Ovis Infection Research Articles

Epidemiology and genetic diversity of Anaplasma ovis in goats in Corsica, France

BackgroundAnaplasma ovis is a major cause of small ruminant anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease mainly affecting small ruminants in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Due to health and production problems in dairy goat flocks in Corsica, France, and the demonstration of A. ovis infection in some animals, an extensive survey was conducted in the island in spring 2016. The aim of the survey was to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of A. ovis infections in goats and ticks as well as possible relationships with anaemia and other health indicators. In addition, the genetic diversity of A. ovis was evaluated.MethodsBlood and faecal samples were collected in 55 clinically healthy flocks (10 goats per flock) for A. ovis qPCR, haematocrit determination, paratuberculosis ELISA seropositivity and gastrointestinal nematode egg excretion quantification. Ticks were collected, identified and processed for A. ovis DNA detection.ResultsA high prevalence of A. ovis DNA detection was found at the individual (52.0%) and flock levels (83.6%) with a within-flock prevalence ranging between 0–100%. Rhipicephalus bursa was the only tick species collected on goats (n = 355) and the detection rate of A. ovis DNA in ticks was 20.3%. Anaplasma ovis DNA prevalence was higher in flocks located at an altitude above 168 m, in goats of Corsican/crossbred breed and in goats > 3 years-old. No relationship was found between A. ovis DNA detection at the individual or flock level and haematocrit, paratuberculosis seropositivity or gastrointestinal parasites. Positive A. ovis goat samples were used for amplification of gltA and msp4 genes for species confirmation and strain identification, respectively. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of these genes confirmed the detection of A. ovis and allowed identification of six different strains of this pathogen (named Corsica 1-6 (COR1-6). While the msp4 sequence of strain COR1 had 100% identity with strains previously reported, COR2 to 6 were found to be novel strains. The strain COR1 was the most represented, corresponding to 94.6% of the msp4 sequences obtained.ConclusionsThe results showed a relatively high genetic diversity of A. ovis associated with high bacterial prevalence in goats.

Anaplasma ovis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Sheep and Wild Rodents from Northern Xinjiang, Northwest China

Anaplasma ovis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Sheep and Wild Rodents from Northern Xinjiang, Northwest China

Molecular detection of Anaplasma ovis in small ruminants and ixodid ticks from Mongolia

Anaplasma ovis is a tick-borne obligate intracellular rickettsial bacterium that causes anaplasmosis in domestic and wild small ruminants. Sheep and goats, whose combined population is approximately 48.5-million in Mongolia, play a vital role in the country's economy. In this study, we conducted an epidemiological survey of A. ovis in sheep and goats from 19 of 21 provinces in Mongolia. Additionally, DNA samples extracted from unfed ticks collected in 11 Mongolian provinces were also screened for A. ovis. Of 1179 and 871 blood DNA samples from sheep and goats, 813 (69.0%) and 621 (71.3%), respectively, were positive for A. ovis when screened by a PCR assay based on major surface protein 4 gene (msp4). On a per province basis, A. ovis infection rates ranged from 7.4%–93.3% and 13.3%–100% in sheep and goats, respectively. Subsequently, DNA samples prepared from 721 unfed ticks, including Dermacentor nuttalli (n = 378), Ixodes persulcatus (n = 95), Haemaphysalis pospelovashtromae (n = 120), and Hyalomma asiaticum (n = 128), were screened for A. ovis using the same PCR assay. Although nine D. nuttalli were A. ovis-positive, all other tick DNA samples were negative. In addition to reporting A. ovis in sheep and goats from all over Mongolia, this study identified D. nuttalli as a potential transmission vector of A. ovis in Mongolia. The present data highlight the importance of monitoring Mongolian sheep and goats for possible episodes of clinical anaplasmosis and controlling D. nuttalli throughout the country.

Characterization of Cell Envelope Multiple Mutants of Brucella ovis and Assessment in Mice of Their Vaccine Potential.

