Bovine piroplasmosis‐anaplasmosis and clinical signs of tropical theileriosis in the plains of Djurdjura (north Algeria)

Abstract

The study was conducted during tick activity season over a period of 5 years in the Djurdjura Plains, Algeria. A total of 299 cattle (Holstein, Montbeliard, Fleckvieh and crossbred animals) with clinical signs were included in this study. A total of 171 animals were found positive for at least one pathogen by Giemsa‐stained blood smears examination Theileria annulata (136/299, 45.5%), Babesia bovis (14/299, 4.7%), B. bigemina (3/299, 1.0%) and Anaplasma marginale (12/299, 4.0%) were identified. Six animals were co‐infected by T. annulata and A. marginale. Although no ticks were collected from diseased animals, clinical signs in cattle were hyperthermia (120/136, 88.3%), gluttony followed by anorexia (113/136, 83.1%), lymph node enlargement (99/136, 72.8%), anaemia (82/136, 60.3%), icterus (58/136, 42.6%) and haemoglobinuria (36/136, 26.5%). Gluttony followed by anorexia was considered highly suggestive of an incubation of tropical theileriosis as shown by a higher receptivity index (IR = 0.89–1). This clinical sign is evident in young Montbeliard and young Holstein males with anaemia (IR = 1) and icterus (IR = 0.78–0.81) which is earlier than haemoglobinuria (IR = 0.51–0.54). The incidence of T. annulata was maximum in July (n = 57), as well as B. bovis (n = 6) and A. marginale (n = 13). These results highlight the preponderance of tropical theileriosis in north‐central Algeria, where gluttony followed by anorexia is probably a prodromal symptom during the incubation period of the disease.

A Case Study of Photosensitivity Associated with Anaplasma spp. Infection in Cattle

“…A. marginale was located at the edge of the erythrocyte, while A. centrale was more central. A cow is considered infected when one or more intraerythrocytic inclusions are observed [ 11 ].…”

“…The absence of serum biochemical evidence for cholestasis or liver damage is used to differentiate primary from secondary (hepatogenous) photosensitization [ 11 ]. Hepatogenous photosensitization always accompanies cholestasis lasting more than a few days in cattle that are kept in sunlight and have eaten green feed [ 29 ].…”

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Theileria annulata Infection in Two Bovine Portuguese Autochthonous Breeds

“…Moreover, the oldest male is 4 years and 7 months old while the oldest female is 14 years and 2 months old. On the other hand, there are already some studies indicating a higher prevalence of females positive for piroplamosis, compared to males [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. This may be the result of increased hormonal stress associated with childbirth and milk production [ 42 , 43 ].…”

Distribution Patterns of Insect Pollinator Assemblages at Deva Vatala National Park, Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

“…Ali et al (2013) examined 50% of ticks to be positive for theileriosis and 20% cattle population with T. annulata infection in Pakistan. Diagnostic techniques mostly employed have been conventional techniques, such as stained blood smear microscopy, serology, or simple PCR (Ziam et al, 2020). However, there were problems with sensitivity, specificity, and reliability with these diagnostic techniques.…”