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Orkun Ö. Comprehensive screening of tick-borne microorganisms indicates that a great variety of pathogens are circulating between hard ticks (Ixodoidea: Ixodidae) and domestic ruminants in natural foci of Anatolia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102027. [PMID: 35970093 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Grazing domestic ruminants serve as important reservoirs and/or amplificatory hosts in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and tick vectors in the natural foci; however, many enzootic life cycles including ruminants and ticks are still unknown. This study investigated a wide range of TBPs circulating among ticks and grazing ruminants in the natural foci of Anatolia, Turkey. Tick specimens (n = 1815) were collected from cattle, sheep, and goats in three ecologically distinct areas (wooded, transitional, and semi-arid zones) of Anatolia and identified by species: Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma scupense, Haemaphysalis inermis, Haemaphysalis parva, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, and Rhipicephalus turanicus. PCR-sequencing analyses revealed TBPs of great diversity, with 32 different agents identified in the ticks: six Babesia spp. (Babesia occultans, Babesia crassa, Babesia microti, Babesia rossi, Babesia sp. tavsan1, and Babesia sp. Ucbas); four Theileria spp., including one putative novel species (Theileria annulata, Theileria orientalis, Theileria ovis, and Theileria sp.); one Hepatozoon sp.; four Anaplasma spp., including one novel genotype (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma ovis, and Anaplasma sp.); six unnamed Ehrlichia spp. genotypes; Neoehrlichia mikurensis; nine spotted fever group rickettsiae, including one putative novel species (Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia hoogstraalii, Rickettsia monacensis with strain IRS3, Rickettsia mongolitimonae, Rickettsia raoultii, Candidatus Rickettsia goldwasserii, Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, and Rickettsia sp.); and Borrelia valaisiana. Detailed phylogenetic analyses showed that some of the detected pathogens represent more than one haplotype, potentially relating to the tick species or the host. Additionally, the presence of Neoehrlichia mikurensis, an emerging pathogen for humans, was reported for the first time in Turkey, expanding its geographical distribution. Consequently, this study describes some previously unknown tick-borne protozoan and bacterial species/genotypes and provides informative epidemiological data on TBPs, which are related to animal and human health, serving the one health concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ömer Orkun
- Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Bastos RG, Alzan HF, Rathinasamy VA, Cooke BM, Dellagostin OA, Barletta RG, Suarez CE. Harnessing Mycobacterium bovis BCG Trained Immunity to Control Human and Bovine Babesiosis. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10010123. [PMID: 35062784 PMCID: PMC8781211 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is a disease caused by tickborne hemoprotozoan apicomplexan parasites of the genus Babesia that negatively impacts public health and food security worldwide. Development of effective and sustainable vaccines against babesiosis is currently hindered in part by the absence of definitive host correlates of protection. Despite that, studies in Babesia microti and Babesia bovis, major causative agents of human and bovine babesiosis, respectively, suggest that early activation of innate immune responses is crucial for vertebrates to survive acute infection. Trained immunity (TI) is defined as the development of memory in vertebrate innate immune cells, allowing more efficient responses to subsequent specific and non-specific challenges. Considering that Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), a widely used anti-tuberculosis attenuated vaccine, induces strong TI pro-inflammatory responses, we hypothesize that BCG TI may protect vertebrates against acute babesiosis. This premise is supported by early investigations demonstrating that BCG inoculation protects mice against experimental B. microti infection and recent observations that BCG vaccination decreases the severity of malaria in children infected with Plasmodium falciparum, a Babesia-related parasite. We also discuss the potential use of TI in conjunction with recombinant BCG vaccines expressing Babesia immunogens. In conclusion, by concentrating on human and bovine babesiosis, herein we intend to raise awareness of BCG TI as a strategy to efficiently control Babesia infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginaldo G. Bastos
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7040, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.G.B.); (C.E.S.)
| | - Heba F. Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7040, USA;
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Vignesh A. Rathinasamy
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia; (V.A.R.); (B.M.C.)
| | - Brian M. Cooke
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia; (V.A.R.); (B.M.C.)
| | - Odir A. Dellagostin
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-900, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil;
| | - Raúl G. Barletta
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0905, USA;
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA 99164-7040, USA
- Correspondence: (R.G.B.); (C.E.S.)