Brucella ovis is a non-zoonotic Brucella species lacking specific vaccine. It presents a narrow host range, a unique biology relative to other Brucella species, and important distinct surface properties. To increase our knowledge on its peculiar surface and virulence features, and seeking to develop a specific vaccine, multiple mutants for nine relevant cell-envelope-related genes were investigated. Mutants lacking Omp10 plus Omp19 could not be obtained, suggesting that at least one of these lipoproteins is required for viability. A similar result was obtained for the double deletion of omp31 and omp25 that encode two major surface proteins. Conversely, the absence of major Omp25c (proved essential for internalization in HeLa cells) together with Omp25 or Omp31 was tolerated by the bacterium. Although showing important in vitro and in vivo defects, the Δomp10Δomp31Δomp25c mutant was obtained, demonstrating that B. ovis PA survives to the simultaneous absence of Omp10 and four out seven proteins of the Omp25/Omp31 family (i.e., Omp31, Omp25c, Omp25b, and Omp31b, the two latter naturally absent in B. ovis). Three multiple mutants were selected for a detailed analysis of virulence in the mouse model. The Δomp31Δcgs and Δomp10Δomp31Δomp25c mutants were highly attenuated when inoculated at 106 colony forming units/mouse but they established a persistent infection when the infection dose was increased 100-fold. The Δomp10ΔugpBΔomp31 mutant showed a similar behavior until week 3 post-infection but was then totally cleared from spleen. Accordingly, it was retained as vaccine candidate for mice protection assays. When compared to classical B. melitensis Rev1 heterologous vaccine, the triple mutant induced limited splenomegaly, a significantly higher antibody response against whole B. ovis PA cells, an equivalent memory cellular response and, according to spleen colonization measurements, better protection against a challenge with virulent B. ovis PA. Therefore, it would be a good candidate to be evaluated in the natural host as a specific vaccine against B. ovis that would avoid the drawbacks of B. melitensis Rev1. In addition, the lack in this attenuated strain of Omp31, recognized as a highly immunogenic protein during B. ovis infection, would favor the differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals using Omp31 as diagnostic target.

Hematological and biochemical disturbances caused by Brucella ovis infection using an experimental model

Ovine brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by Brucella ovis, a Gram-negative bacterium associated with high economic losses in consequence of fertility impairment and commercial restrictions. In this sense, it is important to emphasize that the pathological mechanisms of B. ovis infection are poorly understood, since the euthanasia of affected animals is recommended. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate hematological and biochemical disturbances caused by this microorganism using mice as the experimental model. In this way, 48 animals were divided into two groups: uninfected (control) and infected. Hematocrit, leucogram, serum biochemistry (total protein, albumin, globulin, and glucose), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and histopathology of the liver and spleen was evaluated on days 7, 15, 30, and 60 post-infection (PI). Hematocrit of infected animals was lower than the control group on days 7, 15, and 30 PI, while leukocyte counts were higher as a consequence of increased lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes in some periods of the infection. Serum albumin levels were lower in infected animals compared to the control group in all evaluated periods, while serum glucose levels were lower on days 7 and 60 PI. On the other hand, serum globulin levels were higher in infected animals compared to that in the control group on days 15, 30, and 60 PI. Moreover, spleens of infected mice were severely enlarged, as well as increased levels of splenic and hepatic reactive oxygen species in various periods of infection as hematological and biochemical disturbances caused by B. ovis infection using a novel experimental model consequence of granulomatous splenitis and multifocal hepatic granuloma. Based on these results, we concluded that B. ovis infection can cause disorders related to the inflammatory response and exacerbation of free radicals linked to tissue lesions, which can be directly associated to a decrease in serum levels of albumin and glucose.

Evidence of ovine brucellosis due to Brucella ovis and Brucella melitensis in Karnataka, India

Ovine brucellosis is often neglected contagious bacterial disease causing enormous economic losses to sheep industry. India is recognized as geographical hotspot for brucellosis and there is only one seroprevalence report of Brucella ovis infection in sheep. Ovine brucellosis is caused by both rough and smooth strains of Brucella sp. In the present study, 300 sheep serum samples collected from 9 different districts of Karnataka by 3 stage random sampling approach were screened by antibody and DNA detection tests (RBPT and iELISA) and PCR. Antibodies specific to B. melitensis and B. ovis infection were 8.67% and 5.34%, respectively. In the same set of samples, 5% (15/300) showed Brucella DNA amplification by bcsp31 and IS711 genus specific PCRs. In B. melitensis and B. ovis species specific PCRs, 3.34% and 1.67%, respectively were detected positive indicating presence of both Brucella species in sheep population. Among the 7 districts, Yadgir, Tumkur, Raichur and Bagalkot showed higher prevalence of antibodies against rough and smooth strains of Brucella. This emphasizes the need for sensitization of national system in designing surveillance and control strategies for both B. ovis and B. melitensis infections in sheep.

