Bovis In Cattle Research Articles

First Report of Trypanosoma vivax (Duttonella), Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina DNA in Cattle from the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, and Its Relationship with Anaplasma marginale.

Bovine trypanosomoses, caused by Trypanosoma vivax, is a disease present in African and South American countries. This haemoflagellate protozoan parasite, as well as Anaplasma marginale and Babesia spp., are microorganisms that have a blood tropism, mainly causing fever and anaemia, which reduces the productive capacity of dairy or meat farms. This study aimed to detect T. vivax and other blood parasites in bovine herds in the Galapagos Islands. A total of 170 blood samples from bovines in 19 farms on Santa Cruz Island (the most populated) were collected and analyzed using different PCR techniques: Da-PCR and CatL-PCR to detect Trypanosoma vivax, CatL-PCR to detect Trypanosoma theileri, ESAG-PCR to detect Trypanosoma evansi, 18S rRNA-PCR to detect Babesia spp., rap-1-PCR to detect Babesia bovis, hyp-PCR to detect Babesia bigemina, and msp5-PCR to detect A. marginale. The prevalence of T. vivax, B. bovis, B. bigemina, and A. marginale was estimated as 14.7%, 11.2%, 14.7%, and 67.1%, respectively. In this study, the presence of four haemotropic agents was evidenced in 26.3% (5/19) of the farms. Coinfected cattle (A. marginale, B. bovis and B. bigemina) had significantly higher body temperatures compared to others (two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test; p-value = 0.047). The molecular techniques used in this study demonstrated the presence of T. vivax and B. bovis in cattle from Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos for the first time. The study also investigates the relationship between T. vivax, A. marginale and Babesia spp., making a significant contribution to the field of veterinary medicine.

Development of polymerase chain reaction-lateral flow dipstick assay for detection of Mycoplasma bovis in cattle

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is capable of causing a range of diseases in cattle, encompassing calf pneumonia, arthritis, conjunctivitis, meningitis, and mastitis. It is widely recognized as one of the predominant pathogens posing a significant threat to the global cattle industry. Therefore, accurate and sensitive methods are urgently needed to detect M. bovis. This study aims to detect M. bovis by combining colloidal gold with biotin-labeled oligonucleotides to improve detection sensitivity and form a chromogenic detection probe based on signal amplification technology. Here, we developed a sensitive and specific polymerase chain reaction-lateral flow dipstick assay (PCR-LFD) strip for efficient nucleic acid detection of M. bovis. A pair of specific primers with 5’ ends labeled with biotin and digoxigenin probes was designed for PCR experiments. Colloidal gold particles-labeled anti-digoxigenin IgG coated gold-labeled test strip was prepared, streptavidin was used as the detection probe, and nitrocellulose membrane coated goat anti-mouse IgG was used as the control line. Our results showed that the detection limit of the PCR-LFD was 89 fg/µL for the M. bovis DNA. The results from the test strip were highly consistent with those from real-time qPCR. This assay were highly specific for M. bovis, as there were no cross-reactions with other microorganisms tested and the detection sensitivity of the test was also relatively high (97.67%). The novel strips present a promising tool for the cost-effective and sensitive diagnosis of M. bovis.

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Mycoplasma bovis in cattle in Nineveh governorate, Iraq

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Mycoplasma bovis in cattle in Nineveh governorate, Iraq

A risk management framework for Taenia saginata eggs in recycled water to minimise the risk of Cysticercus bovis in cattle

To use water recycled from sewage (recycled water), the helminth egg from T. saginata requires management to minimise the risk of causing Cysticercus bovis (CB) in cattle when the egg is ingested. Recent advances in the risk management of helminth eggs in recycled water have allowed a risk management approach to be developed by the cattle production sector and low risk recycled water defined (i.e. fit for the purpose of cattle production). The approach described here connects the risk-based management systems from the recycled water, cattle production and processing sectors. The recent literature was also reviewed to update methods for achieving the required LRV to provide low risk recycled water. The connection between the two sectors allows improvements and cost savings for both sectors by providing a rational quantitative approach to CB management in cattle where recycled water is used.

