Molecular Analysis and Risk Factors Associated With Theileria equi Infection in Domestic Donkeys and Mules of Punjab, Pakistan.
Abstract: Theileriosis is an important disease of economic significance which badly affects the equine husbandry of developing countries. The present study was planned to investigate the molecular prevalence of theileriosis, associated risk factors, and alterations in hematological parameters of donkeys and mules from district Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan. Blood samples from 150 equids (n = 75 donkeys; n = 75 mules) were examined microscopically, and the genomic DNA from each sample was processed for the amplification of the 18S rRNA gene of Theileria. The polymerase chain reaction confirmed isolates were purified followed by sequencing. The data regarding the analysis of risk factors were collected in a predesigned questionnaire and statistically analyzed by logistic regression analysis. An overall prevalence of 17.33% was noted in this study. Donkeys showed more prevalence followed by mules being 20.0% and 14.7%, respectively. The study isolates showed high resemblance (99%) with isolates from the United States of America, Spain, Brazil, Israel, Cuba, France, South Africa, Korea, Turkey, Tunisia, India, E. Caribbean, and Nigeria. The potential risk factors found to be significantly associated (P < .05) with disease dynamics were tick infestation on study animals, previous tick history, and house hygiene. A significant (P < .05) decrease in the number of platelets, erythrocytes, hemoglobin level, and packed cell volume was observed in donkeys and mules suffering from theileriosis compared with the healthy ones. The study is the first report regarding the molecular characterization of theileriosis in donkeys and mules in Pakistan. The findings will be effectual in designing effective control strategies for this disease in Punjab, Pakistan.
Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2020-06-12 PubMed ID: 32797787DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103164Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research investigates the occurrence and causes of the disease Theileriosis in donkeys and mules in Punjab, Pakistan, and the link with ticks and poor hygiene. Additionally, it examines the impact of the disease on blood parameters and its genetic similarities with Theileriosis in other countries.
Overview of Research Methodology
- The research involved studying Theileriosis in donkeys and mules in the Mianwali district of Punjab, Pakistan.
- A total of 150 blood samples were collected (75 donkeys, 75 mules) and examined under a microscope.
- Genomic DNA from each sample was then processed to isolate the 18S rRNA gene of Theileria for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), purification, and sequencing.
- A questionnaire was used to gather data on potential risk factors, which were statistically analyzed using logistic regression analysis.
Findings of the Study
- The overall occurrence of the disease was approximately 17.33%, with a higher prevalence in donkeys (20.0% ) compared to mules (14.7% ).
- The Theileria isolates from this study showed a significant genetic resemblance (99%) to isolates from various other countries.
- Risk factors significantly associated (P < .05) with the disease included tick infestation on the study animals, previous history of tick bites, and poor hygiene conditions.
- The presence of theileriosis led to a considerable decrease in the count of platelets, erythrocytes, hemoglobin level, and packed cell volume compared to healthy animals.
Significance of the Research
- This is the first research study investigating the molecular characteristics of theileriosis in donkeys and mules in Pakistan, thus paving the way for targeted control strategies.
- The identification of key risk factors could help develop effective preventative measures against theileriosis.
- Understanding the impact on hematology could improve prompt diagnosis and treatment for affected animals.
Cite This Article
APA
Shah MH, Ijaz M, Ahmed A, Aziz MU, Ghaffar A, Ghauri HN, Naveed M.
(2020).
Molecular Analysis and Risk Factors Associated With Theileria equi Infection in Domestic Donkeys and Mules of Punjab, Pakistan.
J Equine Vet Sci, 92, 103164.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103164 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. Electronic address: mijaz@uvas.edu.pk.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Brazil
- Caribbean Region
- Cattle
- Cattle Diseases
- Cuba
- Equidae
- France
- Horse Diseases
- Horses
- India
- Israel
- Nigeria
- Pakistan / epidemiology
- Republic of Korea
- Risk Factors
- South Africa
- Spain
- Theileria / genetics
- Tunisia
- Turkey
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