Diversity of haemoprotozoan parasites infecting the wildlife of South Africa

Harris, David J.; Halajian, Ali; Santos, Joana L.; Swanepoel, Lourens H.; Taylor, Peter J.; Xavier, Raquel

doi:10.14411/fp.2018.015

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…Currently, identification of Theileria parasites in wildlife relies largely on the amplification of full-length or partial 18S rRNA genes and DNA sequence analysis. 47,63,103,128,136,167,184,192 Sequence analyses of nuclear 103 S5 and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 genes 146 have been used to distinguish Theileria spp . from closely related to T. parva but have not been widely applied to other members of the genus.…”

Section: Taxonomymentioning

confidence: 99%

The Pathology of Pathogenic Theileriosis in African Wild Artiodactyls

et al. 2019

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The published literature on schizont-“transforming,” or pathogenic theileriosis, in African wild artiodactyls is dated and based on limited information. Here the authors review the taxonomy, diagnosis, epidemiology, hematology, pathology, and aspects of control in various species. Molecular studies based on 18S and 16S rRNA gene sequences have shown that African wild artiodactyls are commonly infected with diverse Theileria spp., as well as nontheilerial hemoprotozoa and rickettsia-like bacteria, and coinfections with pathogenic and nonpathogenic Theileria species are often recorded. Although theileriosis is still confusingly referred to as cytauxzoonosis in many species, the validity of a separate Cytauxzoon genus in artiodactyls is debated. The epidemiology of theileriosis is complex; the likelihood of fatal disease depends on the interplay of parasite, vertebrate host, tick vector, and environmental factors. Roan calves ( Hippotragus equinus) and stressed animals of all host species are more susceptible to fatal theileriosis. Even though regenerative anemia is common, peripheral blood piroplasm parasitemia does not correlate with disease severity. Other than anemia, common macroscopic lesions include icterus, hemorrhages (mucosal, serosal, and tissue), fluid effusions into body cavities, lung edema, and variably sized raised cream-colored foci of leukocyte infiltration in multiple organs. Histopathologic findings include vasocentric hyperproliferation and lysis of atypical leukocytes with associated intracellular schizonts, parenchymal necrosis, hemorrhage, thromboembolism, and edema. Immunophenotyping is required to establish the identity of the schizont-transformed leukocytes in wild ungulates. Throughout the review, we propose avenues for future research by comparing existing knowledge on selected aspects of theileriosis in domestic livestock with that in African wild artiodactyls.

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Section: Taxonomymentioning

confidence: 99%

The Pathology of Pathogenic Theileriosis in African Wild Artiodactyls

et al. 2019

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“…Whether different genetic forms of Hepatozoon in felids have different pathological effects remains unknown, although a fatal infection with H. silvestris has recently been reported in a domestic cat (Kegler et al 2018). Furthermore, ‘ H. felis -like’ genetic lineages were recently identified in a genet, Genetta genetta (Harris et al 2017), and a white-tailed mongoose, Ichneumia albicauda (Harris et al 2018), both from South Africa, increasing the number of mammalian families known to be potentially infected. Adding to the already complex taxonomy, Hepatozoon apri was recently described from wild boars in Japan, with haplotypes appearing to be more closely related to H. felis than H. silvestris (Yamamoto et al 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic diversity of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa) from domestic cats in South Africa, with a global reassessment of Hepatozoon felis diversity

Harris

Halajian

Santos

et al. 2019

J. S. Afr. Vet. Assoc.

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Genetic diversity within partial 18S rRNA sequences from Hepatozoon protozoan parasites from domestic cats in South Africa was assessed and compared against published data to assess global biogeographic patterns. Multiple distinct haplotypes of Hepatozoon felis were identified, as well as an unrelated Hepatozoon lineage. Hepatozoon felis genetic diversity globally is very high, indicating a likely complex of species. The recently described Hepatozoon apri from wild boars is closely related to some lineages of H. felis. Sarcocystis and Babesia parasites were also detected. Since Hepatozoon felis is apparently a species complex, potential differences between genetically distinct forms need to be assessed. The finding of an unrelated Hepatozoon indicates that felids can be infected by more species of Hepatozoon than currently known, and that trophic interactions may increase the number of Hepatozoon species found in carnivores. Genetic screening again is demonstrated to identify previously unrecognised parasites from vertebrate hosts.

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“…Rhipicephalus simus was the only species of Rhipicephalus from which we found Rickettsia. We detected R. massiliae and Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, which have both been previously described in R. simus [26,72], as well as two undescribed genotypes of Rickettsia sp. Though a known vector, we did not detect Rickettsia conorii in any of our R. simus [73].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 58%

Survey of Ticks and Tick-Borne Rickettsial and Protozoan Pathogens in Eswatini

Ledger

Béati

2021

Pathogens

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Ticks are widespread parasites of vertebrates and major vectors of pathogens to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. In southern Africa, numerous tick species transmit diseases of economic and health importance. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in multiple land-use types and the possible role of ticks in the transmission of pathogen species. Using molecular techniques, we screened 1716 ticks for infection by rickettsial bacteria and protozoans. To characterize pathogen identity, we sequenced multiple loci from positive samples and analyzed sequences within a phylogenetic framework. Across the seven tick species collected as nymphs or adults, we detected Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Hepatozoon, and Theileira species. We found that some tick species and tick-borne pathogens differed according to land use. For example, we found a higher density of Haemaphysalis elliptica and higher prevalence of Rickettsia in H. elliptica collected from savanna grasses used for livestock grazing near human settlements than savanna grasses in conservation areas. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive surveillance to achieve a full understanding of the diversity and ecology of the tick-borne pathogens that can infect humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.

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Diversity of haemoprotozoan parasites infecting the wildlife of South Africa

Cited by 8 publications

References 34 publications

The Pathology of Pathogenic Theileriosis in African Wild Artiodactyls

The Pathology of Pathogenic Theileriosis in African Wild Artiodactyls

Genetic diversity of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa) from domestic cats in South Africa, with a global reassessment of Hepatozoon felis diversity

Survey of Ticks and Tick-Borne Rickettsial and Protozoan Pathogens in Eswatini

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