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Ata EB, Abdel-Aziz TH, Abdel-Ghany HSM, Elsawy BSM, Abdullah HHAM, Abouelsoued D, Ashry HM, Hassan MR, Shapaan RM, Nasr SM, Mahmoud MS, Abdel Megeed KN, Abdel-Shafy S. Molecular and serological diagnosis of the circulating Trypanosoma evansi in Egyptian livestock with risk factors assessment. Microb Pathog 2024; 197:107073. [PMID: 39454805 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.107073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 10/19/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize and determine the prevalence and the associated risk factors of trypanosomiasis in different Egyptian livestock from various governorates using molecular and serological techniques, adding to an assessment of some biochemical alterations in serum samples. A total 1019 blood samples were collected from nine governorates in the period from January 2020 to September 2021 from cattle (n = 752), buffaloes (n = 42), sheep (n = 65), goats (n = 60), donkeys (n = 54), and horses (n = 46). Molecular investigation followed by sequencing confirmed the presence of only Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) infection with a prevalence rate of 3.73 % (38/1019). Serologically, T. evansi was detected by indirect ELISA in 11 samples out of 519 negative PCR ones, with an overall prevalence 2.1 %. Furthermore, statistical difference was found between investigated governorates in both molecular and seroprevalence. Surprisingly, the risk of T. evansi infection was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in winter (9.83 %) than in autumn (1.4 %), while no infection was recorded in the spring and summer seasons. No significant difference regarding animal hosts, age, and sex as risk factors was recorded. Serum biochemical analysis showed a non-significant decrease of total proteins, albumin, A/G ratio, and HDL-cholesterol in cattle, equine, and goats with a non-significant increase in total globulins level. In sheep, a significant increase was determined in all tested parameters except a significant decrease in the level of albumin and A/G ratio. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first large-scale epidemiological study determining the endemicity of the neglected T. evansi infection in different animal species in multiple governorates of Egypt. It is recommended to use both molecular and serological techniques for efficient diagnosis of trypanosomiasis as a preliminary approach to control the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad B Ata
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Tamer H Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Hoda S M Abdel-Ghany
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt; Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Bassma S M Elsawy
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt; Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Hend H A M Abdullah
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Dina Abouelsoued
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Heba M Ashry
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed R Hassan
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Rafaat M Shapaan
- Department of Zoonotic Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Soad M Nasr
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Mona S Mahmoud
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt; Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Research Unit, 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.
| | - Sobhy Abdel-Shafy
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt; Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
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Shoraba M, Shoulah SA, Arnaout F, Selim A. Equine Trypanosomiasis: Molecular Detection, Hematological, and Oxidative Stress Profiling. Vet Med Int 2024; 2024:6550276. [PMID: 39184948 PMCID: PMC11343626 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6550276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Surra caused by Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) is widely distributed and has significant impact on equine sector and international trades. However, there are no available data about the genetic characterization of this parasite in horses in Egypt. So, the goal of this study was to study the molecular characterization of T. evansi in horses and determine the changes in hematological parameters and oxidative stress associated with T. evansi infection. A total of 12 horses were examined using PCR targeting RoTat 1.2 VSG gene, and we evaluated the changes in hematological and oxidative stress between infected and healthy animals. The results revealed a notable reduction in red blood cell (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the infected horses, as compared to the control healthy group. In contrast, the infected group showed a substantial increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). In addition, the infected group exhibited monocytopenia, eosinopenia, and notable lymphocytopenia. Regarding oxidative stress profile, the infected horses showed decreased levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to the control group. Moreover, the PCR assay targeting RoTat 1.2 VSG gene revealed positive specific band (205 bp) in all examined samples for T. evansi and the phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that strain of this study is closely related to T. evansi isolate in horses from India (MT501210) while showed difference from sequences of other species. The results emphasize the changes in blood composition and the body's response to oxidative stress caused by T. evansi infection in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Shoraba
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases)Faculty of Veterinary MedicineBenha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt
| | - Salma A. Shoulah
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases)Faculty of Veterinary MedicineBenha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt
| | - Faysal Arnaout
