Multiple vector-borne pathogens of domestic animals in Egypt

Abstract

Vector Borne Diseases (VBDs) are considered emerging and re-emerging diseases that represent a global burden. The aim of this study was to explore and characterize vector-borne pathogens in different domestic animal hosts in Egypt. A total of 557 blood samples were collected from different animals using a convenience sampling strategy (203 dogs, 149 camels, 88 cattle, 26 buffaloes, 58 sheep and 33 goats). All samples were tested for multiple pathogens using quantitative PCR and standard PCR coupled with sequencing. We identified Theileria annulata and Babesia bigemina in cattle (15.9 and 1.1%, respectively), T. ovis in sheep and buffaloes (8.6 and 7.7%, respectively) and Ba. canis in dogs (0.5%) as well as Anaplasma marginale in cattle, sheep and camels (20.4, 3.4 and 0.7%, respectively) and Coxiella burnetii in sheep and goats (1.7 and 3%; respectively). New genotypes of An. centrale, An. ovis, An. platys-like and Borrelia theileri were found in cattle (1.1,3.4, 3.4 and 3.4%, respectively), An. platys-like in buffaloes (7.7%), An. marginale, An. ovis, An. platys-like and Bo. theileri in sheep (3.4, 1.7, 1.7 and 3.4%, respectively), An. platys, An. platys-like and Setaria digitata in camels (0.7, 5.4 and 0.7%, respectively) and Rickettsia africae-like, An. platys, Dirofilaria repens and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in dogs (1.5, 3.4, 1 and 0.5%, respectively). Co-infections were found in cattle, sheep and dogs (5.7, 1.7, 0.5%, respectively). For the first time, we have demonstrated the presence of several vector-borne zoonoses in the blood of domestic animals in Egypt. Dogs and ruminants seem to play a significant role in the epidemiological cycle of VBDs.

Molecular Epidemiological Investigation of Piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae Bacteria in Egyptian Domestic Animals and Associated Ticks

“…Since 1966, many studies have stated the endemicity of piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis in several provinces in Egypt [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. In accordance with our results, piroplasms ( T. annulata and B. bigemina ) in cattle were recorded in Al-Faiyum, Al-Beheira, Al-Giza, and Beni-Suef [ 4 , 22 , 27 , 30 ]. To our knowledge, piroplasmosis was detected for the first time among two cows in Matruh.…”

“…By contrast, other studies have reported piroplasms in cattle from Al-Minufia [ 22 , 27 , 31 ]. In addition, piroplasmosis was detected in other provinces such as Gharbia [ 32 ], Port Said [ 33 ], Dakahlia [ 24 ], El-Wady El-Geded [ 3 , 4 ], Assiut and Kharga [ 34 ], and Qena [ 4 ]. Globally, theileriosis and babesiosis were detected in animals from different countries such as Pakistan [ 8 ], Brazil [ 9 ], Malaysia [ 10 ], and Mozambique [ 11 ].…”

“…They cause piroplasmosis (theileriosis and babesiosis) in Vertebrata and are hence medically and economically significant [ 2 ]. In Egypt, the most frequent TBDs are bovine theileriosis caused by Theileria annulata and bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia bovis and/or Babesia bigemina [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]. Members of the genus Theileria cause bovine theileriosis by acting as compulsory intercellular parasites, attacking both red and white blood cells of the hosts with their sporozoites, and reversible transformation to an uncontrolled proliferative state by the schizont stage, resulting in anemia, fever, leucopenia, and lymphoproliferative disease.…”

“…Affected animals remain carriers for the rest of their lives. Anaplasmosis causes significant economic losses in developing countries owing to its endemic nature [ 4 , 12 ]. The main signs of bovine anaplasmosis are quite varied, ranging from subclinical chronic infections to severe instances accompanied by fever, hemolytic anemia, abortions, productivity losses, and mortality [ 12 , 13 ].…”

“…The main signs of bovine anaplasmosis are quite varied, ranging from subclinical chronic infections to severe instances accompanied by fever, hemolytic anemia, abortions, productivity losses, and mortality [ 12 , 13 ]. Bovine anaplasmosis, which affects various animals, is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas [ 4 , 8 , 14 , 15 ].…”