Clinico-haematobiochemical and cardiac alterations in Trypanosoma evansi infected buffaloes of Andhra Pradesh, India

The present research aimed to document the incidence, clinical signs, haematological, and serum biochemical alterations, as well as electrocardiography and echocardiography findings in 62 buffaloes (selected from a total of 240) infected with Trypanosoma evansi. The study spanned one year, from January 2022 to December 2022. Morphological identification of Trypanosoma evansi was done by the presence of a centrally positioned nucleus with a small sub-terminal kinetoplast at the posterior position through microscopic examination of Giemsa stained peripheral blood smears. The incidence of trypanosomosis were determined to be 26% (62/240) using stained blood smear examination and 41% (98/240) through polymerase chain reaction assay. Clinical signs exhibited by buffaloes with trypanosomosis included the lack of rumination (94%; 58/62), anorexia (90%; 56/62), emaciation (87%; 54/62), loss of milk yield (84%; 52/62), ocular discharges (82%; 51/62), depressed demeanour (81%; 50/62), sunken eye balls (61%; 38/62), fever (60%; 37/62), scleral congestion (56%; 35/62) and intermittent fever (42%; 26/62). Cardiovascular clinical findings in affected buffaloes included tachycardia (44%; 27/62), cardiac arrhythmia (24%; 15/62), cardiac murmurs (19%; 12/62) and muffled heart sounds (18%; 11/62). In the present study, buffaloes with trypanosomosis exhibited significant reduction in haemoglobin (p = 0.008), packed cell volume (p = 0.004), total erythrocyte count (p = 0.003), mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.042), total leucocyte count (p = 0.048) and absolute neutrophil count (p = 0.012); a significant increase in absolute eosinophil count (p = 0.011) and absolute monocyte count (p = 0.008) compared to the apparently healthy buffaloes. Additionally significant decrease in albumin (p = 0.001), A/G ratio (p = 0.007), calcium (p = 0.008), glucose (p = 0.007), phosphorous (p = 0.048), sodium (p = 0.008), potassium (p = 0.041) and chloride (p = 0.046) were observed in buffaloes with trypanosomosis compared to healthy ones. Buffaloes with trypanosomosis also showed significant increase in globulin (p = 0.004), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.008), bilirubin (p = 0.034), blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.071), creatinine (p = 0.029), cholesterol (p = 0.046), lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.009), gamma-glutamyl transferase (p = 0.004) and creatine kinase-myoglobin binding levels (p = 0.005). Electrocardiography explorations in buffaloes with trypanosomosis revealed sinus tachycardia, low voltage QRS complex, ST segment elevation, wide QRS complex, sinus arrhythmia, sinus bradycardia, wandering pace maker, first degree atrio ventricular block, biphasic T wave and tall T wave. Echocardiography examination unveiled cardiac chamber dilatation, ventricular wall thickening and indications of pericarditis/cardiac tamponade. Necropsy was carried on the dead buffaloes during the study period disclosed severely congested blood vessels on epicardial surface, endocardial haemorrhages, and presence of pericardial fluid. Histopathological examination of the heart revealed hyaline degeneration, haemorrhages in the cardiac muscles and varying degrees of degenerative changes. Additionally, the pericardium displayed increased thickness due to presence of more elastic fibres, fibroblast cells in the myocardium, discontinuity of muscle layers, vascular congestion, perivascular mono nuclear cell infiltration and augmented thickness of the endocardium with fibroblast cell proliferation. The study's conclusion highlights cardiac alterations as secondary complications in buffaloes infected with Trypanosoma evansi. Further investigations are recommended to elucidate therapeutic modifications and refine the treatment paradigm.

Seasonal survey, risk factor's analysis and genotyping of Theileria annulata infecting cattle in Punjab province, Pakistan