Rhipicephalus bursa Sialotranscriptomic Response to Blood Feeding and Babesia ovis Infection: Identification of Candidate Protective Antigens.

Ticks are among the most prevalent blood-feeding arthropods, and they act as vectors and reservoirs for numerous pathogens. Sialotranscriptomic characterizations of tick responses to blood feeding and pathogen infections can offer new insights into the molecular interplay occurring at the tick-host-pathogen interface. In the present study, we aimed to identify and characterize Rhipicephalus bursa salivary gland (SG) genes that were differentially expressed in response to blood feeding and Babesia ovis infection. Our experimental approach consisted of RNA sequencing of SG from three different tick samples, fed-infected, fed-uninfected, and unfed-uninfected, for characterization and inter-comparison. Overall, 7,272 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were constructed from unfed-uninfected, 13,819 ESTs from fed-uninfected, and 15,292 ESTs from fed-infected ticks. Two catalogs of transcripts that were differentially expressed in response to blood feeding and B. ovis infection were produced. Four genes coding for a putative vitellogenin-3, lachesin, a glycine rich protein, and a secreted cement protein were selected for RNA interference functional studies. A reduction of 92, 65, and 51% was observed in vitellogenin-3, secreted cement, and lachesin mRNA levels in SG, respectively. The vitellogenin-3 knockdown led to increased tick mortality, with 77% of ticks dying post-infestation. The reduction of the secreted cement protein-mRNA levels resulted in 46% of ticks being incapable of correctly attaching to the host and significantly lower female weights post-feeding in comparison to the control group. The lachesin knockdown resulted in a 70% reduction of the levels associated with B. ovis infection in R. bursa SG and 70% mortality. These results improved our understanding of the role of tick SG genes in Babesia infection/proliferation and tick feeding. Moreover, lachesin, vitellogenin-3, and secreted cement proteins were validated as candidate protective antigens for the development of novel tick and tick-borne disease control measures.

Taeniid and other parasite ova in the faeces of working sheepdogs in south-west England

Several taeniid cestode (tapeworm) parasites of dogs cause cysts in sheep, which act as intermediate hosts. Cysts of Taenia hydatigena and T ovis infections are usually clinically silent,1 and unlike...

Anaplasma ovis genetic diversity detected by major surface protein 1a and its prevalence in small ruminants

Anaplasma ovis is a widely distributed tick-borne rickettsial pathogen of sheep, goats, and wild ruminants. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence, associations of Anaplasma ovis in sheep and goats, as well as its genetic diversity based on analysis of the msp1α gene. A total of 416 DNA samples from sheep (n = 236) and goats (n = 180) from four provinces in southeastern Turkey were analyzed by PCR. The overall A. ovis prevalence was 18% (CI 14.4–22.1). The infection rates of A. ovis varied from 15.9% to 21.8% in sampled provinces, and they were not significantly different. There was no difference between Anaplasma ovis infection in sheep (20.3%, CI 15.4–26.0) and goats (15.0%, CI 10.1–21.1) or in infection rate of animals <1 year (21.8%, CI 14.9-30.1) compared to >1 year (16.4%, CI 12.4–21.2). A significant association between A. ovis infection and the presence of Rhipicephalus bursa and Rhipicephalus turanicus was observed (P < 0.05). Prevalence of A. ovis-positive animals was higher in animals showing co-infection with Babesia and Theileria compared to those not co-infected (P < 0.05). The Msp1a amino acid repeats were identified and used for the characterization of A. ovis strains. Forty partial msp1a gene sequences containing the repeated sequences of A. ovis were obtained, and 14 previously undescribed tandem repeats with 33 to 43 amino acids were found. Thirteen A. ovis genotypes were identified based on the structure of Msp1a tandem repeats. The majority of A. ovis isolates exhibited one Msp1a tandem repeat, with a maximum of three. This study revealed the Msp1a could be used as a marker for genotyping A. ovis, and high genetic diversity of A. ovis were found in small ruminants in Turkey.