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases)Faculty of Veterinary MedicineBenha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt
| | - Abdelfattah Selim
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases)Faculty of Veterinary MedicineBenha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt
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Verma R, Punia V, Das G, Kumar S, Nath S, Swamy M. Assessment of genetic diversity of Trypanosoma evansi in the domestic animal populations through ITS-1 gene sequence analysis. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:2. [PMID: 38047956 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08024-w] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma evansi infects domestic animals, causing a debilitating and occasionally fatal disease. The disease leads to significant economic losses to farmers and poses a substantial impediment to the growth of livestock production in developing nations, including India. Considering the challenges associated with managing this infection, there is an urgent need to enhance our understanding of the molecular and genetic diversity of T. evansi. Therefore, this study was planned to analyze the genetic diversity of T. evansi using available internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) gene sequences from India and compare them with sequences from around the globe. Blood samples used in this study were collected from naturally infected animals including dogs, cattle, and buffaloes in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Using the ITS-1 gene, we amplified a 540 base pairs (bp) segment using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequenced it, and identified intra-specific variations. Phylogenetic analysis of 90 sequences, including 27 from India, revealed three distinct clusters with high bootstrap support values. A haplotype network analysis identified 34 haplotypes, with H7 being the most prevalent, indicating a complex evolutionary history involving multiple countries. The genetic analysis of the Indian population revealed distinct characteristics. Despite low nucleotide diversity, there was high haplotype diversity in comparison to other populations. Tajima's D, Fu and Li's D, and Fu and Li's F exhibited non-significant negative values, indicating potential stability. Additionally, the slightly positive values in Fu's Fs, Raggedness (r), and Ramos-Onsins and Rozas (R2) statistics suggested a lack of recent significant selective pressures or population expansions. Furthermore, the presence of genetic differentiation and gene flow among T. evansi populations highlighted ongoing evolutionary processes. These findings collectively depicted a complex genetic landscape, suggesting both stability and ongoing evolutionary dynamics within the Indian population of T. evansi. The findings of this study are important for understanding the evolutionary history and population dynamics of T. evansi, and they may help us develop effective control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Verma
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, South Civil Lines, Jabalpur, MP, 482001, India.
| | - Vikram Punia
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, South Civil Lines, Jabalpur, MP, 482001, India
| | - Giridhari Das
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, South Civil Lines, Jabalpur, MP, 482001, India
| | - Suman Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, South Civil Lines, Jabalpur, MP, 482001, India
| | - Subhradal Nath
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, South Civil Lines, Jabalpur, MP, 482001, India
| | - Madhu Swamy
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, South Civil Lines, Jabalpur, MP, 482001, India
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Verma R, Das G, Singh AP, Kumar S, Nath S, Sengupta PP, Sankar M, Tiwari A, Gupta V, Srivastava S. Molecular and genetic diversity in isolates of Trypanosoma evansi from naturally infected horse and dogs by using RoTat 1.2 VSG gene in Madhya Pradesh, India. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:7347-7356. [PMID: 37439897 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08651-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma evansi is a protozoan parasite that can infect a wide range of animals and is widespread around the world. In this study, we analyzed four fatal cases of T. evansi infection using clinical, parasitological, and molecular approaches. We also explored the genetic diversity, demographic history, and population-genetic structure of T. evansi using available Rode Trypanozoon antigenic type (RoTat) 1.2 gene sequences. METHODS AND RESULTS Clinical findings of infected animals revealed high fever, anemia, weakness, and anorexia. The animals were treated with diminazene aceturate, which was moderately effective, and hematobiochemical parameters showed changes in hemoglobin and glucose levels. The molecular and genetic diversity of T. evansi was analyzed using the RoTat 1.2 VSG gene. Phylogenetic and haplotype analysis revealed two distinct clusters of T. evansi circulating in India. The genetic diversity indices, neutrality tests, gene flow, and genetic differentiation outcomes confirmed the genetic diversity of the T. evansi population, with a lack of uniformity. The identification of two distinct clusters, exhibiting differential demographic histories and evolutionary forces, implies that the clusters may have undergone independent evolutionary trajectories or experienced different environmental pressures. CONCLUSION The present findings underlined the need of an early and precise diagnosis in order to treat and control T. evansi infections, and the RoTat 1.2 VSG gene is an important genetic marker for understanding the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of T. evansi. This knowledge can be used to create tailored strategies to control and manage the infection in an endemic region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Verma
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, 482001, MP, India.
