Molecular Detection of Theileria spp. in Livestock on Five Caribbean Islands.
Abstract: Theileria spp. are tick-transmitted, intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasites infecting a wide range of animals. As there is very limited information on the prevalence of Theileria spp. in the Caribbean we used the recently described genus-specific pan-Theileria FRET-qPCR to identify infected animals in the region and a standard 18S rRNA gene PCR and sequencing to determine the species involved. We found Theileria spp. in 9% of the convenience samples of animals (n = 752) studied from five Caribbean islands. Donkeys (20.0%: 5/25) were most commonly infected, followed by sheep (17.4%, 25/144), cattle (6.8%; 22/325), goats (5.0%; 12/238), and horses (5.0%; 1/20). Six species of Theileria were identified: T. equi (donkeys, cattle, goats, and sheep), Theileria sp. OT3 (sheep and goats), Theileria sp. NG-2013a (cattle), Theileria sp. YW-2014 (donkeys), Theileria sp. B15a (goats), and Babesia vulpes or a closely related organism (sheep and goats). Only T. equi has been previously reported in the Caribbean. Our findings expand the known host ranges of Theileria spp. and the known distribution of the organisms around the world.
Publication Date: 2015-12-09 PubMed ID: 26783522PubMed Central: PMC4689888DOI: 10.1155/2015/624728Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research investigated the occurrence of Theileria spp., a type of tick-transmitted parasite, in livestock from five Caribbean islands. The study found new types and host ranges of the parasite, contributing to global knowledge about the distribution of Theileria spp.
Study Methodology
- The research team used a recently developed genus-specific pan-Theileria FRET-qPCR, a type of molecular diagnostic test, to detect Theileria in samples from a variety of animal hosts. This detection method is highly sensitive and can identify the presence of Theileria even in low levels.
- In addition to FRET-qPCR, the team also used the standard 18S rRNA gene PCR and sequencing. This method allows not only for the detection but also for the identification of the exact species of Theileria present in the samples.
Findings
- Out of 752 animal samples, 9% were found to be infected with Theileria spp. These animals were sampled from five different Caribbean islands.
- In terms of specific species, donkeys were found to be the most commonly infected (20%), followed by sheep (17.4%), cattle (6.8%), goats (5.0%), and horses (5.0%).
- Six different species of Theileria were identified: T. equi, Theileria sp. OT3, Theileria sp. NG-2013a, Theileria sp. YW-2014, Theileria sp. B15a, and Babesia vulpes (or a closely related organism).
- Among these, only T. equi was previously known to be present in the Caribbean. Other species like Theileria sp. OT3, Theileria sp. NG-2013a, Theileria sp. YW-2014, Theileria sp. B15a, and Babesia vulpes were identified in the region for the first time.
Implications
- The study provides valuable new information about the distribution and prevalence of Theileria spp. in the Caribbean region. It expands both the known host ranges and geographic distributions of these parasitic species.
- The discovery of new species and hosts of Theileria spp. in the Caribbean underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and monitoring programs to control and prevent the spread of these parasites.
- Further research could help in understanding the specific conditions that allow these parasites to infect different host species, which might help preventive strategies.
Cite This Article
APA
Zhang J, Kelly P, Li J, Xu C, Wang C.
(2015).
Molecular Detection of Theileria spp. in Livestock on Five Caribbean Islands.
Biomed Res Int, 2015, 624728.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/624728 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Caribbean Region
- Cattle
- Cattle Diseases / parasitology
- Goats / parasitology
- Horses / parasitology
- Livestock / parasitology
- RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / genetics
- Sheep / parasitology
- Sheep Diseases / parasitology
- Theileria / genetics
- Theileria / isolation & purification
- Theileria / pathogenicity
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