Prevalence of Anaplasma ovis infection in Angora goats of Duhok province, Kurdistan region-Iraq

Acute Anaplasma ovis infections can cause severe clinical symptoms and might lead to significant economic losses in small ruminant flocks. However, little information has been provided related the prevalence of anaplasmosis in Angora goats. The study was designed to investigate the prevalence of Anaplasma ovis serologically (cELISA) and microscopically (Giemsa stained blood smears) among Angora goats from Duhok districts of the northern part of Iraq. A total of 92 blood samples were randomly collected from three localities of Duhok city; Zakho, Batel and Sumil during the study period from April to October 2009. The infection rate of A. ovis was 38.04% by Giemsa stained blood smear and 66.3% by cELISA. The prevalence of A. ovis in female goats was higher than that in males, but statistically not significant difference (P>0.05) by using both methods. The prevalence was also significantly higher (P<0.05) in goats more than three years old than in younger ones. The highest prevalence of A. ovis was found in Zakho, whereas the lowest was reported in Sumail. Results of hematological parameters indicated microcytic hypochromic type of anemia.It is concluded that A. ovis can infected Angora goats in district Duhok, Kurdistan region, Iraq and this might be due to high distribution of the disease and its transmitters which were lead to substantial effect followed by high mortalities

Mycoplasma ovis infection in goat farms from northeastern Brazil.

Although Mycoplasma ovis (formerly Eperythrozoon ovis) has been described in small ruminants worldwide, data on M. ovis in goats remain scarce. Accordingly, the aims of the present study were to i) determine the prevalence of hemoplasmas in goats, ii) identify the tick species parasitizing the animals, and iii) determine factors associated with infection in five dairy and three beef goat farms from the Paraíba State, northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were obtained from 402 goats. Samples were screened for hemoplasmas using a pan-hemoplasma PCR. The positive samples were confirmed by sequencing. An epidemiological questionnaire was given to each farm owner addressing age, gender, and presence of ticks. A total of 158/402 (39.3%) goats were positive for M. ovis by PCR. Sequencing of PCR positive samples has shown ≥99% identity with multiple M. ovis 16S rDNA sequences deposited in GenBank, including M. ovis isolates from humans. Dairy (OR=2.15; 95% CI: 1.40-3.32%; P=0.0004) and anemic goats (OR=2.33; 95% CI: 1.51-3.71%; P=0.0001) were more likely to be infected than beef and non-anemic animals, respectively. Amblyomma parvum (49/52, 94.23%) and Rhipicephalus microplus (3/52, 5.77%) were the tick species found parasitizing the animals, with no significant association between the presence of ticks and infection by M. ovis (P=0.1164). This is the first reportedly molecular detection of M. ovis infection in goats from South America. In conclusion, M. ovis is highly prevalent in goats from northeastern Brazil, mainly in dairy animals.

Epidemiological characterization and risk factors associated with leptospirosis and brucellosis in small ruminants sold at animal fair in the Sertão Region of Pernambuco State, a semiarid Region of Northeastern Brazil

The transit of infected animals may be a route for the introduction and dispersal of diseases, which necessitates protocols for the controlled entry of infected animals into herds. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti-Leptospira and anti-Brucella ovis antibodies in small ruminants sold at an animal fair in the Sertão region of the Pernambuco State, Northeastern Brazil, and to identify the possible risk factors associated with seropositivity. Serum samples were collected from 233 goats and 119 sheep, belonging to twelve different owners from November 2014 to June 2015. Diagnosis of Leptospira spp. infection was established using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT); for B. ovis infection, the agar gel immuno-diffusion (AGID) test was conducted. A total of 16/233 (6.87%; 95% CI = 4.27% – 10.83%) goats and 16/119 (13.45%; 95% CI = 8.67% – 21.24%) sheep were identified as seropositive for Leptospira spp. The most frequent serotype was Icterohaemorrhagiae. In goats, intensive management system (odds ratio = 15.8; p &lt; 0.001) and consorted rearing of equines and goats (odds ratio = 7.3; p = 0.005) were identified as risk factors. There were no risk factors identified for sheep. Seven (5.88%; 95% CI = 2.88% – 11.65%) sheep were seropositive for B. ovis, and the intensive management system was identified as the risk factor (odds ratio = 11.5; p = 0.005). This suggests that Leptospira spp. and B. ovis infections occur in small ruminants commercialized in the Sertão region of the Pernambuco State. Thus, improvements to the sanitary conditions of the facilities and the control of synanthropic rodents are recommended.