First molecular phylogeny of Bartonella bovis in Iraqi cattle

Background: Bartonella bovis is one of the most neglected fastidious intracellular bacterial pathogens which infect a wide range of wild and domestic animals, including cattle. Aim: Detection of the prevalence of B. bovis in cattle using molecular assay, identification of the relationship of infection to animal risk factors (age and sex), and sequencing of B. bovis isolates to be analysed phylogenetically and reported in the National Centre For Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Methods: A total of 290 cattle were selected randomly from different rural areas in Wasit province during September to December (2023), and subjected to collecting venous blood samples that were tested molecularly by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the MEGA 7 Software. Results: Targeting the 16S rRNA gene, 7.24% of the study cattle tested positive for B. bovis. In terms of age, positivity rates, Odds Ratios (OR), and Relative Risks (RR) were significantly higher in cattle older than 7 years compared to other age groups: under 1 year, 1-3 years, and 3-7 years. Regarding sex, there was no significant variation in positive rates between females (7.48%) and males (5.56%); however, the OR and RR values indicated that females (1.376 and 1.345, respectively) were at a higher risk of B. bovis infection than males (0.727 and 0.743, respectively). Phylogenetic tree analysis of five local B. bovis isolates demonstrated their identity with the France strain/isolate at total genetic identity ranging from 99.64-99.98%. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this study represents the first molecular identification of the prevalence rate of B. bovis in cattle in Iraq using PCR assay and confirms phylogenetically the local B. bovis isolates in NCBI-BLAST. Therefore, additional information about the prevalence, genetic diversity in domestic and wild animals, and arthropod vectors is crucial for developing strategies for the prevention and control of B. bovis infections.

Highlighting on Mycobacterium Bovis in cattle, focusing on its antimicrobial resistance

Highlighting on Mycobacterium Bovis in cattle, focusing on its antimicrobial resistance

Serological, Morphological and Molecular Diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis in Cattle at Sulaimani Province of Iraq

Background:Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) causes bovine tuberculosis (BTB), is an endemic disease in cattle and poses a high risk of spreading to humans.Objective:This study aimed to determine M. bovis in cattle and assess the similarities between cattle and humans through molecular methods and histopathological examinations.Methodology:Randomly, blood samples from 411 healthy appearance cows (1% of the target population) in five districts in Sulaimani province, Iraq, were collected from January to March 2022. Sera were obtained immediately and used for ELISA test to determine M. bovis. Additionally, the disease prevalence was confirmed by gross lesions at the slaughterhouse and histopathological examination of collected lymph nodes. Moreover, a PCR assay was used to detect M. bovis in suspected cow samples and previously diagnosed human samples. Gene sequencing and phylogenetic tree analysis were also done to determine the molecular differences between animal and human M. bovis.Results:Using an ELISA test, 46 (11.11%) of 414 samples were positive, while 368 (88.89%) were negative without significant differences between the districts (p>0.05). According to postmortem lesions at the slaughterhouse, only three cows were infected with TB, and typical gross lesions were calcified necrotic and multiple well-demarcated granulomas. The molecular test using two primers (CSB2 and oxyR gene) revealed that M. bovis was found in animal and human extra-pulmonary lymph nodes with no molecular change.Conclusion:Healthy cows harbored M. bovis, the causative agent of a contagious disease that spreads and causes a persistent health problem in humans.

