Seroprevalence and risk factors of tropical theileriosis in smallholder asymptomatic large ruminants in Egypt

Abstract

Knowledge of the prevalence and epidemiological determinants of tropical theileriosis in large ruminants, particularly in the asymptomatic carrier, is crucial for designing and implementing effective host-specific control measures. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of tropical theileriosis in asymptomatic cattle and water buffaloes and identify the potential risk factors of theileriosis in large ruminants raised under smallholder-production system in Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five districts of the Sharkia governorate from March 2019 to February 2020. In total, 350 serum samples were collected from cattle and water buffaloes under smallholder-production system and tested for Theileria annulata antibodies using the indirect antibody fluorescence test (IFAT). Data on species, host characteristics, presence of ticks, season, and districts were collected at sampling using a questionnaire. A multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model was built to determine the potential risk factors associated with T. annulate seropositivity of the animals. The overall apparent seroprevalence of T. annulata in 350 tested animals was 70%. In the univariable analyses, cattle compared to buffaloes, younger animals compared to older ones, animals with ticks on their bodies, and warmer seasons were all associated with a higher likelihood of seropositive results in the study population while sex of the animals was not associated with seropositivity. The final multivariable model showed that animals with ticks on their bodies had 3.5× higher odds of seropositivity than those with no ticks (P < 0.001), and warmer seasons were associated with the higher odds of infection compared to winter (P = 0.003). The high seroprevalence of tropical theileriosis in the study region indicates that the disease is endemic among smallholders of large ruminants. The identified risk factors of T. annulata-seropositivity in asymptomatic carrier animals provides evidence-based guidance for adopting effective intervention measures.

Diverse Techniques in Detecting the Tropical Theileriosis Among Cattle in Blue Nile State, Sudan

“…According to this study, heifers and steers from two to four years old had more T. annulata antibodies than animals of other ages. This result is consistent with previous authors' findings that the age of the host may be a potential risk factor for tropical theileriosis (Abaker et al 2017;Ullah et al 2021;El Damaty et al 2022). The dominance of endemic stability in Sudan could possibly emphasize why tropical theileriosis highly affected heifers and to some extend calves (Gharbi et al 2022).…”

Molecular Prevalence of Theileriosis in Calf at Babylon, Iraq

“…Geographically, it is also known as Mediterranean Theileriosis. Tropical bovine theileriosis, which has a major negative impact on animal productivity, especially in developing countries, poses a threat to about 250 million cattle (El-Damaty et al, 2022).…”

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

“…Based on its geographical location, it is also called Mediterranean Theileriosis. Tropical Bovine Teileriosis threatens about 250 million cattle worldwide, having a very important negative impact on animal production, especially in developing countries [1]. Thus, this Pathogens 2023, 12, 669 2 of 13 disease promotes increased mortality rates on the farm, reduces production and limits the development programs of different breeds [2,3].…”