Genetic characterization and phylogenetic of Anaplasma capra in Persian onagers (Equus hemionus onager).

This research article studies the presence of a pathogen known as Anaplasma capra in Persian onagers, a type of equine species. Particularly, it discovers for the first time the possibility of these onagers being infected with A. capra and potentially acting as reservoirs for this infectious agent.

Introduction and Objectives

• The study is focused on Anaplasma capra, an arthropod-borne infectious organism known to affect animal and bird species across various territories.
• A. capra has previously been found in other animals but its presence in equines such as wild onagers (Equus hemionus onager) is being reported by the researchers for the first time.
• In particular, the research seeks to uncover more about the epidemiology of A. capra in Equidae, a family that includes horses and related species.

Methodology

• A total of ten blood specimens from the onagers were taken during a routine health check-up in Semnan, Iran.
• These samples were then examined using light microscopy for any signs of infection.
• More in-depth analysis was performed using realtime-PCR to test for A. capra, as well as other potential pathogens such as Ehrlichia and Theileria.
• Sequences were amplified from the samples testing positive for Anaplasma and these sequences were compared with the GenBank database for preliminary matching.
• A 1400 bp sequence of 16S rRNA belonging to Anaplasmataceae and an 874 bp fragment for the groEL gene specific to A. capra were identified in the process.

Results and Findings

• A. capra was detected in two out of the ten blood samples of the Persian onagers. This was the first instance of recognizing this pathogen in these equine creatures.
• No other pathogens were detected during the analysis.
• The sequences identified in Anaplasma positive samples showed high homology to A. capra strains in the GenBank database. This confirmed the infection in the onagers.

Conclusion

• The study concludes that not only are wild onagers capable of being infected by A. capra, but they may also act as reservoirs for this pathogen.
• This discovery has implications for broader disease spread and highlights the need for disease surveillance and control measures in equine populations.