Zoonotic tuberculosis in a high bovine tuberculosis burden area of Ethiopia.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of ill health and one of the leading causes of death worldwide, caused by species of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), with Mycobacterium tuberculosis being the dominant pathogen in humans and Mycobacterium bovis in cattle. Zoonotic transmission of TB (zTB) to humans is frequent particularly where TB prevalence is high in cattle. In this study, we explored the prevalence of zTB in central Ethiopia, an area highly affected by bovine TB (bTB) in cattle. A convenient sample of 385 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB, N = 287) and tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLN, N = 98) were included in this cross-sectional study in central Ethiopia. Sputum and fine needle aspirate (FNA) samples were obtained from patients with PTB and TBLN, respectively, and cultures were performed using BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960. All culture positive samples were subjected to quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, targeting IS1081, RD9 and RD4 genomic regions for detection of MTBC, M. tuberculosis and M. bovis, respectively. Two hundred and fifty-five out of 385 sampled patients were culture positive and all were isolates identified as MTBC by being positive for the IS1081 assay. Among them, 249 (97.6%) samples had also a positive RD9 result (intact RD9 locus) and were consequently classified as M. tuberculosis. The remaining six (2.4%) isolates were RD4 deficient and thereby classified as M. bovis. Five out of these six M. bovis strains originated from PTB patients whereas one was isolated from a TBLN patient. Occupational risk and the widespread consumption of raw animal products were identified as potential sources of M. bovis infection in humans, and the isolation of M. bovis from PTB patients suggests the possibility of human-to-human transmission, particularly in patients with no known contact history with animals. The detected proportion of culture positive cases of 2.4% being M. bovis from this region was higher zTB rate than previously reported for the general population of Ethiopia. Patients with M. bovis infection are more likely to get less efficient TB treatment because M. bovis is inherently resistant to pyrazinamide. MTBC species identification should be performed where M. bovis is common in cattle, especially in patients who have a history of recurrence or treatment failure.

Analysis of a multi-type resurgence of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle and badgers in Southwest France, 2007-2019

Although control measures to tackle bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle have been successful in many parts of Europe, this disease has not been eradicated in areas where Mycobacterium bovis circulates in multi-host systems. Here we analyzed the resurgence of 11 M. bovis genotypes (defined based on spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR) detected in 141 farms between 2007 and 2019, in an area of Southwestern France where wildlife infection was also detected from 2012 in 65 badgers. We used a spatially-explicit model to reconstruct the simultaneous diffusion of the 11 genotypes in cattle farms and badger populations. Effective reproduction number R was estimated to be 1.34 in 2007–2011 indicating a self-sustained M. bovis transmission by a maintenance community although within-species Rs were both < 1, indicating that neither cattle nor badger populations acted as separate reservoir hosts. From 2012, control measures were implemented, and we observed a decrease of R below 1. Spatial contrasts of the basic reproduction ratio suggested that local field conditions may favor (or penalize) local spread of bTB upon introduction into a new farm. Calculation of generation time distributions showed that the spread of M. bovis has been more rapid from cattle farms (0.5–0.7 year) than from badger groups (1.3–2.4 years). Although eradication of bTB appears possible in the study area (since R < 1), the model suggests it is a long-term prospect, because of the prolonged persistence of infection in badger groups (2.9–5.7 years). Supplementary tools and efforts to better control bTB infection in badgers (including vaccination for instance) appear necessary.

Bovine Cysticercosis: Prevalence and Viability in Cattle Slaughtered at Shone Municipal Abattoir, Southern Ethiopia

In order to ascertain the presence and survivability of Cysticercus bovis in cattle butchered at Shone Municipal Abattoir from August 2020 to May 2021, a cross-sectional study, a straightforward random sample approach was carried out. 28 (7.29%) of the 384 carefully chosen killed cattle tested positive for Cysticercus bovis. There were 126 cysts removed in all, of which 76 (or 60.32%) were still alive and the other 50 (or 39.68%) were degenerated. The anatomical distribution of cysticercosis was found to be in the liver, heart, shoulder muscle, tongue, masseter muscle, and lung in sequence, arranged in the order of the host of the cyst. The statistical analysis of infection rates based on animal source and sex did not show any significant difference (p &gt; 0.05), but there was a significant age difference (p 0.05). In conclusion, bovine cysticercosis requires attention to safeguard public health and promote beef in the country. Therefore, effective control measures are necessary to prevent the spread of bovine cysticercosis and protect both animal and human health.

Bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis at a livestock-wildlife interface in Zimbabwe: A nexus for amplification of a zoonosis or a myth?

Bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis are important zoonoses affecting both livestock and wildlife. The study aimed to investigate seroprevalence of brucellosis and to isolate Brucella spp. and Mycobacterium bovis in cattle from livestock-wildlife interface areas. Three sites were selected from high, medium and low interface. The high interface was adjacent to the park and separated by a broken fence, while the medium and low interface were 15-20 and 50km from the perimeter fence, respectively. Cattle aged ≥2 years were randomly selected and bled for serology. Culture for brucellae and Mycobacterium species was attempted on lymph nodes collected at the slaughter floor. Sera were screened for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal test and confirmed by the Complement fixation test. Data were analysed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Overall, seroprevalence was 11.7% (125/1068; 95% CI: 9.8-13.6%). High interface areas recorded significantly higher (p < 0.05) seroprevalence of 20.9% (85/406; 95% CI: 17.0-24.9%), compared to low 8.9% (31/350; 95% CI: 5.9-11.8%) and medium interface 2.9% (9/312; 95% CI: 1.0-4.8%). Brucella seropositivity was approximately three times higher (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 2.1-5.3) for Malipati compared to Chiredzi. Similarly, the odds were twice (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2-3.5) in cows with history of abortion compared to those without. Brucella and Mycobacterium species were not isolated from all samples. The study highlighted the significance of high interface as a nexus for amplification of brucellosis in cattle. Thus, a brucellosis control programme that takes into consideration limiting livestock-wildlife interaction should be considered.

Diagnostic Accuracy of an Indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (iELISA) for Screening of Babesia bovis in Cattle from West Africa.

The epidemiology of corresponding tick-borne diseases has changed as a result of the recent introduction of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus to West Africa. The current study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of an indirect ELISA for the detection of Babesia bovis infection in cattle. In a cross-section study, using a Bayesian Latent Class Model and iELISA diagnostic test for cattle babesiosis due to Babesia bovis, accuracy has been assessed with RT-PCR as an imperfect reference test. A total of 766 cattle were tested. The optimal diagnostic performances were obtained with 5% percentage of positivity. Sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 0.94 [Cr. I.: 0.85-0.99] and 0.89 [Cr. I.: 0.87-0.92]. Additional diagnostic characteristics revealed that the Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) were 96.6% [Cr. I.: 92.7-100%] and 82.2% [Cr. I.: 72-93%]. Overall, this test well discriminates an infected status from an uninfected status considering the area under the ROC curve (AUC) which was 0.78 [Cr. I: 0.72-0.85] and a Diagnostic Odds Ratio (DOR) of 127.8 [Cr. I.: 10.43-1562.27]. The AUC was significantly higher than 0.5 (p &lt; 10-5). In consequence, this serologic assay could be suitable in moderate to high prevalence assessments.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Cysticercosis bovis in Bishoftu Municipal Abattoir, Central Ethiopia.