| | - Giridhari Das
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, 482001, MP, India
| | - Ajit Pratap Singh
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, Jabalpur, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya Campus, Jabalpur, 482004, (MP), India
| | - Suman Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, 482001, MP, India
| | - Subhradal Nath
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, 482001, MP, India
| | - Pinaki Prasad Sengupta
- Parasitology Laboratory, ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology & Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bangalore, 560064, KA, India
| | - Muthu Sankar
- Division of Parasitology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, 243122, (UP), India
| | - Amita Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, 482001, MP, India
| | - Vandana Gupta
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, 482001, MP, India
| | - Shraddha Srivastava
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, 482001, MP, India
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Behour TS, Abd EL Fattah EM. Genotyping of Trypanosoma brucei evansi in Egyptian camels: detection of a different non-RoTat 1.2 Trypanosoma brucei evansi in Egyptian camels. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:279. [PMID: 37505344 PMCID: PMC10382407 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03673-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei evansi (T. b. evansi) is an enzootic organism found in Egyptian camels, which genetically classified into types A and B. To detect the parasite genotype circulating in Egyptian camels, we collected 94 blood samples from three distant districts and subjected them to different PCR assays; T. brucei repeat (TBR), internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1), and variable surface glycoproteins (VSG) (RoTat 1. 2, JN 2118Hu) and EVAB PCRs. The highest prevalence was obtained with TBR (80/91; 87.9%), followed by ITS-1 (52/91; 57.1%), VSG JN 2118Hu (42/91; 46.2%), and VSG RoTat 1. 2 (34/91; 37.4%). We reported a different non-RoTat 1. 2 T. b. evansi for the first time in Egyptian camels. Results showed that 47 (58.7%) out of 80 samples were classified as T. b. evansi. Of these, 14 (29.8%) were RoTat 1. 2 type, 13 (27.6%) were non-RoTat 1. 2 type, and 20 (42.6%) samples were from mixed infection with both types. All samples were tested negative with EVAB PCR. RoTat 1. 2 T. b. evansi was the most prevalent in Giza and El Nubariyah, whereas, in Aswan, the only type detected was non-RoTat 1. 2 T. b. evansi. The nucleotide sequences of the VSG RoTat 1.2 and JN 2118Hu PCR products were submitted to DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ) and GenBank under the accession numbers LC738852, and (OP800400-OP800403). Further research is required to increase the sample size and verify the new sequences to corroborate the prevalence of a new variant of non-RoTat 1.2 T. b. evansi in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahani Salama Behour
- Biotechnology Research Unit, Animal Reproduction Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 5 Bohooth El-Hadaek Street, Al Haram, P.O. Box 12556, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman Mohamed Abd EL Fattah
- Biotechnology Research Unit, Animal Reproduction Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 5 Bohooth El-Hadaek Street, Al Haram, P.O. Box 12556, Giza, Egypt
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Alfaleh FA, Elhaig MM. Molecular prevalence, associated risk factors and genetic characterization of Trypanosoma evansi in camels. Microb Pathog 2023; 175:105967. [PMID: 36603695 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Surra is a major infectious disease of camels being caused by Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) in developing countries, including Egypt. However, the identification of changes in the T. evansi prevalence in Egypt is important. In this study, the prevalence of T. evansi and its associated risk factors as well as the genetic characterization of the parasite were estimated. Blood samples were collected from 163 camels from two governorates in Lower Egypt. PCR targeting RoTat 1.2VSG was used for the detection of T. evansi and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) was used for sequencing analysis and genetic characterization. Overall prevalence was 19.6% using RoTat 1.2VSG. The risk of the infection in females was 4 times higher than in males (P = 0.0004, OR = 4; 95% CI = 0.79-8.96) and in camels with a history of clinical signs it was 2.3 times higher than camels without clinical signs (P = 0.04, OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.035-5.15). Analysis of the ITS-1 sequences of four T. evansi isolates showed little heterogeneity compared to similar sequences in the database. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis, based on the ITS-1 region, confirmed the presence of two distinct genotypes of T. evansi in Egyptian camels with more than 99% similarity with T. evansi isolates from different countries across the ITS-1 region and were closely related to Filipino and Chinese isolates. The results of the study can be used for the observation and prevention of disease and updating the epidemiological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faleh A Alfaleh
