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Tirosh-Levy S, Mazuz ML, Savitsky I, Pinkas D, Gottlieb Y, Steinman A. Serological and Molecular Prevalence of Babesia caballi in Apparently Healthy Horses in Israel. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040445. [PMID: 33917822 PMCID: PMC8068206 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia caballi is a tick-borne hemoparasite of equines and one of the causative agents of equine piroplasmosis, which poses a great concern for the equine industry regarding animal welfare and international horse movement. The parasite is endemic in Israel; however, its seroprevalence in the area was never evaluated due to antigenic heterogenicity in the gene used in the commercially available kit. Blood samples were collected from 257 horses at 19 farms throughout the country and screened for the presence of anti-B. caballi antibodies via an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and for the presence of parasite DNA by nested PCR. The seroprevalence of B. caballi was 69.6% and its molecular prevalence was 9.7%. The geographical area, horse’s sex, breed, housing, exposure to ticks, and specifically to Hyalomma marginatum, and co-infection with Theileria equi were found to be significantly associated with serologic exposure in univariable analysis, while the geographical area and horses’ sex remained significant in the multivariable analysis. The results of this study demonstrate a high level of exposure to B. caballi and identify important risk factors for infection. The difference between the serological and molecular prevalence, probably related to parasite clearance, is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (D.P.); (Y.G.); (A.S.)
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel; (M.L.M.); (I.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Monica L. Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel; (M.L.M.); (I.S.)
| | - Igor Savitsky
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel; (M.L.M.); (I.S.)
| | - Dana Pinkas
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (D.P.); (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (D.P.); (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (D.P.); (Y.G.); (A.S.)
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Tirosh-Levy S, Gottlieb Y, Fry LM, Knowles DP, Steinman A. Twenty Years of Equine Piroplasmosis Research: Global Distribution, Molecular Diagnosis, and Phylogeny. Pathogens 2020; 9:E926. [PMID: 33171698 PMCID: PMC7695325 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by the hemoparasites Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi, and Babesia caballi, is an important tick-borne disease of equines that is prevalent in most parts of the world. Infection may affect animal welfare and has economic impacts related to limitations in horse transport between endemic and non-endemic regions, reduced performance of sport horses and treatment costs. Here, we analyzed the epidemiological, serological, and molecular diagnostic data published in the last 20 years, and all DNA sequences submitted to GenBank database, to describe the current global prevalence of these parasites. We demonstrate that EP is endemic in most parts of the world, and that it is spreading into more temperate climates. We emphasize the importance of using DNA sequencing and genotyping to monitor the spread of parasites, and point to the necessity of further studies to improve genotypic characterization of newly recognized parasite species and strains, and their linkage to virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Lindsay M. Fry
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (L.M.F.); (D.P.K.)
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Donald P. Knowles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (L.M.F.); (D.P.K.)
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
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Camino E, Buendia A, Dorrego A, Pozo P, de Juan L, Dominguez L, Cruz-Lopez F. Sero-molecular survey and risk factors of equine piroplasmosis in horses in Spain. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:771-779. [PMID: 32918303 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Theileria equi and Babesia caballi cause equine piroplasmosis (EP), one of the most important tick-borne diseases of horses due to its high negative impact to the equine industry. Although infections with these parasites have been reported for decades in Spain, epidemiological studies have only been carried out in certain regions. OBJECTIVES To determine the (sero)prevalence of these parasites in asymptomatic horses nationwide in Spain and to identify potential individual and environmental factors associated with seropositivity to EP. STUDY DESIGN Sample size was calculated according to the horses registered in Spain in 2013 and by autonomous community using a random stratified sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect data on factors associated with EP seropositivity. METHODS Serological (cELISA and complement fixation test) and molecular (real-time PCR) analyses were carried out in 740 horses. Risk factors were identified computing two independent logistic regression models with the collated data. RESULTS Antibodies against EP were detected in 42.9% (95% CI 39.4-46.5) of horses, whereas 30.3% (95% CI 27.0-33.6) were EP positive by PCR. A substantial strength of agreement (k = 0.721) was estimated between serological tests. Exposure to T. equi was significantly higher than to B. caballi and the highest (sero)prevalence was detected in the northern communities. Increasing horse age, presence of ticks and contact with cows were factors related to EP seropositivity in the horses, whereas tetanus vaccination and fairs attendance were associated with lower seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS Almost half of the horses residing in Spain had antibodies against EP or circulating parasitaemia. Appropriate prevention measures and implementation of a EP surveillance programme should be considered in order to reduce and control the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliazar Camino
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Animal Health Department, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aranzazu Buendia
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Abel Dorrego
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Pozo
