. The traditional method to identify these nematodes is through coproscopy and fecal culture. Because of the scarcity of data published in Egypt discussing the morphometric features of infective 3rd larvae of these nematodes, this study aims to provide a morphometric key for L3 of common strongylid and non-strongylid nematodes infecting Egyptian equines. For this reason, we cultured fecal samples containing GINs eggs and 3rd larval stages were identified based on their morphology (i.e., shape and number of intestinal cells (IC), shape of the esophagus, and shape of the tail sheath) in addition to computing their dimensions (i.e., length of larvae with sheath, length of the esophagus, length of intestinal cells, and body breadth). We identified 3rd larval stages of four strongylid nematodes (Cyathostomum sensu lato, Strongylus vulgaris, Strongylus equinus, and Strongylus edentatus) as well as two non-strongylid nematodes (Strongyloides westeri, and Trichostrongylus axei). Statistically, our results revealed significant differences in terms of total length, body width, esophagus length, and gut length among 3rd larvae identified in the current study. The combination of both morphological and metric keys will allow the better identification of common strongylid and non-strongylid nematodes infecting equines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moaz M. Amer
- Biotechnology Department, Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki, 12618 Egypt
| | - A. Y. Desouky
- grid.411978.20000 0004 0578 3577Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 33516 Egypt
| | - Nashwa M. Helmy
- Biotechnology Department, Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki, 12618 Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Abdou
- grid.412707.70000 0004 0621 7833Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523 Egypt
| | - Sh. S. Sorour
- grid.411978.20000 0004 0578 3577Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 33516 Egypt
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Kalantari M, Sharifiyazdi H, Ghaemi M, Ghane M, Nazifi S. Theileria equi in the horses of Iran: Molecular detection, genetic diversity, and hematological findings. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100792. [PMID: 36436901 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In all equids worldwide, Theileria equi and Babesia caballi are believed to be two important erythrocytic protozoa that cause equine piroplasmosis. In addition, it was recently discovered that Theileria haneyi is another potential equine piroplasmosis (EP) agent. Ixodid ticks are the major vectors of these parasites. Equine piroplasmosis is of international importance and affects enormously the equine industry. In this study, for the first time, molecular prevalence and genetic diversity of piroplasma parasites (T. equi and B. caballi) in horses from Fars province (south of Iran) were determined. Also, hematological alterations of naturally infected horses were analyzed. PCR positive horses showed anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis with a left shift of neutrophilia, and monocytosis. PCR results revealed that, from 133 blood samples of horses, 40 samples were positive (30.07%). The occurrence of T. equi in this area (30.07%) was more than the national average prevalence of T. equi (24.11%), but B. caballi prevalence in study area (0%) was less than the average of previous studies in Iran (5.47%). Our findings revealed that the T. equi was widespread in Fars province of Iran. PCR products of 18S rDNA and EMA-1 genes of T. equi strains were sequenced successfully. All 18S rDNA sequences collected in this experiment revealed 100% similarity together. According to the phylogenetic tree constructed using the 18S rDNA gene, Iranian T. equi is clustered with strains from Cuba (KY111762, KY111761) and USA (CP001669, JX177672). So, this could be concluded that T. equi studied in this research, and those strains are initiated from a common T. equi ancestor at an unknown time ago. Also, the phylogenetic tree based on EMA-1 gene demonstrated a genetically diverse population of Iranian T. equi strains (10 different genotypes). As EMA-1 is one of the most immunogenic antigens in this parasite, such variability could be a concern about the efficacy of T. equi vaccines. Finally, more studies on equine piroplasmosis in the provinces of the southern region of Iran are recommended to create a better vision of disease in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Kalantari
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Sharifiyazdi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mehran Ghaemi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ghane
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Nazifi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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Tick-borne diseases in Egypt: A one health perspective. One Health 2022; 15:100443. [PMID: 36561707 PMCID: PMC9767813 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are important arthropod vectors that transmit pathogens to humans and animals. Owing to favourable climatic and environmental conditions, along with animal importation from neighbouring countries, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are widespread in Egyptian localities. Here, we review the current knowledge on the epidemiology of TBDs in Egypt in light of the One Health paradigm. Methods and results Five scientific databases, including "Web of Science", "Scopus", "PubMed", "Science Direct", and "Google Scholar", were searched for articles describing TBDs in Egypt. A total of 18 TBDs have been reported in humans and animals, including three protozoal diseases (babesiosis, theileriosis, and hepatozoonosis), 12 bacterial diseases (anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme borreliosis, bovine borreliosis, tick-borne relapsing fever, Mediterranean spotted fever, African tick-borne fever, lymphangitis-associated rickettsiosis, bartonellosis, tularaemia, Q fever, and aegyptianellosis), and three viral diseases (Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever, and Lumpy skin disease). Conclusions Despite the circulation of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens among livestock and tick vectors, human infections have been overlooked and are potentially limited to infer the actual communicable disease burden. Therefore, facility-based surveillance of TBDs, combined with capacity building for laboratory diagnostics in healthcare facilities, is urgently required to improve diagnosis and inform policy-making in disease prevention. Additionally, collaboration between expert researchers from various disciplines (physicians, biologists, acarologists, and veterinarians) is required to develop advanced research projects to control ticks and TBDs. Considering that domestic livestock is integral to many Egyptian households, comprehensive epidemiological studies on TBDs should assess all disease contributors, including vertebrate hosts (animals, humans, and rodents) and ticks in the same ecological region, for better assessment of disease burden. Additionally, upscaling of border inspections of imported animals is required to stop crossover movements of ticks and TBDs.