Identification of Anaplasma ovis appendage-associated protein (AAAP) for development of an indirect ELISA and its application

BackgroundOvine anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that is caused by Anaplasma ovis in sheep and goats. The pathogen is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. At present, diagnosis of the disease mainly depends on microscopy or nucleic acid based molecular tests, although a few serological tests have been applied for the detection of A. ovis infection.ResultsHere we describe the identification of an A. ovis protein that is homologous to the A. marginale appendage-associated protein (AAAP). We expressed a recombinant fragment of this protein for the development of an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of A. ovis. Anaplasma ovis-positive serum showed specific reactivity to recombinantly expressed AAAP (rAAAP), which was further confirmed by the rAAAP ELISA, which also demonstrated no cross-reactivity with sera from animals infected with A. bovis or other related pathogens in sheep and goats. Testing antibody kinetics of five experimentally infected sheep for 1 year demonstrated that the rAAAP ELISA is suitable for the detection of early and persistent infection of A. ovis infections. Investigation of 3138 field-collected serum samples from 54 regions in 23 provinces in China demonstrated that the seroprevalence varied from 9.4% to 65.3%, which is in agreement with previous reports of A. ovis infection.ConclusionsAn A. ovis derived antigenic protein, AAAP, was identified and the antigenicity of the recombinant AAAP was confirmed. Using rAAAP an indirect ELISA assay was established, and the assay has been proven to be an alternative serological diagnostic tool for investigating the prevalence of ovine anaplasmosis of sheep and goats.

Molecular detection of haemotropic mycoplasma infection in sheep

This study was the first report about hemotropic mycoplasmoses in sheep at middle of Iraq as well as the first trail to investigate this infection among ticks .EDTA blood samples were collected from four hundred ( 400 ) Awassi sheep during February –July \2016 ,two hundard ( 200) of sheep clinicallyhad signs of anemia ,weakness ( infected group )and another 200 sheep that clinically healthy( healthy group ) ,all examined sheep were ranked according to gender( male and female ) and to age periods ( less than and more than one year ) and each sub group included 100 sheep , that tested by PCR assay by using specific Mycoplasma ovis primer with 1341 bp that detect infection rates 17.5% which significantly higher in infected group 25.5% than healthy group 7.5% and the yearling sheep was more susceptible to infection 22.5% than adult 12.5% and the infection was higher in female 20.4% than in male 14.5% , the Mycoplasma ovis infection was recorded with higher percentage in July 24.7% while no infection in February will be showed .All blood samples of positivity infected sheep (70 ) were submitted into blood indices analysis which exhibited significant reduction in all blood parameters ( RBCs ,Hb ,PCV ,MCH ,MCHC, platelets ) when compare with group of negativity PCR healthy sheep as control group .The trail to investigate about Mycoplasma ovis in (40) ticks picked up from examined sheep from tail and ear sites with standard parasitological methods by using the same primer of Mycoplasma ovis by PCR , this technique was gave negative result .The conclusion include Mycoplasma ovis infection was registered in Awassi sheep with increasable rate in emaciated ,anemic sheep and so in yearling ,female and warm months of year with haemolytic macrocytic anemia.

Molecular Detection of Chlamydophila Abortus In Aborted Fetal Tissues by Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) In Tabriz, Northwest of Iran

Enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) induced by Chlamydophila abortus (formerly Chlamydia psittaci serotype1) is a major cause of reproductive failures in most sheep producing countries. In this study, the abortion prevalence of Chlamydophila abortus (C. abortus) in sheep abortion cases are evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and objectives are considered Chlamydiosis incidence of abortion in sheep in the northwest region of Iran. For this purpose, the contents of fetal tissue from 50 aborted fetuses were homogenized and DNA extracted from them and then PCR is done using specific primers for Chlamydophila (CHOMP191, CHOMP371). The study showed that about 26% of the total sample is contained Chlamydophila. This study confirms that C. abortus as an important cause of ovine abortion in the northwest of Iran and showed the PCR in tissue pools of aborted fetuses is a useful method for rapid detection of Chlamydophila abortus Ovis infections.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Sheep Infected with Psoroptes Ovis using Total Antioxidant Capacity, Total Oxidant Status, and Malondialdehyde Level.

IntroductionThe study aimed at evaluating oxidative stress using malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) markers in sheep naturally infected with Psoroptes ovis(Acari).Material and MethodsThe study was performed on 40 sheep divided into two equal groups: a healthy group (group I) and a group naturally infected with Psoroptes ovis (group II). The sera were obtained by centrifuging blood samples collected from the vena jugularis and serum MDA level changes in the samples were measured spectrophotometrically. Commercially available test kits were used for the measurement of TAC and TOS levels. The percentage ratio of TOS level to TAC level was accepted as OSI.ResultsThe serum malondialdehyde, total oxidant status levels, and oxidative stress index increased significantly (P < 0.01) in group II, while the serum total antioxidant capacity levels decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in this group. Negative correlations between total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status and total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde, and a positive correlation between total oxidant status and malondialdehyde were found in infected sheep.ConclusionThe obtained results indicated the relationship between oxidant/antioxidant imbalance and Psoroptes ovis infection in sheep. Their MDA, TAC, TOS, and OSI markers may be used to determine the oxidative stress in natural infections with Psoroptes ovis.