Cysticercus bovis has zoonotic implications with economic losses from organ contamination and treatment costs. In developing countries such as Ethiopia, where hygienic standards are low and residents customarily eat raw or undercooked meat, the disease is prevalent. A cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2021 to June 2022 to determine the prevalence of Cysticercus bovis in cattle slaughtered at the Bishoftu municipal abattoir, in central Ethiopia. Study populations for the active abattoir survey were cattle presented to the abattoir for slaughtering and routine meat inspection conditions. The organ namely the tongue, masseter muscle, liver, and triceps muscle were inspected for the presence of C. bovis. From a total of 330 cattle, 14 were found to be positive for C. bovis, with an overall prevalence of 4.24%. Based on the origin of the animals, the highest prevalence was recorded at Adama (7.27%), followed by Bishoftu (5.45%), Mojo (5.45%), Borana (3.63%), Dukem (3.63%), and Kaliti (0.00%). Similarly, out of 111 adults and 219 old-aged cattle slaughtered and examined at the abattoir, 4.5%, and 4.11% were positive for C. bovis, respectively. Among tested independent variables, sex, body condition score, age, and origin of animals had no relationships with the prevalence of C. bovis. From the detected organ, the tongue ranks first for the highest number of cysts, followed by the masseter muscle, liver, and triceps muscle, with total cysts of 6, 4, 3, and 1, respectively. C. bovis is a prevalent zoonotic parasite disease that causes carcass condemnation; an enhanced understanding of the health consequences of teniasis is required to protect the community.

Genomic analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis variant bovis strains isolated from bovine in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

The species Mycobacterium tuberculosis variant bovis (M. tuberculosis var. bovis) is associated with tuberculosis, mainly in cattle and buffaloes. This pathogen has the potential to infect other mammals, including humans. Tuberculosis caused by M. tuberculosis var. bovis is a zoonosis clinically identical to tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the recommended treatment in humans results in the use of antibiotics. In this study, we used the whole genome sequencing (WGS) methodology Illumina NovaSeq 6000 System platform to characterize the genome of M. tuberculosis var. bovis in cattle circulating in Mato Grosso, identify mutations related to drug resistance genes, compare with other strains of M. tuberculosis var. bovis brazilian and assess potential drug resistance. Four isolates of M. tuberculosis var. bovis of cattle origin representing the main livestock circuits, which had been more prevalent in previous studies in the state of Mato Grosso, were selected for the genomic study. The genome sizes of the sequenced strains ranged from 4,306,423 to 4,332,964 bp, and the GC content was 65.6%. The four strains from Mato Grosso presented resistance genes to pncA (pyrazinamide), characterized as drug-resistant strains. In addition to verifying several point mutations in the pncA, rpsA, rpsL, gid, rpoB, katG, gyrB, gyrA, tlyA, embA, embB, embC, fgd, fbiB, and fbiC genes, these genes were similar to antibiotic resistance in more than 92% of the Brazilian strains. Therefore, our results indicated a high genetic diversity between our isolates and other M. tuberculosis var. bovis isolated in Brazil. Thus, multiple transmission routes of this pathogen may be present in the production chain. So, to achieve a bovine tuberculosis-free health status, the use of the WGS as a control and monitoring tool will be crucial to determine these transmission routes.

Molecular epidemiology and characterization of Babesia bovis in cattle of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.

Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease found globally but most prominent in tropical and subtropical regions. It is responsible for huge mortality and morbidity, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. The current study was designed to determine the molecular epidemiology and characterization of Babesia bovis (B. bovis) infection in cattle populations of districts Mardan, Kohat and Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan. A total of 434 tick-infested animals were sampled. Blood samples were collected, processed and then examined initially by microscopy for the presence of Babesia and were later confirmed through PCR by targeting cytochrome b gene, and the PCR products were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of sequenced isolates of the current study showed close sequence similarity with the reported strain of China. A non-significant association (p > 0.05) was observed between the prevalence of infections and risk factors. The overall prevalence of infection in all three districts was 10.11%. In district Swat (12.61%), the prevalence was recorded as the highest for B. bovis infection followed by district Mardan (10.60%) and district Kohat (06.90%). The Friesian breed of cattle, females and adult animals were highly susceptible to B. bovis infection. The prevalence of infection was recorded highest during the summer season and lowest during the winter season. This study concludes that B. bovis infection is prevalent in three studied districts of KP province and the sequenced isolates of the current study showed close sequence similarity with the reported strain of China.

