Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon sp. and Babesia sp. isolated from endangered Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica)

Abstract

Hemoparasitic infections are frequently encountered in wild carnivores. Although, mostly, the infections are typically asymptomatic, they can be pathogenic under certain circumstances, viz. concurrent disease and stress due to captivity, habitat degradation, adverse climatic conditions or immunosuppression. The present study was undertaken to genotype Babesia sp. and Hepatozoon sp. isolated from lions of Lion Safari, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India and establishing phylogenetic relationship based on 18S rRNA sequence with other isolates around the globe. Blood samples of five Asiatic lions, received in the Clinical and Wildlife Parasitology Laboratory, Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, were screened microscopically for any haemoparasitic infection. Out of five, one sample was positive for Hepatozoon sp. and another sample was positive for Babesia sp. Polymerase chain reaction of 18S rRNA with genomic DNA amplified 1775 bp and 1665 bp segments for Hepatozoon sp. and Babesia sp., respectively. Sequencing of PCR amplicon and BLAST analysis indicated that Hepatozoon spp. in Asiatic lion was 99% similar to Hepatozoon felis isolate of Spain and Babesia spp. like organism was 95% similar to Babesia canis 18S ribosomal RNA gene of Israeli cat and Babesia canis canis of domestic dogs. Based on the literature available in public domain and the findings of present study, it can be concluded that these haemoprotozoa are not restricted to their respective hosts, and more than one genotype can be found in the same habitat. Cryptic babesiosis and hepatozoonosis can flare up in immuno-compromised animals and may result into fatal consequences in endangered Asiatic lion.