Theileriosis is one of the most frequently reported tick borne diseases in tropical and subtropical regions and leads to annual economic losses, such as the reduced dairy products and increased casualties. Tropical theileriosis is caused by Theileria annulata and the present study was designed to improve our knowledge of Theileria annulata infection in Pakistani cattle. In order to assess the prevalence of Theileria annulata on cattle from Multan district in the Punjab province (Pakistan) according to seasons and other risk factors, a total of 1020 blood samples (340 samples each from cross, Holstein Frisian and Sahiwal breed) were collected between 2020 and 2022. Based on Tams-1 partial sequence amplification, the overall T. annulata prevalence was estimated at 11.3% (115/1020). The highest prevalence was observed in autumn season (14.1%), followed by winter (12.9%), summer (11.4%) and spring (6.7%) season. Sahiwal cattle were most susceptible to T. annulata infection (13.2%) followed by Crossbred (11.8%) and Holstein Frisian (8.8%). Epidemiological factor analysis revealed that female cattle, cattle rose with other dairy animals at farm, tick infested cattle, and cattle raised with dogs infested with ticks were associated with the prevalence of T. annulata. White blood cells, lymphocyte (%), Monocyte (%) hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and platelet count were significantly affected blood parameters in T. annulata positive cattle of all three breeds. Representative partial Tams-1 sequences of four Pakistani T. annulata isolates revealed a single genotype genetically close to those infecting cattle from neighboring countries like Iran, Turkey and Egypt. Longitudinal survey and phylogenetic positioning of T. annulata is recommended for epidemiological correlation, diagnosis and treatment of theileriosis in such an agricultural region of Pakistan.

Bovine babesiosis in India: Estimation of prevalence by systematic review and meta analysis

Bovine babesiosis is a serious threat to the livestock sector especially in tropical countries like India. Understanding the epidemiology of the disease in the country is essentially important in strategizing the available methods to effectively control the disease. Keeping this as the background, the present study was undertaken to estimate the pooled prevalence of bovine babesiosis in India. The relevant literature pertaining to bovine babesiosis was identified and a total of 49 studies published between 1983 and 2018 were included in the final systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted using meta-package of R software and prevalence estimates were calculated. Bovine babesiosis was reported from 21 states of India with pooled prevalence estimate of 6% (95% CI = 4%-9%) using random effect model. Zone wise analysis revealed highest pooled prevalence in the west zone and north zone (8%) followed by east zone (7%), central zone (6%), south zone (4%) and northeast zone (4%). The results of meta-analysis indicated high variability between studies. In addition, the pooled seroprevalence was high (29%) compared to prevalence of active infection (5%) of bovine babesiosis in India. Further, the pooled prevalence estimate of B. bigemina infection in India was more (7%) compared to B. bovis infection (1%). The estimation of prevalence of active infection and seroprevalence separately will helps to understand the actual disease prevalence in the country. The study indicated the wide prevalence of bovine babesiosis in India which urges for immediate mitigation strategies.

Comparative epidemiology and pathophysiology of patent and latent babesiosis caused by Babesia bigemina in buffaloes and cattle from different agroclimatic zones of Punjab State, India

To conduct comparative epidemiology of parasitologically positive (patent) and polymerase chain reaction positive (latent) cases of bovine babesiosis in Bet Region (low-lying areas adjoining Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Ghaggar rivers of Punjab) of diverse agroclimatic zones of Punjab state in relation to haematobiochemical parameters as patho-physiological markers, blood samples from 783 dairy animals (487 buffaloes and 296 cattle) were analysed parasitologically by Giemsa-stained blood smears (GSBS) and by molecular-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting SpeI-AvaI restriction fragment of Babesia bigemina. We ruled out the endemicity of the disease with 2.17% patent and 3.96% latent cases of B. bigemina with significantly higher prevalence (P < 0.01) in cattle than buffaloes. The spatial distribution for a guideline to local veterinary practitioners and policy-makers indicated highest number of patent and latent cases in western zone and undulating plain zone, respectively. District wise highest prevalence of patent as well as latent infection observed in SBS Nagar of undulating plain zone showed substantial agreement (Kappa value: 0.70) between the two techniques. Haematology revealed marked microcytic hyperchromic anaemia in patent animals of group I (GSBS positive; n = 17) and latent animals of group II (PCR positive; n = 14) as compared to disease-free controls (group III; n = 10). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in group I in comparison to group II and group III indicated comparative pathogenic effect of babesiosis in patent cases. Though patent cases showed higher pathogenicity of babesiosis, diagnosis of latent infection is significant as it may act as source of infection for spread to other highly prone bovines.

