A preliminary Study of Malaria infection (Plasmodium spp.) in Iraqi Livestock

Abstract

Malaria in livestock (cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goat) was detected and diagnosed in Mosul, Iraq. A total of forty infected animals of local breeds, from different ages and both sexes, showed Plasmodium parasites in their blood smears. Ten animals of each species were selected. All animals were clinically examined. The identification of Plasmodium parasites was done by microscopy and PCR assay. Fever, pale mucous membranes, lymphadenitis, jaundice, and recumbences are more common clinical signs were associated with malaria infection in livestock. Trophozoites, schizonts, and gametocytes appeared morphologically resemble those of Plasmodium spp. of humans. Sporozoites, Oocyte, and Ookinets were observed in stained blood smears of some cows, sheep, and goats. A high degree of parasitemia and erythrocytes infected with two or more trophozoites were seen. Trophozoites were seen more visible in the peripheral blood smears stained with the direct Acridine Orange and wet mount preparations in comparison to the traditional Giemsa, and Leishman stains method. The presence of hemozoin crystals was diagnostic of malaria parasites. Plasmodium DNA was detected from all samples. We need further studies to genotype Plasmodium spp. in livestock and to understand the prevalence of malaria parasites in animals of Iraq.