- Department of Biology, College of Science Zulfi, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mahmoud M Elhaig
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
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Suprihati E, Suwanti LT, Yudhana A, Kusumaningrum AI. Comparison of ITS-1 and TBR-1/2 primer sensitivity for the detection of Trypanosoma evansi local isolates in experimental rats using a polymerase chain reaction. Vet World 2022; 15:1772-1778. [PMID: 36185509 PMCID: PMC9394150 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1772-1778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Surra is caused by Trypanosoma evansi. The detection method using conventional parasitological tests has not always shown positive results in blood parasite detection, although the livestock has presented with clinical signs. Therefore, a fast and accurate diagnosis is necessary to prevent the disease predominately in field isolates. This study aimed to investigate the sensitivity of molecular detection method using two different specific primers, namely, Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS-1) and Trypanosoma brucei repeat 1/2 (TBR-1/2) against T. evansi field isolates from Banten Province, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: The isolates of T. evansi used in this study were collected from Banten Province and cultured and preserved by the National Research Center for Veterinary Science, Indonesia. Eighteen experimental rats were divided into three equal groups, which were categorized as control, 1 × 101, and 1 × 104 infective doses. The isolates were injected into all experimental albino rats intraperitoneally. All samples were tested using conventional blood smear, card agglutination test (CATT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: The results of the CATT examination in all treatments showed negative results. However, PCR results showed that two different primers, namely, ITS-1 and TBR-1/2 had been successfully detected T. evansi from infected experimental rats, proven by positive PCR band appeared in 480 base pairs (bp) and 164 bp, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the molecular diagnostic test using PCR method, TBR-1/2 primer is more sensitive to detect T. evansi compared to ITS-1 primer. The present finding provides preliminary data for studying the efficiency of different primers if practically applied as a standard diagnostic test for trypanosomiasis, especially in Indonesian livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endang Suprihati
- Department of Veterinary Science, Division of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Lucia Tri Suwanti
- Department of Veterinary Science, Division of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Aditya Yudhana
- Department of Veterinary Science, Division of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia; Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health and Life Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Andika Indra Kusumaningrum
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
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Salman D, Sivakumar T, Otgonsuren D, Mahmoud ME, Elmahallawy EK, Khalphallah A, Kounour AMEY, Bayomi SA, Igarashi M, Yokoyama N. Molecular survey of Babesia, Theileria, Trypanosoma, and Anaplasma infections in camels (Camelus dromedaries) in Egypt. Parasitol Int 2022; 90:102618. [PMID: 35777654 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) or dromedary is an economically important domestic animal. However, infectious diseases, including those caused by vector-borne hemopathogens, frequently compromise the health and production of camels. In this study, we examined infections caused by Babesia, Theileria, Trypanosoma, and Anaplasma species in camels in Egypt. We analyzed blood DNA samples from 148 camels reared in six Egyptian governorates (Giza, Asyut, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, and the Red Sea) using pathogen-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays. Our results indicated that 29 (19.6%), 22 (14.9%), 1 (0.7%), 2 (1.4%), 1 (0.7%), 2 (1.4%), and 28 (18.9%) of the surveyed animals were infected with Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, Babesia sp. Mymensingh, Theileria sp. Yokoyama, Theileria equi, Trypanosoma evansi, and Anaplasma marginale, respectively. We found that a total of 68 (45.9%) animals were infected with at least one of the detected hemopathogens. Sequencing analyses of PCR amplicons confirmed our diagnostic results. This study is the first to report Theileria sp. Yokoyama and Babesia sp. Mymensingh in Egypt. This is also the first report of infection with these two species in one-humped camel. In conclusion, this study found that camels in Egypt are infected with several vector-borne hemopathogens, including novel parasite species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Salman
