Abstract: Equine piroplasmosis is not fully understood regarding pathogenicity, prophylaxis, host immune response expression, and specific vectors. Accurately identifying the parasite vector is crucial for developing an effective control plan for a particular infection. This study focused on morphologically identifying two Hyalomma species (H. anatolicum and H. marginatum) and one Rhipicephalus annulatus (R. annulatus) at the species level. The identification process was followed by phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining method based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COXI) gene as a specific vector for Theileria equi (T. equi) in horses. T. equi was diagnosed morphologically and molecularly from infected blood samples and crushed tick species using conventional PCR. Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis based on the amplification of the 18 S rRNA gene was conducted. The obtained sequence data were evaluated and registered in GenBank under accession numbers OR064161, OR067911, OR187727, and OR068139, representing the three tick species and the isolated T. equi, respectively. The study demonstrated that T. equi infection leads to immune system suppression by significantly increasing the levels of oxidative stress markers (CAT, GPx, MDA, and SOD) (P ≤ 0.0001), with this elevation being directly proportional to parasitemia levels in infected blood cells. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between parasitemia levels and the expression of immune response infection genes (IFN-gamma, TGF-β1, and IL-1β cytokines) in infected horses compared to non-infected equine. Common macroscopic symptoms indicating T. equi infection in horses include intermittent fever, enlarged lymph nodes (LN), and tick infestation.
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Overview
This study investigates the molecular characteristics of the parasite Theileria equi and the tick vectors responsible for its transmission in Egypt, alongside the immune responses and oxidative stress in infected horses.
Background and Importance
Equine piroplasmosis is a disease caused by parasites such as Theileria equi, which affects horses.
There is limited knowledge about the disease’s mechanisms, including how pathogenic it is, how the horse’s immune system responds, potential preventive measures, and which tick species serve as vectors.
Identifying the specific tick species that transmit T. equi is crucial for creating an effective disease control strategy.
Objectives
To morphologically identify tick species that may serve as vectors of T. equi in Egypt.
To molecularly confirm the presence of T. equi in horses and ticks using PCR techniques.
To examine the phylogenetic relationships of the tick species and T. equi based on genetic sequences.
To analyze how T. equi infection impacts the horse’s immune response and oxidative stress levels.
Methodology
Tick Identification: Two Hyalomma tick species (H. anatolicum, H. marginatum) and one Rhipicephalus species (R. annulatus) were identified morphologically.
Genetic Analysis: Molecular identification was conducted by amplifying and sequencing the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COXI) gene in ticks and the 18S rRNA gene in T. equi from blood and tick samples.
Phylogenetic Analysis: Used neighbor-joining method to analyze genetic relationships and registered the sequences in GenBank with specific accession numbers.
Diagnostics: Conventional PCR was used to detect T. equi infection morphologically and molecularly.
Immune and Oxidative Stress Markers Assessment: Measured oxidative stress markers (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD)) and expression levels of immune-related cytokines (IFN-gamma, TGF-β1, IL-1β) in infected versus non-infected horses.
Key Findings
The ticks identified (H. anatolicum, H. marginatum, R. annulatus) were confirmed as vectors capable of harboring T. equi.
Phylogenetic analysis provided detailed genetic relationships among the ticks and the parasite, enhancing understanding of their taxonomy and evolutionary position.
T. equi infection in horses significantly increased oxidative stress, as indicated by elevated markers CAT, GPx, MDA, and SOD levels (highly statistically significant, P ≤ 0.0001).
Oxidative stress marker levels correlated proportionally to the parasite load (parasitemia) in blood cells.
Expression of immune system genes (cytokines IFN-gamma, TGF-β1, IL-1β) was strongly correlated with parasitemia, indicating an active immune response to infection.
Typical clinical signs of T. equi infection included intermittent fever, enlargement of lymph nodes, and visible tick infestation.
Conclusions and Implications
The study clarifies specific tick species involved in transmitting T. equi in Egypt, essential for targeted control measures.
Molecular tools (PCR and sequencing) provide precise identification of both vectors and the parasite, allowing improved epidemiological tracking.
T. equi infection provokes immune system activation but also results in elevated oxidative stress, which may contribute to the pathology of equine piroplasmosis.
Understanding the relationship between parasitemia and host immune and oxidative responses could inform future therapies or preventive strategies.
Recognizing common clinical signs supports earlier diagnosis and treatment, improving horse health management.
Cite This Article
APA
Ramadan RM, Taha NM, Auda HM, Elsamman EM, El-Bahy MM, Salem MA.
(2024).
Molecular and immunological studies on Theileria equi and its vector in Egypt.
Exp Appl Acarol, 93(2), 439-458.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-024-00933-4
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