Molecular epidemiology of Theileria annulata infection of cattle in Layyah District, Pakistan

Theileria annulata is the cause of tropical theileriosis in cattle in Pakistan, where it has a significant impact on the cattle industry. Here we report the molecular detection and seasonal prevalence and blood parameters of T. annulata infection in crossbred, Holstein Frisian and Sahiwal breed in Layyah District in the Punjab. In total, 844 blood samples (cross = 244, Holstein Frisian = 300, Sahiwal breed = 300) collected in 2017 and 2018 were tested. Blood smear screening revealed 125/844 (15%) of cattle positive for Theileria species. PCR amplification of cytochrome b gene indicated an overall T. annulata prevalence of 21% (174/844). The highest prevalence was observed in autumn season (53%), followed by winter (20%), summer (14%) and spring (3%). Crossbred cattle were the most susceptible to T. annulata (28%) followed by Sahiwal (19%) and Holstein Frisian. Representative partial cytochrome b gene sequences of T. annulata revealed phylogenetic similarities with sequences submitted from India, Iran, China, Turkey and Spain. Small numbers of ticks, including Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma excavatum, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Haemaphysalis punctata, were identified from cattle but none of them was found PCR positive for the presence of T. annulata. Analysis of the hematology data indicated that red blood cell, hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, lymphocyte (%), monocyte (%) and platelet count were significantly altered in T. annulata-positive cattle of all three breeds. Screening of cattle by PCR for the detection of T. annulata is recommended for diagnosis and treatment.

Retrospective study on occurrence of tick borne haemoparasitic diseases in dairy animals of eastern Haryana

Tick borne haemoparasitic diseases (THBDs) account for substantial losses in terms of decreased working capacity, growth and productivity of cattle. The occurrence of TBHDs in dairy animals of eastern Haryana was studied by screening 3,200 blood samples during the period of July 2014 to June 2019. The examination of stained blood smears from pyretic cross bred cows (2,339) and buffaloes (861) revealed significantly higher infection in cows (50.5%) than buffaloes (0.6%). Among the haemoprotozoan diseases, the occurrence of theileriosis in pyretic dairy animals was found to be high (32.6%), followed by anaplasmosis (2.4%) and babesiosis (2.0%). TBHDs were found most prevalent in summers (42.4%), followed by rainy season (38.3%) and least in winters (27.5%). Low Hb and TEC levels and increase in TLC count was noted in TBHDs affected animal as compared to healthy group. Year-wise, among haemoparasitic infection, particularly Theileriosis was higher during 2014-15 followed by decline in 2015-16 and later revealed increasing percentage of haemoparasitic infection in dairy animals every year.

A Report on Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Evaluation of Anaplasma marginale in Ticks and Blood Samples Collected from Cattle in District Layyah in Punjab (Pakistan)

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by obligate intercellular gram-negative bacteria, Anaplasma (A.) marginale. The present study reports on seasonal prevalence, epidemiology, and phylogeny of A. marginale in three cattle breeds from District Layyah, Southern Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 844 blood samples (Cross = 300, Holstein Friesian = 244, Sahiwal breed = 300) from apparently healthy cattle on seasonal basis were collected along with epidemiological data during May 2018 till April 2019. Polymerase chain reaction generated 265 base-pair amplicon specific for major surface protein-1b encoding gene of A. marginale in 8.6% (73/844) of enrolled cattle. The highest prevalence was observed during autumn (18.3%) followed by summer (9.7%) and winter season (7.1%). Holstein Friesian breed was most susceptible to A. marginale infection (13.1%) followed by Sahiwal (7.6%) and cross breed (6%). Representative amplified partial gene sequences of A. marginale were submitted to GenBank (Accession numbers MK032842 and MK032843). 37/844 (4.3%) Giemsa-stained blood smears were found positive for Anaplasma spp. Small number of ticks including Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma excavatum, Rhipicephalus microplus, Haemaphysalis punctata were identified from cattle but none of them was found PCR positive for the presence of A. marginale. Analysis of epidemiological factors revealed that female cattle and farm with water supply from pool, farms where other dairy animals and dogs were living with cattle and dogs having ticks load on them had significant association with A. marginale prevalence. It was observed that white blood cell, lymphocytes (%), monocytes (%) hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were significantly disturbed in A. marginale-positive than negative cattle.

