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Transboundary and emerging diseases2019; 67(3); 1213-1221; doi: 10.1111/tbed.13454

Analysis of Theileria equi diversity in The Gambia using a novel genotyping method.

Abstract: Theileria equi, one of the primary pathogens causing equine piroplasmosis, has previously been sub-classified into a number of clades on the basis of 18S SSU rRNA gene sequence diversity. This partitioning of the parasite population has potential implications for host immunity, treatment and vaccine development. To detect and identify different clade genotypes among and within individual equine blood samples, a novel PCR-based technique was designed and optimized. Theileria equi has only recently been described in The Gambia, and the developed genotyping technique was used to analyse blood samples taken from 42 piroplasmosis-positive horses and donkeys within the country. Three different T. equi genotypes were detected within the population, including the same genotype as the recently described Theileria haneyi, with 61.9% of individuals found to be infected with more than one genotype. Overall, there was a trend that males were more likely to have a multiple genotype infection. Thus, the novel genotyping technique has been shown to be effective in analysis of field populations and offers researchers a rapid method of identifying multiple T. equi genotypes both within individuals and equine populations in epidemiological studies.
© 2019 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2019-12-29 PubMed ID: 31845493DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13454Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research involves developing a novel genotyping method to identify different clades of Theileria equi, a pathogen causing equine piroplasmosis, in The Gambia. The newly developed PCR-based technique proves effective in identifying multiple genotypes within individual equine blood samples and within equine populations, with this data potentially influencing treatments and vaccine developments.

Objective and Methodology of the Research

  • The research focuses on developing a PCR-based genotyping technique to identify, detect, and differentiate T. equi genotypes within individual equine blood samples and within equine populations.
  • The new technique was optimized and used to evaluate samples from 42 piroplasmosis-positive horses and donkeys in The Gambia, where T. equi has recently been described.

Results and Findings

  • The analysis identified three different T. equi genotypes within the population, including a genotype similar to the recently described Theileria haneyi.
  • Over half (61.9%) of the individuals were found to be infected with more than one genotype.
  • There was a noticeable trend that male individuals were more likely to have a multiple genotype infection than their female counterparts.

Implications and Impact of the Research

  • The research provides a method for rapidly identifying multiple T. equi genotypes within individuals and equine populations in epidemiological studies. Previously, T. equi was classified into several clades based on the diversity of 18S SSU rRNA gene sequence, and this new method provides a more detailed and effective approach.
  • It is especially useful in areas like The Gambia where T. equi has only recently been reported. The research not only provides insights into the parasite’s prevalence but also its genotypes and their distribution.
  • Understanding the different T. equi genotypes and their presence can have significant implications for the strategies used for treatment, vaccine development, and managing host immunity.

Cite This Article

APA
Coultous RM, McDonald M, Raftery AG, Shiels BR, Sutton DGM, Weir W. (2019). Analysis of Theileria equi diversity in The Gambia using a novel genotyping method. Transbound Emerg Dis, 67(3), 1213-1221. https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.13454

Publication

Transboundary and emerging diseases
ISSN: 1865-1682
NlmUniqueID: 101319538
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 67
Issue: 3
Pages: 1213-1221

Researcher Affiliations

Coultous, Robert M
  • Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
McDonald, Michael
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
Raftery, Alexandra G
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
Shiels, Brian R
  • Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
Sutton, David G M
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
Weir, William
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Gambia / epidemiology
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genotyping Techniques / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / virology
  • Horses
  • Prevalence
  • RNA, Protozoan / analysis
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / analysis
  • Theileria / genetics
  • Theileriasis / epidemiology
  • Theileriasis / virology

Grant Funding

  • VET/RS/254 / Horserace Betting Levy Board
  • 190648 / Donkey Sanctuary
  • 190895 / Donkey Sanctuary

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Citations

This article has been cited 10 times.
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  2. Sears KP, Knowles DP, Fry LM. Clinical Progression of Theileria haneyi in Splenectomized Horses Reveals Decreased Virulence Compared to Theileria equi. Pathogens 2022 Feb 16;11(2).
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