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt
| | - Thillaiampalam Sivakumar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Davaajav Otgonsuren
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Motamed E Mahmoud
- Department of Animal Behavior and Husbandry (breeding, genetics and management), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt
| | - Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt
| | - Arafat Khalphallah
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M E Y Kounour
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt
| | - Sara A Bayomi
- Division of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Makoto 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; OIE Reference Laboratories for Bovine Babesiosis and Equine Piroplasmosis, National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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Prevalence and animal level risk factors associated with Trypanosoma evansi infection in dromedary camels. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8933. [PMID: 35624132 PMCID: PMC9142598 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12817-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Surra is a non-cyclic parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) and spread by biting flies. The disease has a severe impact on camel health, productivity, and market value, posing a significant threat to food safety and the economy. In a cross-sectional study, 370 blood samples were collected from camels in three Egyptian governorates. Samples were tested using parasitological (thin blood smear (TBS)), card agglutination test for T. evansi (CATT), and PCR to estimate the prevalence of T. evansi infection. Overall, the prevalence of T. evansi among examined camels was 17.3%, 18.9% and 22.7% using TBS, CATT and PCR methods, respectively. The risk of T. evansi infection in older camels (> 10 years) is higher than that in young ones (odds ratio (OR) = 9; 95% CI: 3.5–23.1), particularly during spring (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1–5.7). Furthermore, females and poor conditioned camels were 2.6 and four times more likely to get infection than males and good conditioned camels, respectively. The level of agreement between diagnostics tests were perfect kappa (> 0.83). Moreover, CATT showed higher sensitivity (0.83; 95% CI: 0.74–0.91) than TBS (0.76; 95% CI: 0.66–0.85) and both had perfect specificity (100%). In conclusion, our findings revealed a high rate of T. evansi infection in camels from the three Egyptian governorates. The CATT is a good test for routine use in control program of trypanosomiasis in camels.
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Single nucleotide polymorphisms and copy-number variations in the Trypanosoma brucei repeat (TBR) sequence can be used to enhance amplification and genotyping of Trypanozoon strains. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258711. [PMID: 34695154 PMCID: PMC8544829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Trypanosoma brucei repeat (TBR) is a tandem repeat sequence present on the Trypanozoon minichromosomes. Here, we report that the TBR sequence is not as homogenous as previously believed. BLAST analysis of the available T. brucei genomes reveals various TBR sequences of 177 bp and 176 bp in length, which can be sorted into two TBR groups based on a few key single nucleotide polymorphisms. Conventional and quantitative PCR with primers matched to consensus sequences that target either TBR group show substantial copy-number variations in the TBR repertoire within a collection of 77 Trypanozoon strains. We developed the qTBR, a novel PCR consisting of three primers and two probes, to simultaneously amplify target sequences from each of the two TBR groups into one single qPCR reaction. This dual probe setup offers increased analytical sensitivity for the molecular detection of all Trypanozoon taxa, in particular for T.b. gambiense and T. evansi, when compared to existing TBR PCRs. By combining the qTBR with 18S rDNA amplification as an internal standard, the relative copy-number of each TBR target sequence can be calculated and plotted, allowing for further classification of strains into TBR genotypes associated with East, West or Central Africa. Thus, the qTBR takes advantage of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms and copy number variations in the TBR sequences to enhance amplification and genotyping of all Trypanozoon strains, making it a promising tool for prevalence studies of African trypanosomiasis in both humans and animals.