Molecular Assessment of Anaplasma marginale in Bovine and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Tick of Endemic Tribal Belt of Coastal South Gujarat, India

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

This study described the detection, prevalence and phylogeny of Anaplasma marginale in the bovine (cattle and buffaloes) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick belonged to the tribal area of coastal South Gujarat, India, by amplifying 576 bp of major surface protein (msp) 5 gene using custom designed primers in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

The PCR detection limit was up to 20 parasites/µl of blood in sensitivity experiment, and observed 100% specificity against Trypanosoma evansi, Babesia bigemina and Theileria annulata. Prevalence rate of the A. marginale in the bovine (n = 211)) was 18.48% and 6.64% (p < 0.05) as per the PCR and Giemsa stained blood smear, respectively. Febrile animals (35%) observed significantly (p < 0.05) higher incidence rate than the non-febrile (14.62%). The amplified msp5 had single cut site for the EcoR1 enzyme, upon digestion yielded two fragments of 365 and 211 bp on 1.0% agarose gel. The current sequence (KC811329) showed 100% homology and 1064 total score with the published nucleotide sequences of msp5 of A. marginale in the NCBI-BLAST study. Monophyletic relationship was observed with high bootstrap proportion (> 76% in Neighbor-Joining/ Maximum Likelihood) between the current and published nucleotide sequences in the phylogeny. Twenty out of 39 A. marginale infected bovine recorded R. (B.) microplus on their body surface, out of which 18 had detected the infection. The rickettsia was in 55%, 65% and 25% of anterior half, posterior half and egg of tick, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The test detected A. marginale in a carrier, pre-symptomatic and symptomatic vertebrate hosts (cattle and buffalo) and different body parts of the starved R. (B.) microplus including its egg. The current genotype could be an explanation for the frequent outbreaks of bovine anaplasmosis in the targeted areas.

Prevalence of bovine tropical theileriosis in sub-Himalyan region of northern India

The prevalence of bovine tropical theileriosis (BTT) caused by Theileria annulata was studied in large ruminants of sub-Himalyan region of northern India using thin blood smear examination (TBE), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. About 11.04% blood samples were found positive for BTT. Maximum seasonal prevalence of BTT was observed in summer followed by rainy season and winter. Month-wise maximum prevalence was recorded in May and minimum in January. Laboratory examination with Giemsa staining for Koch’s blue bodies (KBB) and piroplasms revealed that 3.75% samples were positive for theileriosis. LAMP method gave the highest level of sensitivity followed by AS-PCR and TBE. Hence, it is suggested that LAMP can be a better molecular diagnostic tool for large scale epidemiological studies of bovine tropical theileriosis. Our results provide better understanding of this haemoprotozoan parasite and hence may help in devising timely control measures.

Haematological alterations and molecular detection of theileriosis in crossbred cattle

Theileriosis is a fatal haemoprotozoan disease which is a major threat to dairy and related industries. This study was undertaken to ascertain haematological changes and molecular diagnosis of Theileria annulata in crossbred cows. The infected group showed significantly lowered mean values of TEC, Hb, PCV and thrombocytes. Also the red blood cell (RBC) indices, viz. MCV, MCH, and MCHC were significantly lower indicating hypochromic microcytic anaemia. Out of 652 blood samples analysed by Giemsa stain, the overall prevalence of theileriosis was 36.3% during July 2015 to June 2017. Highest positivity of Theileriosis was noticed in summer (40.1%) followed by Spring/autumn (38.3%), rainy (34.3%) and lowest in winter (31.5%). About 48% blood samples were positive for Theileria annulata by 18SrRNA and TASP gene based PCR.

Prevalence of Anaplasma species in India and the World in dairy animals: A systematic review and meta-analysis

In the present study, the prevalence of Anaplasma species in diary animals from India and World was estimated using meta-analysis. Based on systematic review of studies on Anaplasma species from India [35] and World [66] from 1988 to 2017 and 1978-2017, respectively, using online databases and offline literatures, meta-analysis using meta package in R-Software was done. Prevalence of Anaplasma species in India and World were 11% [95% level, Confidence Interval[CI] 7-16%, Prediction Interval[PI] 1-69%] and 39% [95% level, CI 30-49%, PI 2-95%], and these were obtained using 31,117 and 46,365 samples, respectively. Period-wise analysis revealed high Anaplasma species prevalence before 2011 for India and the World than from 2011 through 2017. Zone-wise prevalence indicated high prevalence in Central zone [61%] and low in West and South zones [6%] in India, and continent-wise, it was high in South America [82%]. The studies used methods including blood smear examination, serology and nucleic acid-based techniques and revealed high prevalence in serology for India [34%] and World [46%], low prevalence by blood smear for India [7%] and World [21%], but higher sensitivity using nucleic acid-based techniques. Species-wise indicated higher prevalence in cattle [12%] than buffaloes [2%] in India. Prevalence was lower in India compared to the World and higher in South America. Overall, anaplasmosis causes low productivity in dairy animals and economic loss to dairy farmers. Hence, there is a need to control Anaplasma infections in high risk areas by adopting effective therapeutic and preventive measures so as to improve the economic benefits in dairy farming.