- MAEVA SERVET, S.L, Alameda del Valle, Spain
| | - Lucía de Juan
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Animal Health Department, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas Dominguez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Animal Health Department, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fatima Cruz-Lopez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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Tirosh-Levy S, Steinman A, Einhorn A, Apanaskevich DA, Mumcuoglu KY, Gottlieb Y. Potential tick vectors for Theileria equi in Israel. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 34:291-294. [PMID: 32107816 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Theileria equi Mehlhorn and Schein, 1998 (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae) is an important tick-borne pathogen of horses that is highly endemic in many parts of the world, including Israel. The present study evaluated the potential roles of five hard tick species [Hyalomma excavatum Koch, 1844; Hyalomma marginatum Koch, 1844; Rhipicephalus turanicus Pomerantsev 1936; Rhipicephalus annulatus Say, 1821; Haemaphysalis parva (Neumann, 1897) (all: Ixodida: Ixodidae)], previously found to infest horses in Israel, in acting as vectors for piroplasmosis. For this, DNA was extracted from whole ticks and, when possible, from the salivary glands in each species (n = 10-59). Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene were used to detect T. equi in 48 of the 127 ticks (37.8%) and in 21 of the 90 extracted salivary glands (23.3%) in all five species. All but two sequences were classified as T. equi genotype A; the remaining two were classified as genotype D. The findings of this study point to Ha. parva and R. annulatus as potential novel vectors of T. equi, and suggest that parasite genotype selection occurs within the tick vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - A Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - A Einhorn
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - D A Apanaskevich
- U.S. National Tick Collection, Institute for Coastal Plain Science, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, U.S.A
- Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - K Y Mumcuoglu
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Y Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Tirosh-Levy S, Gottlieb Y, Mazuz ML, Savitsky I, Steinman A. Infection dynamics of Theileria equi in carrier horses is associated with management and tick exposure. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101508. [PMID: 32993928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The tick-borne equine hemoparasite, Theileria equi, is endemic in many parts of the world where prevalence may be high, and most infected horses are apparently healthy but serve as life-long carriers. To determine the factors that affect T. equi dynamics, we followed parasitic loads in apparently healthy horses at four time points during one year. A total of 1094 blood samples were collected from 395 horses, along with ticks and demographic and clinical data. Infection and load of T. equi were tested by PCR and qPCR, and for the spring dataset, infection was also tested serologically by IFAT (n = 268). Theileria equi was molecularly detected in 64.8 % of the horses. The agreement between molecular and serological results was 79.8 % (K > 0.674) and positively correlated with parasitic load. Infection was associated with pale mucus membranes, lower packed cell volume and higher total solids (all P < 0.001), although these changes had only minor clinical importance. While parasitic loads in qPCR-positive samples (n = 561) were generally low (mean = 7.9-10-4% parasitized erythrocytes), younger horses showed higher loads, possibly suggesting development of immunity. Infection and parasitic load were associated with housing management and tick exposure, illustrating different patterns of exposure. Endemic stability is suggested in pasture farms with constant exposure to ticks, where parasite prevalence was high (96 %) and associated with T. equi 18S rRNA genotype D, low parasitemia and high antibody titers. Endemic instability can be suggested in case were horses are kept in paddocks (prevalence = 49 %) with intermittent exposure to ticks, where infection was associated with high parasitemia when ticks were present. A steady state is suggested in stabled horses (prevalence = 46 %), with no exposure to ticks; where infection was associated with genotype A, low parasitemia and low antibody titers. The ability to identify different risk groups within endemic areas may improve the administration of suitable treatment and control practices in an effort to reduce the risk of clinical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Monica L Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
| | - Igor Savitsky
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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Transplacental Transmission of Theileria equi Is Not a Common Cause of Abortions and Infection of Foals in Israel. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020341. [PMID: 32098113 PMCID: PMC7070885 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the main route of transmission of Theileria equi is through tick feeding, transplacental transmission is also possible and may lead to abortion, or to the birth of a sick or carrier foal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of T. equi as a cause of abortions in Israel and the risk of foals being infected at a young age. Eight aborting mares were serologically evaluated for exposure to T. equi via the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and their aborted fetuses were evaluated using PCR and qPCR. In addition, five mares and their foals (aged 4-6 months) from a highly endemic farm were tested for T. equi infection using IFAT, PCR and qPCR. Five of the eight aborting mares were seropositive for T. equi; however, none of the aborted fetuses was infected. All five mares from the endemic farm were subclinically infected with T. equi. Of their five foals, one was infected, with relatively high parasitemia and different parasite genotype than its dam's, suggesting another source of infection. The results of this study suggest that transplacental transmission of T. equi is not common and does not appear to be a prominent cause of abortion in chronically infected mares.