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11
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Wei R, Li X, Wang X, Zhang N, Wang Y, Zhang X, Gong P, Li J. Trypanosoma evansi evades host innate immunity by releasing extracellular vesicles to activate TLR2-AKT signaling pathway. Virulence 2021; 12:2017-2036. [PMID: 34348595 PMCID: PMC8344757 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1959495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Surra, one of the most important animal diseases with economic consequences in Asia and South America, is caused by Trypanosoma evansi. However, the mechanism of immune evasion by T. evansi has not been extensively studied. In the present study, T. evansi extracellular vesicles (TeEVs) were characterized and the role of TeEVs in T. evansi infection were examined. The results showed that T. evansi and TeEVs could activate TLR2-AKT pathway to inhibit the secretions of IL-12p40, IL-6, and TNF-α in mouse BMDMs. TLR2−/- mice and mice with a blocked AKT pathway were more resistant to T. evansi infection than wild type (WT) mice, with a significantly lower infection rate, longer survival time and less parasite load, as well as an increased secretion level of IL-12p40 and IFN-γ. Kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 (KMP-11) of TeEVs could activate AKT pathway and inhibit the productions of IL-12p40, TNF-α, and IL-6 in vitro. TeEVs and KMP-11 could inhibit the productions of IL-12p40 and IFN-γ, promote T. evansi proliferation and shorten the survival time of infected mice in vivo. In conclusion, T. evansi could escape host immune response through inhibiting the productions of inflammatory cytokines via secreting TeEVs to activate TLR2-AKT pathway. KMP-11 in TeEVs was involved in promoting T. evansi infection. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) activate the TLR2-AKT signaling pathway to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines, thereby escaping the host’s immune response. Kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 (KMP-11) in EVs is related to the promotion of T.evansi infection via AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Wei
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education; College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education; College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaocen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education; College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education; College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuru Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education; College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education; College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education; College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education; College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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12
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Kyari F, Mbaya AW, Biu AA, Adamu L, Dennis OO. Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma evansi in camels using CATT/ T. evansi technique in Borno and Yobe states, Nigeria. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2021; 13:e00209. [PMID: 33778177 PMCID: PMC7985692 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2021.e00209] [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] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma evansi is an important camel pathogen with dissimilar mammalian hosts and is the most widely distributed pathogenic animals' trypanosomes worldwide that affects domesticated animals. Four hundred and six blood samples were collected using homogeneous purposive sampling techniques from camels of all age groups (206 from Borno State and 200 from Yobe State, Nigeria). Each animal was examined and information on age and gender were recorded. The card agglutination test for T. evansi (CATT/T. evansi) was used to estimate the seroprevalence of T. evansi infection. The seroprevalence of T. evansi based on age and sex in Borno State, Nigeria was 38.83% (95% CI = 32.44%, 45.63%) in adult camels, whereas, the seroprevalence of T. evansi in young camels was significantly lower 2.91%, (95% CI = 1.34%, 6.20%), p < 0.05). The seroprevalence of T. evansi in male camels was estimated at 14.08% (95% CI = 9.99, 19.49) whereas, in female camels the seroprevalence was estimated at 27.67% (95% CI = 22.01%, 34.15%, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the seroprevalence of T. evansi in Yobe State, Nigeria in the adult camels was 27.50% (95% CI = 21.78%, 34.07%) whereas, the seroprevalence of T. evansi in young camels was 19.00%, (95% CI = 14.17%, 25.00%). The seroprevalence of T. evansi in male camels was 30.0% (95% CI = 24.07%, 36.68%), whereas, the seroprevalence of T. evansi in female camels was 16.5% (95% CI = 12.00%, 22.27%). Therefore, the present study aimed to provide information on the seroprevalence of T. evansi and the related risk factors in camels in Borno and Yobe States, Nigeria using CATT/T. evansi technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falmata Kyari
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri P.M.B. 1069, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Albert Wulari Mbaya
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri P.M.B. 1069, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Abdullahi Abubakar Biu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri P.M.B. 1069, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Lawan Adamu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri P.M.B. 1069, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Okoro Ogbonna Dennis
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri P.M.B. 1069, Borno State, Nigeria
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13
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Exploring Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Microbiomes Helps in Detecting Tick-Borne Infectious Agents in the Blood of Camels. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030351. [PMID: 33809738 PMCID: PMC8002256 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are widely distributed in Africa, the Middle East and northern India. In this study, we aimed to detect tick-borne pathogens through investigating prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms in camel blood based on a metagenomic approach and then to characterize potentially pathogenic organisms using traditional molecular techniques. We showed that the bacteria circulating in the blood of camels is dominated by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. At the genus level, Sediminibacterium, Hydrotalea, Bradyrhizobium and Anaplasma were the most abundant taxa. Eukaryotic profile was dominated by Fungi, Charophyta and Apicomplexa. At the genus level, Theileria was detected in 10 out of 18 samples, while Sarcocystis, Hoplorhynchus and Stylocephalus were detected in one sample each. Our metagenomic approach was successful in the detection of several pathogens or potential pathogens including Anaplasma sp., Theileria ovis, Th. separata, Th. annulate, Th. mutans-like and uncharacterized Theileria sp. For further characterization, we provided the partial sequences of citrate synthase (gltA) and heat-shock protein (groEL) genes of Candidatus Anaplasma camelii. We also detected Trypanosoma evansi type A using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region. This combined metagenomic and traditional approach will contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of pathogens including tick-borne bacteria and protozoa in animals.