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Scoles GA, Lohmeyer KH, Ueti MW, Bonilla D, Lahmers KK, Piccione J, Rogovskyy AS. Stray Mexico origin cattle captured crossing into Southern Texas carry Babesia bovis and other tick-borne pathogens. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101708. [PMID: 34175736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cattle fever ticks, Rhipicephalus microplus and R. annulatus have been eradicated from the United States and inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP) monitor the quarantine zone along the Texas border to prevent the introduction of livestock carrying cattle fever ticks from Mexico. Stray livestock apprehended by CFTEP in the zone are checked for ticks and tested for infectious disease-causing pathogens but are not evaluated for evidence of infection with tick-borne pathogens. We tested blood samples collected from stray cattle by CFTEP inspectors for evidence of infection with tick-borne pathogens. As a comparison group representing U.S. resident cattle, we tested blood samples that had been sent to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for unrelated testing. Both sets of blood samples were evaluated using the same specific and broad-spectrum PCR assays. For the border cattle the overall prevalence of infection with one or more tick-borne pathogen was 58.5 % (79/135) with many co-infections, including 30 cattle positive for Babesia bovis and/or Babesia bigemina (22.2 %) and 77 cattle positive for Anaplasma marginale (57 %), three of these animals were also positive for Borrelia theileri. No resident cattle represented by the TVMDL samples were infected with either of the Babesia spp., or with Borrelia theileri, but three were positive for Theileria orientalis and 7.3 % (7/96) were positive for A. marginale. These data show that cattle originating in Mexico have a higher prevalence of infection with tick-borne pathogens relative to resident U.S. cattle and specifically, a proportion are infected with bovine Babesia, which is absent from U.S. cattle populations. Consequently, these stray cattle may be a reservoir of tick-borne pathogens and if populations of Boophilus ticks become reestablished in areas where they had previously been eradicated, could pose a significant risk to the U.S. Cattle industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen A Scoles
- USDA, ARS, Animal Disease Research Unit, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States.
| | - Kimberly H Lohmeyer
- USDA, ARS, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX, United States.
| | - Massaro W Ueti
- USDA, ARS, Animal Disease Research Unit, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States.
| | - Denise Bonilla
- USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services, Fort Collins, CO, United States.
| | - Kevin K Lahmers
- Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States.
| | - Julie Piccione
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab, College Station, TX, United States.
| | - Artem S Rogovskyy
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
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Yawa M, Nyangiwe N, Jaja IF, Kadzere CT, Marufu MC. Prevalence of serum antibodies of tick-borne diseases and the presence of Rhipicephalus microplus in communal grazing cattle in the north-eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1183-1191. [PMID: 33409632 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A survey to determine the prevalence of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) and ticks infesting cattle was conducted in the communal areas of the north-eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) between January 2019 and October 2019. Tick counts, packed cell volume (PCV), body condition scores (BCS), and serological test for TBDs were seasonally conducted in communally grazed cattle (n = 240) in Joe Gqabi district in two local municipalities (Elundini and Senqu). A standard indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used to determine antibodies to Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis, and Ehrlichia ruminantium and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed for antibodies to Anaplasma marginale detection. The highest tick loads were observed on cattle during the hot-wet and post-rainy seasons and lowest during the cool-dry season. The E. ruminantium prevalence in Elundini was 16% and 14% in post-rainy and hot-dry seasons respectively and 15% at Senqu during the post-rainy season. B. bigemina prevalence was highest at Elundini (18%) and Senqu (16%) during the post-rainy season and hot-wet season respectively. Cattle BCS was negatively correlated with E. ruminantium (P < 0.01; r = - 0.203), B. bovis (P < 0.01; r = - 0.125), and A. marginale (P < 0.01; r = - 0.122) seroprevalence. The PCV was negatively correlated with B. bigemina (P < 0.01; r = - 0.138) seroprevalence. On the other hand, E. ruminantium was positively correlated with Amblyomma hebraeum (P < 0.05; r = 0.112) infestation, while B. bovis (P < 0.05; r = 0.134) and B. bigemina (P < 0.05; r = 0.188) were positively correlated with Rhipicephalus microplus infestation, and B. bigemina (P < 0.05; r = 0.077) was positively correlated with Rhipicephalus decoloratus infestation. Our study reports for the first time the presence of R. microplus in the study area. Further research is, however, needed to better understand seroprevalence and the transmission mode of TBDs to cattle so that effective disease control measures can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandla Yawa
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa
| | - Nkululeko Nyangiwe
- Dohne Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X15, Stutterheim, 4930, South Africa.
