Microscopic and molecular detection of Anaplasma and Theileria species in goats from Egypt, with the first report of the emerging zoonotic Anaplasma capra and Theileria orientalis

Résumé

Introduction Goats constitute a fundamental component of the livestock sector in Egypt, contributing to rural livelihoods, food security, and national income. However, their productivity is increasingly affected by tick-borne diseases. Despite their importance, data on tick-borne pathogens affecting goats in Egypt are still lacking. Anaplasmosis and theileriosis are among the most important tick-borne diseases, posing serious threats to animal health and economic stability. Methods This study investigated the microscopic and molecular detection of Anaplasma and Theileria species in goats from Upper Egypt. Initial screening was conducted by microscopic examination of stained blood smears to identify Anaplasma and Theileria infections. A total of 60 representative samples, comprising 30 samples for each pathogen, formed a subset based on the presence of high levels of intraerythrocytic infection observed in blood smears and were subjected to molecular analysis. PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene for Anaplasma spp. and the 18S rRNA gene for Theileria spp. was performed, followed by sequencing of a subset of representative samples showing the most specific and high-quality amplification products for genetic identification. Additionally, the association between pathogen detection frequency and risk factors was assessed. Results Interestingly, microscopic examination of blood smears from 210 goats revealed an overall detection rate of Anaplasma and Theileria species of 76.19% (160/210; 95% confidence Intervals [CI]: 70.43–81.95). Specifically, Anaplasma spp. were detected in 45.71% (96/210; 95% CI: 38.98–52.45) of samples, whereas Theileria spp. were detected in 30.48% (64/210; 95% CI: 24.25–36.70). Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Theileria orientalis and Anaplasma capra . Statistical analysis demonstrated significant associations between detection frequencies and age and sex. Adult goats (>2 years) showed significantly higher detection of Anaplasma spp. ( χ 2 = 7.26, p = 0.00742) and Theileria spp. ( χ 2 = 9.889, p = 0.0016) compared with younger goats. Likewise, female goats exhibited significantly higher detection of Anaplasma spp. ( χ 2 = 6.55, p = 0.01049) and Theileria spp. ( χ 2 = 6.519, p = 0.01067) compared with male goats. Conclusion Overall, this study provides the first molecular evidence of these pathogens in goats in Egypt, including detection of the emerging zoonotic pathogen Anaplasma capra . These findings highlight a potential risk to animal and public health and underscore the need for strengthened surveillance and targeted control strategies.

Citer ce document

Accès au document

Texte intégral en lecture en ligne, réservé aux abonnés SPHAERO et aux membres de l'institution. Se connecter

Auteur(s)

Statistiques

Consultations : 1

Téléchargements : 0