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14
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Alfaleh F, Alyousif M, Elhaig M. The emergence of Caryospora neofalconis in falcons in Central Saudi Arabia. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7:530-536. [PMID: 33005680 PMCID: PMC7521802 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2020.g450] [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: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to examine the occurrence of Caryospora (C.) neofalconis in falcons from the central region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Materials and methods: Fecal samples (n = 149) from 149 healthy falcons including 56 saker falcons (Falco cherrug), 13 lanner falcons (F. biarmicus), 18 peregrine falcons (F. peregrinus), 40 Barbary falcons (F. pelegrinoides), and 22 gyrfalcons (F. rusticolus) were collected between October 2018 and May 2019. The fecal samples were examined for the presence of C. neofalconis by microscopic examination followed by confirmation by polymerase chain reaction targeting 18S rRNA genes and their phylogenetic analyses. Results: The overall prevalence of C. neofalconis in the falcons was recorded as 10.7% (16/149) by microscopic examination. The highest prevalence was found in F. peregrinus (6/18, 33.3%), followed by F. rusticolus (3/22, 13.6%), F. cherrug (5/56, 8.9 %) and F. pelegrinoides (2/40, 5.0%). There was no C. neofalconis infection observed in F. biamicus. The 18S rRNA gene could be amplified in eight samples. The phylogenetic analysis of two C. neofalconis isolates exhibited a close relationship with the Mexican isolate (KT03081) with a 99.7% identity. Conclusion: To our knowledge, based on the microscopic and molecular analysis, this is the first report of C. neofalconis in F. cherrug, F. rusticolus, F. pelegrinoides, and F. peregrinus from the central region of the KSA and it emphasize the value of adopting preventive measures to limit the spread of C. neofalconis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faleh Alfaleh
- Department of Biology, College of Science Zulfi, Majmaah University, Al majmaah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Alyousif
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Elhaig
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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15
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Benfodil K, Büscher P, Abdelli A, Van Reet N, Mohamed-Herif A, Ansel S, Fettata S, Dehou S, Bebronne N, Geerts M, Balharbi F, Ait-Oudhia K. Comparison of serological and molecular tests for detection of Trypanosoma evansi in domestic animals from Ghardaïa district, South Algeria. Vet Parasitol 2020; 280:109089. [PMID: 32222595 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) is a hemoflagellate parasite that affects a broad range of mammalian hosts and that causes a disease called surra. Diagnosis of surra based on clinical symptoms alone is inaccurate. Therefore, a variety of serological and molecular diagnostic tests are used to assist in the detection of T. evansi infections. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of four serological tests (CATT/T.evansi, immune trypanolysis, ELISA with purified variant surface glycoprotein RoTat 1.2 and with whole cell lysate) and two molecular PCR tests targeting sequences within the ribosomal genes locus (ITS1 TD PCR and 18S qPCR). Tests were carried out on blood samples from 161 dromedary camels, 93 horses, 129 goats, 168 sheep, 127 bovines and 76 dogs. Latent class analysis was carried out to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic test. Cohen's Kappa test was used to assess the concordance between the different diagnostic tests. Overall positivity rates observed with the serological tests were as follows: 3.1 % with CATT/T.evansi, 4.9 % with ELISA/RoTat 1.2, 3.4 % with ELISA/whole lysate and 2.0 % with immune trypanolysis (TL). Among the 754 samples tested with the molecular tests, 1.7 % were positive with 18S qPCR and 1.3 % with ITS1 TD PCR. Cohen's Kappa test showed agreement ranging from fair to substantial (k = 0.2-0.8) between serological diagnostic tests. However, it showed a perfect agreement (k = 0.868) between molecular diagnostic tests. Latent class analysis showed that all serological tests were 100 % sensitive, in contrast to the molecular tests with 47 % sensitivity. All tests, though, were highly specific (≥ 97 %). Given the persistence of circulating antibodies after cure, detectable by serological tests, it is recommend combining a serological and a molecular diagnostic test for accurate diagnosis of infection with T. evansi in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karima Benfodil
- High National Veterinary School of Algiers, Issad Street, Oued Smar, Bab Ezzouar, Algeria; Akli Mohand Oulhadj University, Department of Agriculture Science, Drissi Yahia Street, Bouira, Algeria.