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Souza EARD, Araujo ADC, Pires LCSR, Freschi CR, Azevedo SS, Machado RZ, Horta MC. Serological detection and risk factors for equine piroplasmosis in the semiarid region of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:685-691. [PMID: 31691736 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis, an economically important disease in horses, has so far not been reported in Pernambuco state, Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-Babesia caballi and anti-Theileria equi antibodies based on the detection of these agents in equine blood and in ticks on horses in the municipality of Petrolina, Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were drawn from 393 horses and sera were examined by ELISA. The presence of tick infestations was evaluated, and 101 ticks were subjected to DNA amplification for the detection of Babesia spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No parasites were detected in the blood smears. Anti-B. caballi and anti-T. equi antibodies were found in 27.2% (107/393) and 34.8% (137/393) horses, respectively. Infestation by Dermacentor nitens was detected in 4.3% (17/393) of the horses. There was no DNA amplification of the agents in ticks. The risk factors for the presence of anti-T. equi antibodies (P < 0.05) were: purebred (P < 0.001), animals older than 156 months (P = 0.014), and the presence of ticks (P = 0.001). No risk factors for B. caballi were identified. This study confirmed the circulation of agents of equine piroplasmosis in the municipality of Petrolina, state of Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Carla Roberta Freschi
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Sergio Santos Azevedo
- Unidade Acadêmica de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Maurício Claudio Horta
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina, PE, Brasil
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Tirosh-Levy S, Gottlieb Y, Steinman A. Stress conditions do not affect Theileria equi parasitemia levels in sub-clinically infected horses. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101384. [PMID: 32008998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Stress has been suggested as a risk factor for Theileria equi peracute disease and may lead to relapse in clinical signs in chronically infected horses. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of stress on T. equi parasitemia in sub-clinically infected horses in two settings: horses hospitalized at a veterinary teaching hospital and horses from an endurance farm. Blood samples were collected from the hospitalized horses (n = 32) upon admission (T0) and at discharge (T1) from the hospital, and results were compared between horses that underwent surgery (stress) and other hospitalized horses (control). Blood samples were collected from an endurance farm (n = 20) six weeks before (T0) and two days after (T1) participation in an 80-km endurance event, and results were compared between horses that participated (stress) or did not participate (control) in the event. Theileria equi parasite load was determined using qPCR, and T1/T0 ratio was calculated for each horse. Mean parasite load at both time points did not differ statistically between the stress group and the controls in both settings. Theileria equi genotype was determined based on the 18S rRNA gene, when possible. Parasite genotypes were similar to strains previously characterized in the region and classified as genotypes A and D. The results of this study contradict the common assumption that stress may lead to increased parasite load in horses with a subclinical T. equi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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Coultous RM, McDonald M, Raftery AG, Shiels BR, Sutton DGM, Weir W. Analysis of Theileria equi diversity in The Gambia using a novel genotyping method. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 67:1213-1221. [PMID: 31845493 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Theileria equi, one of the primary pathogens causing equine piroplasmosis, has previously been sub-classified into a number of clades on the basis of 18S SSU rRNA gene sequence diversity. This partitioning of the parasite population has potential implications for host immunity, treatment and vaccine development. To detect and identify different clade genotypes among and within individual equine blood samples, a novel PCR-based technique was designed and optimized. Theileria equi has only recently been described in The Gambia, and the developed genotyping technique was used to analyse blood samples taken from 42 piroplasmosis-positive horses and donkeys within the country. Three different T. equi genotypes were detected within the population, including the same genotype as the recently described Theileria haneyi, with 61.9% of individuals found to be infected with more than one genotype. Overall, there was a trend that males were more likely to have a multiple genotype infection. Thus, the novel genotyping technique has been shown to be effective in analysis of field populations and offers researchers a rapid method of identifying multiple T. equi genotypes both within individuals and equine populations in epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Coultous
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michael McDonald
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alexandra G Raftery
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Brian R Shiels
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - David G M Sutton
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - William Weir
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Tirosh-Levy S, Gottlieb Y, Arieli O, Mazuz ML, King R, Horowitz I, Steinman A. Genetic characteristics of Theileria equi in zebras, wild and domestic donkeys in Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101286. [PMID: 31537490 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is an important tick-borne disease of equids, caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. It is endemic in most parts of the world, including Israel, and has clinical and economic consequences. This study was set to evaluate the presence of EP parasites in domestic donkeys and in wild equids in Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). To assess subclinical EP infection in 98 domestic donkeys (Equus africanus asinus), 9 Asiatic wild donkeys (Equus hemionus), 8 zebras (Equus quagga), 7 African wild donkeys (Equus africanus) and 5 mules, were tested using PCR and qPCR. Positive samples were characterized by amplification and sequencing of a 1600 bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene. Babesia caballi was not detected in any of the animals. Theileria equi was detected in 32% of the donkeys, 89% of Asiatic wild donkeys, 57% of African wild donkeys, 62% of zebras and none of the mules. Parasitemia was low in all of the positive samples. Risk factors associated with infection in donkeys included one farm (Kiryat Gat) and animal sex (male). The sequences of the 18S rRNA gene from domestic donkeys were all similar, and belonged to the T. equi genotype D, similar to the genotype sequenced from horses in the same area, while sequences from wild donkeys were unique and belonged to the T. equi genotype A. Verification of the T. equi genotype in zebras could not be concluded, suggesting major genetic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
| | - Ori Arieli
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
| | - Monica L Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B 12, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel.