Bacteriological and Molecular studies on Mycobacterium Bovis in Cattle, with Special Reference to its Antimicrobial Resistance

In current study a total of 153 tuberculous lesion samples collected from cattle after PM examination (69 from El-Menufia, 47 from El-Sharkia and 37 from El-Qaliobia governorates) were subjected to bacteriological examination. Eighty-three samples showed the AF bacilli in direct smears stained by ZN stain at a percentage of 54.2% while by the culture method, M. bovis was isolated from 100 (65.4%) samples. Sixty-five isolates, confirmed to be M. bovis by conventional PCR targeting Mpb70, were tested for the sensitivity to anti-tuberculous drugs and 25 isolates showed resistance to at least one tested drug. The overall resistance to EMB was 3.1% and resistance to STR, INH and RIF were 20, 30.8 and 32.3% respectively. MDR was detected in 14 (21.5%) isolates. For DNA sequencing, PCR targeting rpoB gene, conferring rifampicin resistance, was performed on selected 6 isolates and identified three mutations designated as H526Y (4/6), S531L (1/6) and D516V (1/6) and the sequences were submitted to the NCBI GenBank with the accession numbers (OM448574, OM448575, OM448576, OM448577, OM448578 and OM448579). The obtained results are epidemiologically significant and augment the necessity of further investigation on ante-mortem identification of M. bovis infection in cattle to minimize public risk.

Molecular survey of Babesia parasites in Kenya: first detailed report on occurrence of Babesia bovis in cattle

BackgroundAmong protozoan parasites in the genus Babesia, Babesia bigemina is endemic and widespread in the East African region while the status of the more pathogenic Babesia bovis remains unclear despite the presence of the tick vector, Rhipicephalus microplus, which transmits both species. Recent studies have confirmed the occurrence of R. microplus in coastal Kenya, and although B. bovis DNA has previously been detected in cattle blood in Kenya, no surveillance has been done to establish its prevalence. This study therefore investigated the occurrence of B. bovis in cattle in Kwale County, Kenya, where R. microplus is present in large numbers.MethodsA species-specific multiplex TaqMan real-time PCR assay targeting two Babesia bovis genes, 18S ribosomal RNA and mitochondrially-encoded cytochrome b and B. bigemina cytochrome b gene was used to screen 506 cattle blood DNA samples collected from Kwale County for presence of Babesia parasite DNA. A sub-set of 29 B. bovis real-time PCR-positive samples were further amplified using a B. bovis-specific spherical body protein-4 (SBP-4) nested PCR and the resulting products sequenced to confirm the presence of B. bovis.ResultsA total of 131 animals (25.8%) were found to have bovine babesiosis based on real-time PCR. Twenty-four SBP4 nucleotide sequences obtained matched to B. bovis with a similarity of 97–100%. Of 131 infected animals, 87 (17.2%) were positive for B. bovis while 70 (13.8%) had B. bigemina and 26 (5.1%) were observed to be co-infected with both Babesia species. A total of 61 animals (12.1%) were found to be infected with B. bovis parasites only, while 44 animals (8.7%) had B. bigemina only. Babesia bovis and B. bigemina infections were detected in the three Kwale sub-counties.ConclusionThese findings reveal high prevalence of pathogenic B. bovis in a Kenyan area cutting across a busy transboundary livestock trade route with neighbouring Tanzania. The Babesia multiplex real-time PCR assay used in this study is specific and can detect and differentiate the two Babesia species and should be used for routine B. bovis surveillance to monitor the spread and establishment of the pathogen in other African countries where B. bigemina is endemic. Moreover, these findings highlight the threat of fatal babesiosis caused by B. bovis, whose endemic status is yet to be established.Graphical Abtract

Serological Survey of Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis in Cattle and Water Buffaloes from Menoufia Province, Egypt.