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Seroprevalence of Anti- Theileria equi Antibodies in Horses from Three Geographically Distinct Areas of Romania. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060669. [PMID: 35745523 PMCID: PMC9229635 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is an endemic tick-borne disease found in most countries around the world. It affects all species of Equidae, and it is caused by Theileria equi, Babesia caballi and T. haneyi. The research herein is the second study on the prevalence of piroplasms in Romania conducted in the past two decades. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Theileria equi antibodies and the geographical distribution of this disease in the southwest, west, and northwest regions of Romania in order to obtain a more thorough understanding of the parasitological status of horses in this country. This study included 522 apparently healthy, mixed-breed horses from three different counties. The serum samples were analysed using the cELISA Theileria equi Antibody Test Kit. The overall seroprevalence rate was 12.84%. From the total number of positive horses, 13.96% were females and 11.21% were males. Based on the distribution of positive cases into age groups, the following values were obtained: 0−60 months: 16.26%, 60−180 months: 10.03%, and >180 months: 15.83%. There was no statistically significant difference between samples, based on age or gender. The positivity percentage in the localities included in the study ranged from 8.33 to 100%. In the population under study, the seroprevalence rate was high, indicating a possible exposure risk in this area of Romania, which could have severe effects on equids in the case of clinical manifestations of the disease. EP represents a serious threat for equine health in Romania; therefore, close and continuous monitoring of the situation is required.
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Lv K, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Liu Z, Deng L. Development of Nested PCR and Duplex Real-Time Fluorescence Quantitative PCR Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:873190. [PMID: 35664851 PMCID: PMC9158504 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.873190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a type of blood protozoan disease caused by tick-borne parasites, Theileria equi (T. equi), Babesia caballi (B. caballi) and Theileria haneyi. While many studies have been conducted on EP diagnosis, diagnostic methods exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity remain lacking. Therefore, nested PCR (nPCR) and duplex real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) that can simultaneously detect both T. equi and B. caballi causing agents were established and compared. The two techniques were used to analyze 36 horse blood samples for EP. This set of samples was also detected by a multinested PCR (mnPCR) targeting the EMA-1 gene of T. equi and the RAP-1 gene of B. caballi. By nPCR, duplex real-time fluorescence qPCR and mnPCR, infections with B. caballi were detected in 16.67% (6/36), 2.78% (1/36), 19.44% (7/36) of the horses, respectively. The T. equi prevalence was 58.33% (21/36) by the nPCR, 33.33% (12/36) by the duplex real-time fluorescence qPCR and 2.78% (1/36) by the mnPCR. The overall prevalence of infection with mixed parasites by nPCR was 5.56% (2/36), by duplex real-time fluorescence qPCR was 2.78% (1/36) and by mnPCR 0% (0/36). Results suggest that nPCR can detect T. equi and B. caballi positive samples with good specificity and sensitivity, although distinguishing between the two parasites requires an electrophoresis with 4% agarose gels. The duplex real-time fluorescence qPCR can readily distinguish between T. equi and B. caballi infection, but with low sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunying Lv
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yixin Yang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Liang Deng
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China,*Correspondence: Liang Deng
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Abdullah HHAM, Aboelsoued D, Farag TK, Abdel-Shafy S, Abdel Megeed KN, Parola P, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Molecular characterization of some equine vector-borne diseases and associated arthropods in Egypt. Acta Trop 2022; 227:106274. [PMID: 34954258 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Equine vector-borne diseases (EVBDs) are emerging and re-emerging diseases, and most of them are zoonotic. This study aimed to investigate EVBDs in equines and associated arthropods (ticks and flies) from Egypt using molecular analyses, in addition to a preliminary characterization of associated ticks and flies by the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and molecular techniques. In this study, 335 blood samples were obtained from equines that appeared to be in good health (320 horses and 15 donkeys) in Cairo and Beni Suef provinces, Egypt. From the same animals, 166 arthropods (105 sucking flies and 61 ticks) were collected. Ticks and flies were preliminary characterized by the MALDI-TOF and molecular tools. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and standard PCR coupled with sequencing were performed on the DNA of equines, ticks, and flies to screen multiple pathogens. The MALDI-TOF and molecular characterization of arthropods revealed that louse fly (Hippobosca equina) and cattle tick (Rhipicephalus annulatus) infesting equines. Anaplasma platys-like (1.6%), Anaplasma marginale (1.6%), Candidatus Ehrlichia rustica (6.6%), a new Ehrlichia sp. (4.9%), and Borrelia theileri (3.3%) were identified in R. annulatus. Anaplasma sp. and Borrelia sp. DNAs were only detected in H. equina by qPCR. A. marginale, Anaplasma ovis, and Theileria ovis recorded the same low infection rate (0.6%) in donkeys, while horses were found to be infected with Theileria equi and a new Theileria sp. Africa with recorded prevalence rates of 1.2% and 2.7%, respectively. In conclusion, different pathogens were first detected such as A. platys-like, Candidatus E. rustica, and a new Ehrlichia sp. in R. annulatus; A. marginale, A. ovis, and T. ovis in donkeys; and a new Theileria sp. "Africa" in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend H A M Abdullah
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| | - Dina Aboelsoued
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tarek K Farag
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sobhy Abdel-Shafy
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Kadria N Abdel Megeed
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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