| | - Ishmael Festus Jaja
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa
| | - Charles T Kadzere
- Dohne Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X15, Stutterheim, 4930, South Africa
| | - Munyaradzi Christopher Marufu
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X4, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
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Robbertse L, Richards SA, Clift SJ, Barnard AC, Leisewitz A, Crafford JE, Maritz-Olivier C. Comparison of the differential regulation of T and B-lymphocyte subsets in the skin and lymph nodes amongst three cattle breeds as potential mediators of immune-resistance to Rhipicephalus microplus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:976-987. [PMID: 29622516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although varying natural resistance to ticks between highly resistant Brahman (Bos taurus indicus), resistant Bonsmara (5/8 B. t. indicus x 3/8 B. t. taurus) and susceptible Holstein-Friesian (B. t. taurus) breeds is documented in skin and blood, little information is available describing draining lymph nodes. To elucidate the cellular dynamics during Rhipicephalus microplus induced immune responses, this study analysed immune factors from these cattle breeds using histology, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Following the collection of skin and lymph node samples before artificial tick infestation, cattle were infested with R. microplus larvae. Subsequent sampling coincided with the tick larvae and adult developmental stages. A significant influx of CD20+ B-lymphocytes in the dermis all cattle breeds was observed while CD3+ T-lymphocytes were significantly increased for more tick resistant breeds. Eosinophil infiltration in germinal centres of lymph nodes was significant for all cattle breeds while tingible body macrophages were significantly increased for adult infested Brahman animals. A negligible fluctuation in CD20+ and CD79α+ B-lymphocyte numbers was present in the lymph node of more resistant cattle breeds, while susceptible animals showed a decrease in B-lymphocytes after infestation, followed by an increase between larvae to adult infested time points. Increased variability of γd T-lymphocyte populations in lymph nodes was correlated with tick susceptibility. In addition, a more stable T helper lymphocyte population was identified in the lymph nodes for the Brahman cattle breed. Results suggest the association of tick susceptibility with differential B-lymphocyte regulation in lymph node tissues, increased variability of WC1+ γδ T-lymphocyte populations in the lymph node as well as a decrease in T helper lymphocytes in the lymph node.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luïse Robbertse
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sabine Annette Richards
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sarah Jane Clift
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Annette-Christi Barnard
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Andrew Leisewitz
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jan Ernst Crafford
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Christine Maritz-Olivier
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
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Biggs LJ, Carrington CAP, Naidoo V. Evaluation of medicinal turpentine used for the prevention of bovine babesiosis in southern KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern Free State. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 81:705. [PMID: 25685997 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v81i1.705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Medicinal turpentine has been used extensively in the eastern Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa with reportedly excellent results. It is believed that it is able to prevent and treat babesiosis (redwater) in cattle. Redwater is an often-fatal disease in cattle and results in losses of large numbers every year in South Africa. This study was initiated in an attempt to investigate the validity of the use of the turpentine as a medicinal agent. Using a semi in vitro screening assay, Babesia caballi grown in primary equine erythrocytes was exposed to various concentrations of turpentine in comparison to diminazene and imidocarb. The turpentine had no parasiticidal effect following direct exposure. During the recovery phase, the previously exposed parasites appeared to grow more slowly than the controls. In comparison, diminazene and imidocarb were 100% effective in killing the parasites. In a subsequent tolerance study in adult cattle (n = 6) at 1x (2 mL), 3x and 5x the recommended dose, the product was non-toxic. Irritation was noted at the injection site with the higher dose. The only major finding on clinical pathology was a general increase in globulins, without a concurrent change in native babesia antibody titres. It was concluded that it is unlikely that medicinal turpentine is an effective treatment against babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vinny Naidoo
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of Pretoria.