Seasonal prevalence of blood parasitic diseases in crossbred cattle of Mysore and its surrounding districts of Karnataka

The present study report the seasonal prevalence of blood parasitic diseases in cross bred cattle in Mysore and its surrounding districts of Karnataka such as Mandya, Chamaraj Nagar and Kodagu. The study was undertaken for a period of 2 years from August 2013 to July 2015. A total of 1655 blood samples were collected from clinically suspected cattle for blood parasitic diseases with clinical symptoms of anorexia, high fever, anaemia, salivation, enlargement of superficial lymphnodes, haemoglobinuria and sudden drop in milk yield. The blood samples were examined by giemsa's staining technique. Of the 1655 blood samples screened, 673 (40.22%) blood samples were found positive for blood parasites. Amid 673 positive samples, 609 (90.49%), 19 (2.82%) and 45 (6.68%) were found positive for Theileria annulata, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale respectively. The season wise prevalence revealed that, the highest prevalence was observed in summer months (March-June) (43.17%) followed by rainy (July-October) (39.53%) and winter season (November-February) (39.35%). Further, the month wise prevalence showed highest in August (77.64%) (Rainy month) followed by November (38.23%) and January (35.93%). During August-2013 to July 2014 and between August-2014 and July 2015, the highest was found in the month of May (85%) followed by July (70%) and April (69.81%). Theileriosis was most prevalent in summer (92.73%) followed by rainy (90.95%) and winter season (87.61%). Babesiosis was most prevalent in winter season (5.04%) followed by rainy (1.8%) and summer season (1.7%) whereas, Anaplasmosis was most prevalent in rainy season (7.23%) followed by winter (6.88%) and summer season (5.55%) during two years of study period.

Studies on alterations of clinical and hemato-biochemical parameters before and after treatment in calves naturally infected with theileriosis

Aim:

The aim was to determine hemato-biochemical alterations and to determine the better treatment of theileriosis in naturally infected calves.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 74 Holstein crossbred calves below 6 months of age, of either sex were included for present investigation in Bikaner. Based on the clinical examinations and laboratory results, 20 calves included for hemato-biochemical studies (before and after treatment) and divided into two groups (having 10 calves each).

Results:

The clinical examination of these calves revealed weakness, ticks infestations, high fever above 104°F, pronounced swelling of prescapular, prefemoral, parotid lymph nodes, loss of elasticity of skin, anemia, lacrimal discharges, pulpy cornea, tachycardia, and dyspnea. There was highly significant decrease (p<0.01) in hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume and total leukocyte count, serum glucose, total protein, globulin and albumin level and highly significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase level as compared to healthy control animals in Group I and II. The animals of Group II treated with buparvaquone along with single blood transfusion shows better recovery then animals of Group I treated with bupavaqone and hematinic.

Conclusions:

Significant changes were found in hemato-biochemical parameters in theileria affected calves before treatment as compare to healthy control calves. Significant improvement was observed in hemato-biochemical parameters in buparvaquone and single blood transfusion treated calves as compare to another group, so it is concluded that buparvaquone and single blood transfusion is better combination for treatment of theileriosis.