A Study on Molecular Diagnosis of Theileria Species Infection by PCR Amplification in Sheep and Goats in Multan, Pakistan

In this present study polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used for identification anddifferentiation of Theileria species infection in Multan, Pakistan. Out of 220 blood samples collected fromsheep and goats, 31.2% (70/220) were found positive for Theileria species by PCR amplification comparedto only 9.1% (20/220) on blood smear. Theileria infection was observed in 39.3% (57/145) of sheep and18.6% (13/75) of goats sampled. The prevalence of Theileria ovis and Theileria lestoquardi in the 70positive samples was found to be 57% (40/70) and 30% (21/70), respectively with only 12.3% (9/70) ofblood samples having a mixed infection of both T. ovis and T. lestoquardi. Overall the prevalence ofT. ovis infection was higher than T. lestoquardi in both sheep and goats. Herds with sheep only hadsignificantly higher parasitic prevalence. The results confirm that PCR is direct, specific and sensitive toolfor diagnosis of ovine theileriosis.

Diagnosis of Brucella ovis infection of rams with an ELISA using protein G as conjugate

Diagnosis of Brucella ovis infection of rams with an ELISA using protein G as conjugate

Brucella ovis EM OVINOS: SOROPOSITIVIDADE E FATORES DE RISCO

Resumo Realizou-se um levantamento sorológico de Brucella ovis em ovinos do Estado de Sergipe, com o objetivo de determinar a positividade e a distribuição da infecção em propriedades rurais e analisar os possíveis fatores associados à infecção. Foram analisadas 54 propriedades criadoras de ovinos, das quais foram colhidas 932 amostras de soro sanguíneo de animais com idade superior a seis meses, nas três regiões do Estado. Todos os soros foram examinados por Imunodifusão em Gel de Agar (IDGA). De acordo com o teste realizado, 46,30% (25/54) das propriedades apresentaram evidência sorológica de infecção por B. ovis, com uma positividade de 4,40% (41/932) dos animais. Como fatores associados à infecção por B. ovis, observaram-se a presença de tratador de ovinos (OR=2,31) e propriedades com área superior a 50 ha (OR=1,98) e como fator de proteção, a utilização de cabanha (OR=0,37). Assim, verificou-se a presença de anticorpos contra Brucella ovis nos ovinos do Estado e salienta-se a importância de estudos complementares para determinação de medidas sanitárias específicas para prevenir os rebanhos desta enfermidade.

First molecular evidence of mixed infections of Anaplasma species in dogs in Henan, China

In recent years, tick-borne diseases like anaplasmosis have become widespread worldwide threatening the health of both human and animals. Dogs play an important role in the epidemiology of several zoonotic tick-borne pathogens by acting as reservoirs. In this study, the status of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. platys, A. bovis and A. ovis infection were assessed in dogs in Henan, China, with PCR and phylogenetic analyses. Nested PCRs on 243 blood samples collected from dogs from different sampling sites revealed that thirty-three (13.6%) dogs were positive for one or more pathogens. The prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in stray dogs was 40.7% (24/59), which was much higher than that of pet dogs (4.0%, 7/175). The prevalence for A. ovis, A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum was 6.2%, 4.1% and 0.4%, respectively and mixed-infection of these three pathogens was found in only one stray dog (prevalence, 0.4%). None of the dogs was positive for A. platys. Phylogenetic analyses classified A. phagocytophilum into two distinct groups (East Asia and south Africa group, Europe and America group), whereas A. ovis and A. bovis showed a general classification into two groups (cluster 1 and cluster 2), respectively. The isolate (KX190783) of A. ovis from a stray dog fell in a clade with a human isolate from Cyprus (FJ460443) and shared 99.8% similarity with it. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report to identify A. bovis and A. ovis DNA in dogs in China and the mixed-infection of the three Anaplasma spp. (A. phagocytophilum, A. bovis and A. ovis) in dogs.