Bovine babesiosis causes morbidity in tropical and subtropical countries worldwide. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Babesia bigemina and B. bovis in cattle and water buffaloes in Menoufia province, where the second-highest population of bovines in Lower Egypt are raised. A total of 506 blood samples were collected from cattle (N = 262) and water buffaloes (N = 244) in Menoufia province, Egypt. Seroprevalences of B. bigemina and B. bovis in the samples weredetermined using recombinant Babesia antigen-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). In cattle, the seroprevalences of B. bigemina and B. bovis were 41.60 and 38.17% (37.40 and 35.88% for IgM and 9.54 and 6.11% for IgG), respectively, whereas those of water buffaloes were 35.66 and 31.97% (27.87 and 21.72% for IgM and 15.16 and 15.16% for IgG), respectively. Statistically significant changes in the seroprevalences of the two infective agents were recorded on the basis of region and season of sample collection. In conclusion, babesiosis is frequent and presents a threat of an epidemic among bovines in Menoufia province. In turn, control of bovine babesiosis is required because of its potential to detrimentally affect milk and meat production in Menoufia province.

Cysticercus bovis in cattle slaughtered in North Egypt: Overestimation by the visual inspection method.

Background and Aim:The World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization list Taenia saginata, a foodborne cestode, as the most widely distributed human tapeworm worldwide. The larval stage of T. saginata, Cysticercus bovis, causes cysticercosis in bovines and infects humans who eat raw or undercooked beef. The existing detection methods of C. bovis in cattle depend on the visual inspection of meat. This study aimed to confirm the identification of C. bovis through visual inspection at the slaughterhouses in North Egypt with a molecular diagnosis.Materials and Methods:A total of 687 locally bred cattle (Baladi), including 428 cows and 259 buffaloes, slaughtered in four slaughterhouses in North Egypt from April 2018 to February 2019 were inspected for C. bovis using the traditional meat inspection method. Positive samples were verified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and HDP2 gene sequencing.Results:Through visual inspection, C. bovis was detected in 4.2% and 12.4% of the slaughtered cows and buffaloes, respectively. Molecular analysis confirmed that 1.9% of the animals, all of which were cows, had C. bovis infection. DNA sequencing verified the identity of the PCR-amplified product.Conclusion:The rate of C. bovis infection in slaughterhouses detected through meat inspection is overestimated compared with that through PCR. Although meat inspection can be used as a primary screening tool for C. bovis, a more specific molecular method is required to achieve an accurate diagnosis.

Spoligotyping, genotyping, and spatial distribution of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle in the state of Bahia, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Mycobacterium bovis is responsible for bovine and buffalo tuberculosis, an important zoonotic disease with global distribution. The knowledge of the distribution and the precise identification of this disease, including advanced diagnoses such as spoligotyping, allows choosing the best strategies to fight the disease’s progress. The present work aimed to investigate mycobacteria’s presence, genotype their strains, and evaluate tuberculosis cases’ spatial distribution from suggestive lesions in carcasses of bovine and buffalo inspected in slaughterhouses under an official inspection regime in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The study investigated 453,417 animals. Among these, 31 (0.007%) from 17 municipalities were suspected of tuberculosis. Among the culture medium growth, 95% of these were categorized as alcohol-acid resistant bacilli (BAAR). All isolates were subjected to spoligotyping and 95% were confirmed as M. bovis (SB0120, SB0121, SB0852, SB0828, SB0295, SB0881, SB1648, SB6119, SB0140, SB1055). The strain SB0120 was the most prevalent, and this profile has been described in cases of human tuberculosis by M. bovis, highlighting the zoonotic potential of this profile. This study also identified strains never reported in Bahia, highlighting a distinctive pattern from other parts of Brazil, besides mixed infections. Besides, to identify strains never before described in the state, highlighting a distinctive pattern in Brazil (SB6119 and SB0852, respectively). An unpublished profile was identified and inserted in the international database (Mbovis.org), named SB2715.