Abstract
Aim: Genus Anaplasma is of veterinary and public health importance, and its members utilize ruminants as key hosts in their epidemiology. To date, information about the occurrence and molecular identity of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and other Anaplasma species in Saudi Arabian goats is scarce. This study aimed to molecularly detect and characterize zoonotic A. phagocytophilum and other Anaplasma spp. in goats from Taif District, KSA. Materials and Methods: Blood samples collected from 67 goats were polymerase chain reaction tested using common and A. phagocytophilum-specific primers targeting 16S rRNA and msp4 genes, respectively. Amplicons of common reactions were purified, sequenced, and analyzed. Results: Six goats yielded positive results with common primers, whereas all animals proved negative for A. phagocytophilum. Analysis of the two successfully sequenced amplicons revealed the presence of a variant strain of Anaplasma ovis (99.52% ID) and a new Anaplasma organism, which was clustered with Anaplasma bovis (95.9% ID) and Aegyptianella pullorum (94.99% ID) and distinctly separated from all other recognized species of the genus Anaplasma. Conclusion: The tested goats proved negative for A. phagocytophilum; however, we could not confirm that the area is pathogen free. A variant strain of A. ovis and a putative novel Anaplasma spp. were reported raising the concern of veterinary and zoonotic potential. Other genes should be sequenced and analyzed for complete identification of the detected organisms.
Highlights
Anaplasmataceae (Rickettsiales) encompasses five recognized genera: Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Aegyptianella, Neorickettsia, and Wolbachia
Six goats yielded positive results with common primers, whereas all animals proved negative for A. phagocytophilum
Analysis of the two successfully sequenced amplicons revealed the presence of a variant strain of Anaplasma ovis (99.52% ID) and a new Anaplasma organism, which was clustered with Anaplasma bovis (95.9% ID) and Aegyptianella pullorum (94.99% ID) and distinctly separated from all other recognized species of the genus Anaplasma
Summary
Anaplasmataceae (Rickettsiales) encompasses five recognized genera: Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Aegyptianella, Neorickettsia, and Wolbachia. Organisms of this family are obligatory intracellular Gram-negative bacteria of veterinary and public health importance [1,2]. Anaplasma includes seven species: Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma bovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Anaplasma capra [3,4]. The cellular tropism, host range, vectors, and pathogenicity of these species are variables [1]. A. marginale, A. centrale, and A. ovis are closely related intraerythrocytic pathogens of ruminants [5,6,7]. A. marginale is known to be highly pathogenic in cattle and can result in considerable economic losses [8,9]
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