| | - Roni King
- Israel Nature and Parks Authority, 3 Am Ve'Olamo St., Jerusalem, 95463, Israel.
| | - Igal Horowitz
- Zoological Center Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan & Israeli Wildlife Hospital at the Zoological Center Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan, 1 HaTsvi Ave., Ramat Gan, 52109, Israel.
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
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Tirosh-Levy S, Gottlieb Y, Apanaskevich DA, Mumcuoglu KY, Steinman A. Species distribution and seasonal dynamics of equine tick infestation in two Mediterranean climate niches in Israel. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:546. [PMID: 30326955 PMCID: PMC6192331 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3093-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are important ectoparasites of horses that can affect animal welfare and vector several infectious, including zoonotic, diseases. In order to investigate the species distribution, epidemiology and seasonal dynamics of ticks infesting horses in Israel, 3267 ticks were collected from 396 horses in 24 farms across the country from July 2014 to June 2015. Results Ticks were found on 50% of the farms and on 25% of the horses, with Hyalomma being the most prevalent genus (70% of ticks). Pasture was the most prominent risk factor for tick infestation (99% of ticks, P < 0.001), and is represented here by two areas with a Mediterranean climate that differ in their environmental characteristics: the Golan Heights (GH, 74% of ticks); and the Carmel mountain ridge (CMR, 24%). Although these two sites are less than 100 km apart, the composition of the tick populations infesting horses differed significantly between them. In GH the most abundant tick species was Hyalomma excavatum (P < 0.001), while in CMR it was Hyalomma marginatum (P < 0.001). The GH also hosted a more diverse tick fauna than the CMR, including Haemaphysalis parva (peaking in the autumn, P < 0.001) and Rhipicephalus turanicus (peaking in the spring, P < 0.001), which were not found at the other sites. A few Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma rufipes and Hyalomma turanicum were also found on horses. Conclusions The current findings can be used in epidemiological studies assessing the risk of tick-borne equine diseases in the area. Further analysis is needed to determine the specific distribution and habitat preferences of each tick species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3093-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Dmitry A Apanaskevich
- United States National Tick Collection, James H. Oliver, Jr., Institute of Coastal Plain Sciences, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia, USA
| | - Kosta Y Mumcuoglu
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetic, The Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Margalit Levi M, Tirosh-Levy S, Dahan R, Berlin D, Steinman A, Edery N, Savitski I, Lebovich B, Knowles D, Suarez CE, Baneth G, Mazuz ML. First Detection of Diffuse and Cerebral Theileria equi Infection in Neonatal Filly. J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Ketter-Ratzon D, Tirosh-Levy S, Nachum-Biala Y, Saar T, Qura’n L, Zivotofsky D, Abdeen Z, Baneth G, Steinman A. Characterization of Theileria equi genotypes in horses in Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:499-505. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 01/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Montes Cortés MG, Fernández-García JL, Habela Martínez-Estéllez MÁ. Seroprevalence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in horses in Spain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 24:14. [PMID: 28497743 PMCID: PMC5432961 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2017015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmoses are enzootic parasitic diseases distributed worldwide with high incidence in tropical and subtropical regions. In Spain, there is insufficient epidemiological data about equine piroplasmoses. The main aim of the present study was therefore to estimate the prevalence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in five regions and obtain information about the risk factors. This study was conducted in the central and south-western regions of Spain, using indirect fluorescence antibody testing (IFAT) in 3,100 sera samples from apparently healthy horses of different ages, breeds, coat colours, genders and geographical locations. The overall seroprevalence was 52%, consisting of 44% seropositive for T. equi and 21% for B. caballi. There was a significant association between age (p < 0.0001), breed (p < 0.004), geographical location (p < 0.0001) and the seroprevalence, but neither the coat colour nor the gender was significantly associated with prevalence. In addition, it was proved that most of the geographic areas showed a moderate to high prevalence. The statistical κ value was used to compare the results obtained by the IFAT and the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) utilised to test some samples (n = 108) and showed a higher concordance for T. equi (κ = 0.68) than for B. caballi (κ = 0.22). Consequently, this revealed the importance of developing an appropriate technique to detect each haemoparasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Guadalupe Montes Cortés
- Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10071 Cáceres, Spain
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