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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Parasitol / Serologic and molecular characterization of Anaplasma specie...
Veterinary parasitology2005; 133(4); 357-362; doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.05.063

Serologic and molecular characterization of Anaplasma species infection in farm animals and ticks from Sicily.

Abstract: Although Anaplasma marginale was known to be endemic in Italy, the diversity of Anaplasma spp. from this area have not been characterized. In this study, the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. antibodies in randomly selected farm animals collected on the island of Sicily was determined by use of a MSP5 cELISA for Anaplasma spp. and an immunofluorescence test specific for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Genetic variation among strains of Anaplasma spp. from animals and ticks was characterized using the A. marginale msp1alpha and the Anaplasma spp. msp4 genes. Eight species of ticks were collected and tested by PCR. Seropositivity for Anaplasma spp. and A. phagocytophilum was detected in bovine and ovine samples. All the donkeys were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum but not for Anaplasma spp. Four A. marginale genotypes were identified by msp4 sequences from bovine and tick samples. Two new genotypes of Anaplasma ovis were characterized in sheep. The sequences of A. phagocytophilum from three donkeys proved to be identical to the sequence of the MRK equine isolate from California. Six A. marginale genotypes were found in cattle and one tick using the A. marginale msp1alpha sequences. All genotypes had four repeated sequences in the N-terminal portion of the MSP1a, except for one that had five repeats. The Italian strains of A. marginale contained three repeat sequences that were not reported previously. Definition of the diversity of Anaplasma spp. in Sicily reported, herein is fundamental to development of control strategies for A. marginale, A. ovis and A. phagocytophilum in Sicily.
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Publication Date: 2005-07-27 PubMed ID: 16043300DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.05.063Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 study investigates the prevalence and genetic variation of Anaplasma species (microscopic bacteria that infect animals) in farm animals and ticks collected from the island of Sicily, Italy.

Overview of the Study

  • The researchers aimed to understand the prevalence and genetic variations of the Anaplasma species–a type of rickettsia bacteria–in Sicilian farm animals and ticks. Further, the study aimed to contribute to the development of control strategies for these bacteria in Sicily.
  • The farm animals were tested for Anaplasma spp. antibodies using a MSP5 cELISA and an immunofluorescence test specific for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Additionally, genetic variations among Anaplasma spp. were studied using the A. marginale msp1alpha and the Anaplasma spp. msp4 genes.
  • Action was also taken to collect and test eight species of ticks with PCR (polymerase chain reaction).

Key Findings of the Research

  • Seropositivity, or the presence of antibodies in blood, for Anaplasma spp. and A. phagocytophilum was detected in samples from cows and sheep, indicating these livestock are hosts for these bacteria.
  • Mysteriously, all the donkeys tested were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum but did not carry Anaplasma spp.
  • Through msp4 gene sequences, four A. marginale genotypes were identified from cow and tick samples. Two new genotypes of Anaplasma ovis were characterized in sheep.
  • The sequences of A. phagocytophilum procured from three donkeys matched the sequence of the MRK equine isolate from California, indicating the exact genetic match to the same bacteria species found in the US.
  • With the help of A. marginale msp1alpha gene sequences, six A. marginale genotypes were found in cattle and one tick.
  • There were curious differences in the N-terminal portion of the MSP1a. All genotypes had four repeated sequences, save for one displaying five repeats.
  • The Italian strains of A. marginale were found to contain three repeat sequences that were previously unreported, thereby contributing to our knowledge of this bacteria’s genetic make-up.

Implications of the Research

  • This research details the diversity of the Anaplasma species in Sicily. By understanding the genetic variations and prevalence among livestock, scientists can develop better control methods against these parasitic bacteria.

Cite This Article

APA
de la Fuente J, Torina A, Caracappa S, Tumino G, Furlá R, Almazán C, Kocan KM. (2005). Serologic and molecular characterization of Anaplasma species infection in farm animals and ticks from Sicily. Vet Parasitol, 133(4), 357-362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.05.063

Publication

Veterinary parasitology
ISSN: 0304-4017
NlmUniqueID: 7602745
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 133
Issue: 4
Pages: 357-362

Researcher Affiliations

de la Fuente, José
  • Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElory Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA. jose_delafuente@yahoo.com
Torina, Alessandra
    Caracappa, Santo
      Tumino, Giovanni
        Furlá, Roberto
          Almazán, Consuelo
            Kocan, Katherine M

              MeSH Terms

              • Amino Acid Sequence
              • Anaplasma / genetics
              • Anaplasma / growth & development
              • Anaplasma / immunology
              • Anaplasmosis / blood
              • Anaplasmosis / parasitology
              • Animals
              • Animals, Domestic / blood
              • Animals, Domestic / parasitology
              • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
              • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / chemistry
              • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / genetics
              • Base Sequence
              • Cattle
              • DNA, Bacterial / chemistry
              • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
              • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
              • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct / veterinary
              • Molecular Sequence Data
              • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
              • Prevalence
              • Sicily
              • Tandem Repeat Sequences
              • Ticks / parasitology

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