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Mtshali PS, Tsotetsi AM, Thekisoe MMO, Mtshali MS. Nested PCR detection and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in cattle from Peri-urban localities in Gauteng Province, South Africa. J Vet Med Sci 2013; 76:145-50. [PMID: 24065081 PMCID: PMC3979951 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina are tick-borne
hemoparasites causing babesiosis in cattle worldwide. This study was aimed at providing
information about the occurrence and geographical distribution of B.
bovis and B. bigemina species in cattle from Gauteng province,
South Africa. A total of 268 blood samples collected from apparently healthy animals in 14
different peri-urban localities were tested using previously established nested PCR assays
for the detection of B. bovis and B. bigemina
species-specific genes encoding rhoptry-associated protein 1 (RAP-1) and
SpeI-AvaI restriction fragment, respectively. Nested
PCR assays revealed that the overall prevalence was 35.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]=±
5.73) and 76.1% (95% CI=± 5.11) for B. bovis and B.
bigemina, respectively. PCR results were corroborated by sequencing amplicons
of randomly selected samples. The neighbor-joining trees were constructed to study the
phylogenetic relationship between B. bovis and B.
bigemina sequences of randomly selected isolates. Analysis of phylogram
inferred with B. bovis RAP-1 sequences indicated a close relationship
between our isolates and GenBank strains. On the other hand, a tree constructed with
B. bigemina gp45 sequences revealed a high degree of polymorphism among
the B. bigemina isolates investigated in this study. Taken together, the
results presented in this work indicate the high incidence of Babesia
parasites in cattle from previously uncharacterised peri-urban areas of the Gauteng
province. These findings suggest that effective preventative and control measures are
essential to curtail the spread of Babesia infections among cattle
populations in Gauteng.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Senzo Mtshali
- Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Research and Scientific Services Department, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
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Mtshali MS, Mtshali PS. Molecular diagnosis and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis hemoparasites from cattle in South Africa. BMC Vet Res 2013; 9:154. [PMID: 23927555 PMCID: PMC3751629 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia parasites, mainly Babesia bovis and B. bigemina, are tick-borne hemoparasites inducing bovine babesiosis in cattle globally. The clinical signs of the disease include, among others, anemia, fever and hemoglobinuria. Babesiosis is known to occur in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In this study, we aim to provide information about the occurrence and phylogenetic relationship of B. bigemina and B. bovis species in cattle from different locations in nine provinces of South Africa. A total of 430 blood samples were randomly collected from apparently healthy cattle. These samples were genetically tested for Babesia parasitic infections using nested PCR assays with species-specific primers. Results Nested PCR assays with Group I primer sets revealed that the overall prevalence of B. bigemina and B. bovis in all bovine samples tested was 64.7% (95% CI = 60.0-69.0) and 35.1% (95% CI = 30.6-39.8), respectively. Only 117/430 (27.2%) animals had a mixed infection. The highest prevalence of 87.5% (95% CI = 77.2-93.5) for B. bigemina was recorded in the Free State province collection sites (Ficksburg, Philippolis and Botshabelo), while North West collection sites had the highest number of animals infected with B. bovis (65.5%; 95% CI = 52.7-76.4). Phylograms were inferred based on B. bigemina-specific gp45 and B. bovis-specific rap-1 nucleotide sequences obtained with Group II nested PCR primers. Phylogenetic analysis of gp45 sequences revealed significant differences in the genotypes of B. bigemina isolates investigated, including those of strains published in GenBank. On the other hand, a phylogeny based on B. bovis rap-1 sequences indicated a similar trend of clustering among the sequences of B. bovis isolates investigated in this study. Conclusion This study demonstrates the occurrence of Babesia parasites in cattle from different provinces of South Africa. It was also noted that the situation of Babesia parasitic infection in cattle from certain areas within the surveyed provinces had either reached endemic stability or was progressing towards stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Sibusiso Mtshali