Flow cytometry based profiling of leukocytes: A new method for diagnosis of tropical theileriosis in crossbred cattle

Aim:

In India, dairy industries are important for the livelihood of small scale farmers and dairy owners. Tropical theileriosis, mostly affecting dairy cattle and buffaloes is a major threat to dairy and related industries. Tropical theileriosis is caused by Theileria annulata, a hemoprotozoan parasite transmitted by Ixodid ticks of Hyalomma spp. In the present study, we examined the clinical signs, hematological parameters and flow cytometric profile of whole blood in 30 theileriosis affected crossbred cattle. The aim of our study is to analyze, in comparison with clinical and hematological diagnosis, whether flow cytometry based profiling of leukocytes could be used as better, quick and alternative method for diagnosis and screening of bovine tropical theileriosis in crossbred cattle.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, we screened parasites in 30 peripheral blood samples from clinical cases of theileriosis by Giemsa’s staining technique in crossbred cattle. Hematological analysis was done to estimate hemoglobin (Hb) content, total red blood cell (RBC) count, total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count. Further, flow cytometric analysis of whole blood was carried out to study leukocytes profile in affected cattle.

Results:

Microscopic examination of stained blood films revealed the presence of piroplasms in erythrocytes and schizonts in lymphocytes. Hematological examination revealed significant (p<0.05) decrease of Hb percent (Hb %), reduced total RBC and total leukocytes, lymphocytosis, eosinopenia, and neutropenia compared to that of apparently healthy cattle. Flow cytometric profiling of leukocytes revealed the severe effect on shape, size, and granularity of leukocytes, marked decrease in granulocytes and 3-5 fold increase in lymphocytes count compared to clinically healthy cattle. Thus, in both methods, namely conventional and flow cytometric analysis, marked lymphocytosis and decrease in other blood cell counts were observed compared to clinically healthy cattle.

Conclusions:

From results, it can be concluded that though conventional staining techniques and hematology are efficient in diagnosis of theileriosis, leukocytes profiling based on flow cytometry combined with clinical examination could be a quick, novel and alternative method for diagnosis and screening of clinical tropical theileriosis in crossbred cattle. Thus, there is potential to offer a flow cytometry based diagnostic service for tropical theileriosis in crossbred cattle.

Prevalence of Haemoprotozoan infections in bovines of Shimoga region of Karnataka state

A study was conducted to record the prevalence of Haemoprotozoan infections in bovines of Shimoga region for a period of 1 year from April 2012 to March 2013. A total of 300 blood samples were examined for the presence of haemoprotozoan parasites, of which 215 from cattle and 85 from buffaloes were examined by Giemsa staining technique. Out of 300 blood samples examined, 130 (43.3 %) were found positive for Haemoprotozoan infections. Out of 215 cattle blood samples examined, 62 (28.8 %) were positive for Theileria annulata, 27 (12.5 %) were harbored Babesia bigemina, 15 (6.9 %) were found positive for Trypanosoma evansi and 06 (2.7 %) samples showed Anaplasma marginale. Among 85 buffalo samples examined, 11 (12.9 %) were showed Theileria spp, 04 (4.7 %) found positive for B. bigemina, 03 (3.5 %) were found positive for T. evansi and 02 (2.3 %) were positive for A. marginale. Among haemoprotozoan parasites, the highest prevalence was observed with T. annulata followed by B. bigemina and T. evansi infection. The lowest prevalence was observed with A. marginale infection.

Comparative in vitro toll-like receptor ligand induced cytokine profiles of Toda and Murrah buffaloes-Identification of tumour necrosis factor alpha promoter polymorphism

The objective of this study was to assess cytokine production upon activation of pattern recognition receptors responsible for sensing bacterial and viral pathogen associated molecular patterns in two genetically diverse buffalo breeds, Toda and Murrah. A very limited molecular-epidemiological analysis showed a higher prevalence of Anaplasma and Theileria in Murrah than Toda buffaloes. Toda buffalo peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) produced significantly higher levels of IFN γ and/or TNF α mRNAs in response to peptidoglycan, poly I:C, lipopolysaccharide, imiquimod and CpG. Flagellin stimulation did not result in any significant differences in the expression levels of the cytokines tested between these breeds. The levels of ligand induced IFN γ and TNF α mRNA and proteins also correlated except when induced with CpG. The proximal promoter region of TNF α across these two breeds were also sequenced to detect SNPs and promoter assay performed to determine their role in altering the transcriptional activity. Two polymorphisms were identified at -737 (T/A) and -1092 (G/T) positions in Toda buffalo TNF α promoter and promoter assay revealed higher transcription activity in Toda buffalos than in Murrah. This suggests that disease tolerance of these buffalo breeds could be due to the differences in their cytokine transcription levels in response to the respective PAMPs that may be at least in part determined by polymorphisms in the cytokine promoter regions.