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Veterinary sciences2023; 10(1); 59; doi: 10.3390/vetsci10010059

Molecular Investigation of Theileria and Babesia Species in Domestic Mammals from Sardinia, Italy.

Abstract: Piroplasmoses are tick-borne diseases caused by hemoprotozoan parasites of veterinary and public health significance. This study focuses on the molecular identification and characterization of species belonging to the genera in 152 blood samples, collected from 80 horses and 72 cattle from several farms in Sardinia, by targeting the 18S rRNA gene. The PCR results highlighted that 72% of the samples were positive for spp., with a rate of infection of 68% and 75% for the horses and cattle, respectively. Sequencing and the BLASTn analysis showed that the 18S rRNA generated in this study has 99-100% homology with the , , and strains isolated from different hosts worldwide. These findings improve the knowledge on and infections in domestic mammals and confirm the significant prevalence of piroplasmosis among subclinical and carrier animals throughout the island. Furthermore, the presence of , reported for the first time in the study area, expands the repertoire of pathogens already detected in Sardinia. Our results gather updates on the diversity and distribution of piroplasms in Sardinia and suggest the need to develop procedures to improve animal and public health safety.
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Publication Date: 2023-01-14 PubMed ID: 36669060PubMed Central: PMC9865784DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010059Google 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 article is a study on the molecular identification and characterization of tick-borne parasites in domestic animals from Sardinia, Italy. It highlights the prevalence of infective species and emphasizes on the need to improve animal and public health safety.

Objective of The Study

  • The main aim of this research was to identify and study the molecular characteristics of specific tick-borne diseases that significantly influence veterinary and public health.
  • The researchers specifically focused on blood-borne parasites in 152 blood samples collected from 80 horses and 72 cattle from various farms in Sardinia.
  • The marker of focus was the 18S rRNA gene, which helped in identifying the parasites.

Methodology and Findings

  • After conducting PCR tests, the study found that 72% of the total samples were infected with the parasites.
  • The infection rate in horses was found to be 68% and 75% in cattle.
  • Sequencing and BLASTn analysis showed that the 18S rRNA gene studied in this research shared a 99-100% homology with the parasite species.
  • The study also reported the presence of a novel strain, previously undetected in Sardinia, thus adding to the range of known pathogens in the area.

Conclusion and Implications

  • This research enhances the understanding of tick-borne infections in domestic animals.
  • It highlights the significant prevalence of piroplasmosis, a blood disease caused by parasites, among animals in Sardinia, who may be subclinical carriers and could pose a risk of broader spread.
  • The detection of a new parasite strain indicates the potential for undiscovered pathogens in the region and underscores the need for improved disease screening protocols.
  • The researchers suggest that their results should prompt the development of procedures to improve animal and public health safety.

Cite This Article

APA
Chisu V, Serra E, Foxi C, Chessa G, Masala G. (2023). Molecular Investigation of Theileria and Babesia Species in Domestic Mammals from Sardinia, Italy. Vet Sci, 10(1), 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10010059

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
PII: 59

Researcher Affiliations

Chisu, Valentina
  • Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna, 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
Serra, Elisa
  • Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna, 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
Foxi, Cipriano
  • Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna, 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
Chessa, Giovanna
  • Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna, 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
Masala, Giovanna
  • Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna, 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Chisu V, Giua L, Bianco P, Chessa G, Foxi C, Muroni G, Masala G, Piredda I. Seasonal Dynamics and Pathogen Diversity of Tick Species Parasitizing Migratory Birds in Sardinia, Italy: Implications for the Spread of Rickettsia, Babesia, and Theileria Species. Vet Sci 2025 Aug 13;12(8).
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci12080753pubmed: 40872704google scholar: lookup
  2. de Burgh SG, Emery DL. The efficacy of toltrazuril for prevention of oriental theileriosis (Theileria orientalis Ikeda genotype) in Friesian calves. Aust Vet J 2025 Jun;103(6):322-329.
    doi: 10.1111/avj.13415pubmed: 39791129google scholar: lookup
  3. Chisu V, Giua L, Bianco P, Masala G, Sechi S, Cocco R, Piredda I. Molecular Survey of Hepatozoon canis Infection in Domestic Dogs from Sardinia, Italy. Vet Sci 2023 Oct 31;10(11).
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci10110640pubmed: 37999463google scholar: lookup
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