| | - Philippe Büscher
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Amine Abdelli
- Akli Mohand Oulhadj University, Department of Agriculture Science, Drissi Yahia Street, Bouira, Algeria
| | - Nick Van Reet
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Abdellah Mohamed-Herif
- High National Veterinary School of Algiers, Issad Street, Oued Smar, Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Samir Ansel
- High National Veterinary School of Algiers, Issad Street, Oued Smar, Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Said Fettata
- Veterinary Practice, Thnia Street, Ghardaïa, Algeria
| | - Sara Dehou
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Bebronne
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Manon Geerts
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Fatima Balharbi
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Khatima Ait-Oudhia
- High National Veterinary School of Algiers, Issad Street, Oued Smar, Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
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16
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Ereqat S, Nasereddin A, Al-Jawabreh A, Al-Jawabreh H, Al-Laham N, Abdeen Z. Prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi in livestock in Palestine. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:21. [PMID: 31931864 PMCID: PMC6958583 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3894-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trypanosoma evansi is the causative agent of surra, a disease that occurs in many animal species. The disease is responsible for substantial losses in global production and can be fatal if not diagnosed early. This study aims to determine the prevalence of T. evansi in livestock, equids and dromedary camels in Palestine. Methods Blood samples were collected during 2015–2017 from domesticated animals (n = 259 animals; 77% females and 23% males) including camels (n = 87), horses (n = 46), donkeys (n = 28), mules (n = 2), sheep (n = 49) and goats (n = 48) from eight districts: Ariha (Jericho), Nablus, Bethlehem, Deir Al Balah, Jenin, Rafah, Tubas, and Khan Yunis. Parasite prevalence was determined using PCR and blood smear microscopy. PCR-positive samples were further phylogenetically analyzed using DNA sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. Results The overall infection prevalence was 18% (46/259). The positivity rates according to PCR and microscopy examination were 17% (45/259) and 2.7% (7/259), respectively. The infection rates were as follows: camels, 26/61 (30%); horses, 8/46 (17%); donkeys, 3/28 (11%); mules, 1/2 (50%); sheep, 2/42 (4%); and goats, 6/42 (13%). Phylogenetic analyses of the 18S rRNA gene showed that 24 positive T. evansi samples from Palestine formed a monophyletic cluster with seven T. evansi sequences from Africa, Asia and South America, and three T. brucei sequences from Africa retrieved from GenBank. The spatial analysis showed three statistically significant foci of T. evansi infection in Jenin, Tubas (P = 0.02) and Ariha (Jericho) (P = 0.04). No statistically significant foci were detected in the Gaza Strip. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first confirmation of high levels of infection with T. evansi as a causative agent of surra in Palestine. Our study emphasizes the need for a stringent surveillance system and risk assessment studies as prerequisites for control measures. Further investigations focusing on vectors and evaluation of risk factors are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amer Al-Jawabreh
- Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine. .,Leishmaniases Research Unit, Jericho, Palestine.
| | - Hanan Al-Jawabreh
- Al-Quds Public Health Society, Jerusalem, Palestine.,Leishmaniases Research Unit, Jericho, Palestine
| | - Nahed Al-Laham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Azhar University-Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | - Ziad Abdeen
- Al-Quds University, East Jerusalem, Palestine.,Al-Quds Public Health Society, Jerusalem, Palestine
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