- Research and Scientific Services Department, Veterinary Parasitology Unit, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
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Terkawi MA, Thekisoe OMM, Katsande C, Latif AA, Mans BJ, Matthee O, Mkize N, Mabogoane N, Marais F, Yokoyama N, Xuan X, Igarashi I. Serological survey of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in cattle in South Africa. Vet Parasitol 2011; 182:337-42. [PMID: 21700393 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Revised: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A total of 719 serum samples collected from clinically healthy cattle from eight provinces located in different districts of South Africa were examined by the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the standard indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to determine the serological prevalence of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina. The results showed that 35.3% and 39.7% of cattle were positive for B. bovis and 30% and 36.5% were positive for B. bigemina antibodies on ELISA and IFAT, respectively. Mixed infections were detected in 18.2% and 26.3% of the samples using ELISA and IFAT, respectively. Consequently, the ELISAs with recombinant B. bovis spherical body protein-4 (BbSBP-4) and B. bigemina C-terminal rhoptry-associated protein-1 (BbigRAP-1/CT) were proven to be highly reliable in the serological diagnoses of bovine babesiosis in South African cattle, as evidenced by the significant concordance rates when the results were compared to those of IFAT. Moreover, the serological prevalence was significantly different among the tested provinces, in which the ranges exhibited between 15% and 73% for B. bovis infection and between 13% and 54% for B. bigemina infection. High sero-positive rates were present in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, while the lowest rate was in the North West province. Our data provide important information regarding the current seroprevalence of bovine babesiosis in South Africa, which might be beneficial in developing rational strategies for disease control and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Alaa Terkawi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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Marufu MC, Chimonyo M, Dzama K, Mapiye C. Seroprevalence of tick-borne diseases in communal cattle reared on sweet and sour rangelands in a semi-arid area of South Africa. Vet J 2009; 184:71-6. [PMID: 19733490 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2008] [Revised: 12/12/2008] [Accepted: 02/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A survey was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of tick-borne diseases (TBD) in Nguni and non-descript cattle on the sweet and sour communal rangelands across seasons. Body condition scores, bodyweights, packed cell volume (PCV) and antibodies to B. bovis, B. bigemina, Ehrlichiaruminatium and Anaplasma marginale were determined seasonally in 144 cattle raised on communal rangelands from August 2007 to April 2008. Approximately 45% of the cattle were seropositive for B. bovis, 46% for B. bigemina and 26% for A. marginale. All animals were seronegative for E. ruminantium. Nguni cattle had lower (P<0.05) seroprevalence for A. marginale and B. bigemina in the cool-dry and hot-wet seasons. Cattle in the sweet rangeland had significantly lower seroprevalence of B. bovis and B. bigemina in all the seasons. Infection with B. bovis and B. bigemina negatively affected (P<0.05) bodyweight and body condition scores whilst B. bovis and A. marginale infections significantly affected PCV. The seroprevalence of TBD was lower in the Nguni breed. More work is required to understand the mechanisms of the adaptation and possible resistance of Nguni cattle to TBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munyaradzi C Marufu
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa
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11
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Lopez M, Figueroa JV, Ramos JA, Mosqueda JJ, Rojas E, Vega CA, Alvarez JA. Infection and Seroconversion of Susceptible Animals Introduced into a Babesiosis Endemic Area. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008; 1149:131-5. [DOI: 10.1196/annals.1428.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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