Rapid Detection of Equine Piroplasms Using Multiplex PCR and First Genetic Characterization of Theileria haneyi in Egypt.
Abstract: Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) is an infectious disease caused by the hemoprotozoan parasites , , and the recently identified species . Hereby, we used a multiplex PCR (mPCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene of and for the simultaneous detection of EP in Egyptian equids and examined the presence of infections in Egypt. Blood samples from 155 equids (79 horses and 76 donkeys) collected from different governorates of Egypt were examined by mPCR and PCR targeting . The mPCR method revealed a prevalence of of 20.3% in horses and of 13.1% in donkeys and a prevalence of . of 1.2% in horses. . was not detected in donkeys in the current study. The mPCR method also detected coinfections with both species (2.5% and 1.3% in horses and donkeys, respectively). Additionally, we report the presence of in Egypt for the first time in 53.1% of the horse and 38.1% of the donkey tested samples. Coinfection with and was found in 13.5% of the samples, while infection with the three EP species was found in 1.9% of the samples.
Publication Date: 2021-10-31 PubMed ID: 34832570PubMed Central: PMC8620363DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111414Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article describes a study on the rapid detection of equine piroplasms using multiplex PCR and identifies for the first time the genetic characterization of Theileria haneyi in Egypt. The research also examines the prevalence of infection in horses and donkeys in the country.
Objective of Research
- The main objective of this research is to detect the presence of Equine Piroplasmosis, an infectious disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites, in Egyptian horses and donkeys.
- To achieve this, the researchers use a method known as multiplex PCR (mPCR) that targets the 18S rRNA gene of these parasites.
- Furthermore, the research explores for the first time in Egypt the genetic make-up of a recently identified species called Theileria haneyi.
Methodology and Sample Collection
- The researchers use blood samples collected from 155 equids–specifically 79 horses and 76 donkeys–from different governorates in Egypt.
- The samples are examined using mPCR and PCR targeting protocols.
- The target of these tests are three species of parasites: Babesia caballi, Babesia equi (now known as Theileria equi), and Theileria haneyi.
Results
- The mPCR method reveals varying prevalences of these parasites. Babesia caballi shows up in 20.3% of horses and 13.1% of donkeys.
- Theileria equi, is slightly less common, appearing in 1.2% of horses and not detected in any donkeys.
- Interestingly, the newer species, Theileria haneyi, is detected in Egypt for the first time, showing up in 53.1% of horses and 38.1% of donkeys.
- The mPCR method also uncovers coinfections, where multiple species infect the same host. Both Babesia caballi and Theileria equi turn up in 2.5% of horses and 1.3% of donkeys. Coinfection with Theileria haneyi and either of the other two species is also observed in certain cases.
Conclusions
- The results of this study provide valuable insights into the prevalence of EP in the equine population in Egypt, standing as a first step towards the control and prevention of this disease.
- The identification of Theileria haneyi in the samples also signifies an important development in the understanding of EP’s pathogenic landscape in the region.
Cite This Article
APA
Elsawy BSM, Nassar AM, Alzan HF, Bhoora RV, Ozubek S, Mahmoud MS, Kandil OM, Mahdy OA.
(2021).
Rapid Detection of Equine Piroplasms Using Multiplex PCR and First Genetic Characterization of Theileria haneyi in Egypt.
Pathogens, 10(11), 1414.
https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10111414 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.
- Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12622, Egypt.
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.
- Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa.
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig 23119, Turkey.
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.
- Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12622, Egypt.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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