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Infections caused by tick-borne haemoparasites pose a significant global threat to both human and animal health. Within this category, various haemoparasites species belonging to genera like Anaplasma sp., Babesia sp., Ehrlichia sp., Hepatozoon sp., and Theileria sp., are particularly concerning due to their ability to cause diseases in a wide range of hosts, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. The present cross-sectional study involving 580 animals provides annual insights into the prevalence of major haemoparasites infections in the Bathinda region of Punjab. The observed trends indicate that haemoparasites infections were most common in cattle, followed by buffalo and canines. Risk factor analysis revealed that crossbreed cattle were more susceptible to infection, with a prevalence of 35.73% (95% CI 4.28–45.17). Amongst the cattle, adults exhibited a higher vulnerability to haemoparasites infections, with a prevalence of 35.89% (95% CI 5.50–33.64). Conversely, companion animals showed the opposite pattern, with a prevalence of 18.18% (95% CI 9.11–169.27). Furthermore, female dogs had a higher risk of haemoparasites infection, with a prevalence of 16.28% (95% CI 8.36–218.7). In light of these findings, it is imperative to emphasize early diagnosis, prompt antiprotozoals drug treatment, and effective control of tick vectors for the successful recovery of animals afflicted by haemoparasites infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks (Acari: ixodid) are notorious blood sucking ecto-parasites of wide range of animals which serve as vector of different types of pathogens like viruses, bacteria, rickettsia and protozoa and cause mortality in humans and animals. This study was focused on morphological and molecular identification of ixodid ticks, using morphological keys and an internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Moreover, the presence of Babesia and Theileria species was also investigated in ticks using 18S rRNA gene. Identification of ticks collected from 384 cattle and 384 buffaloes screened revealed three tick genera and six tick species: Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus decoloratus, Rhipicephalus annulatus, Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum, Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum and Haemaphysalis punctata. Of those four species were confirmed on morphological basis, two ticks species Rhipicephalus microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum whose morphological feature were overlapping with other identified species, were confirmed through molecular tools amplifying ITS-2 gene. Ticks DNA were then examined by PCR employing a genetic marker that target (18S rRNA gene), for the presence of Babesia and Theileria species in identified ticks. The most common pathogen species observed in ticks was Theileria annulata. This study exposed different hard tick species are prevalent in the study area and these ticks are playing major role in transmission of protozoa (Theileria annulata). On the basis of finding of present study an area-wise control strategy for ticks and ticks borne protozoan species have been suggestive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Procyonids are reservoirs of many zoonotic infectious diseases, including tick-borne pathogens. The role of coatis (Nasua nasua) in the epidemiology of piroplasmids and Rickettsia has not been fully addressed in Brazil. To molecularly study these agents in coatis and associated ticks, animals were sampled in two urban areas in Midwestern Brazil. Blood (n = 163) and tick (n = 248) DNA samples were screened by PCR assays targeting the 18S rRNA and gltA genes of piroplasmids and Rickettsia spp., respectively. Positive samples were further molecularly tested targeting cox-1, cox-3, β-tubulin, cytB, and hsp70 (piroplasmid) and ompA, ompB, and htrA 17-kDa (Rickettsia spp.) genes, sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. All coatis' blood samples were negative for piroplasmids, whereas five pools of ticks (2%) were positive for two different sequences of Babesia spp.. The first from Amblyomma sculptum nymphs was close (i.e., ≥ 99% nucleotide identity) to a Babesia sp. previously found in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris); the second from Amblyomma dubitatum nymphs and Amblyomma spp. larvae was identical (100% nucleotide identity) to a Babesia sp. detected in opossums (Didelphis albiventris) and associated ticks. Four samples (0.8%) were positive by PCR to two different Rickettsia spp. sequences, being the first from Amblyomma sp. larva identical to Rickettsia belli and the second from A. dubitatum nymph identical to Rickettsia species from Spotted Fever Group (SFG). The detection of piroplasmids and SFG Rickettsia sp. highlights the importance of Amblyomma spp. in the maintenance of tick-borne agents in urban parks where humans and wild and domestic animals are living in sympatry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Capybaras are known hosts for various tick species, but there are limited data regarding the tick-borne pathogens they can carry. We assessed the presence of piroplasmids and Ehrlichia spp. in capybaras and their associated ticks in Goiás state, central-western Brazil. Neither capybaras nor ticks were positive for Ehrlichia spp. However, we detected an undescribed species of protozoan in both the capybaras and ticks. Further research is required for a formal delineation of this protozoan species, as well as to investigate the role of these ticks as vectors and the possible pathogenicity of this parasite to other animals, including horses. Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the largest rodents on Earth. While capybaras are hosts for various tick species, there is limited information regarding the tick-borne pathogens they can carry. We investigated the presence of piroplasmids and Ehrlichia spp. in capybaras and their associated ticks in two peri-urban areas in Goiás state, central-western Brazil. Blood samples collected from 23 capybaras were used to investigate the presence of piroplasmids and Ehrlichia spp. in stained-blood smears and by PCR. Ticks collected from the capybaras were identified morphologically and also tested using PCR for the same pathogens. A total of 955 ticks were collected, including 822 (86.1%) Amblyomma sculptum, 132 (13.8%) Amblyomma dubitatum, and one (0.1%) unidentified larva of Amblyomma sp. Neither the capybaras nor ticks were positive for Ehrlichia spp. However, a stained-blood smear examination revealed the presence of ring-stage and pyriform-shaped merozoites in the erythrocytes of one (4.4%) capybara. In the same way, 47.8% (11/23) and 19.9% (36/181) of blood samples and ticks, respectively, were positive for piroplasmids in the PCR. We successfully sequenced a partial 18S rRNA gene fragment of four samples (two capybaras, one A. sculptum, and one A. dubitatum), and the phylogenetic reconstruction disclosed that the organism reported in the present study clusters within the genus Babesia. Further research is required for a formal delineation of this species (designated as Babesia sp. strain Capybara) and to investigate the hypothesis of A. dubitatum and A. sculptum ticks being vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a new focus of the relict tick Haemaphysalis concinna was discovered in Western Poland, near Wolsztyn, Greater Poland voivodeship. This species may play an important role in the circulation of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. In the present study we tested 880 juvenile ticks collected from rodents, including 427 H. concinna, 443 Ixodes ricinus and 10 Dermacentor reticulatus for three of the most common pathogens vectored by ticks in Poland: Rickettsia and Babesia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. Additionally, molecular techniques were applied for accurate identification of tick host species (the voles Microtus and Alexandromys). Our study found differences in the range and prevalence of vectored pathogens between the three tick species. DNA of all three pathogens was found in I. ricinus. In juvenile H. concinna, DNA of Babesia microti, Borrelia afzelii and Rickettsia sp. was identified. Moreover, DNA of a new unnamed Babesia species related to B. crassa, was found in two H. concinna nymphs. This genotype of Babesia was previously identified in H. concinna in the Far East and then in Central Europe. DNA of Rickettsia raoulti and B. afzelii was detected in D. reticulatus nymphs. Among rodent hosts, Alexandromys oeconomus seems to be host of the highest significance for juvenile tick stages and was the only host species with B. afzelii detected in blood samples. Using phylogenetic methods, we confirmed a clear division between rodents from the genera Microtus and Alexandromys. Moreover, we found that A. oeconomus trapped in Western Poland clustered with a Central European A. oeconomus allopatric phylogroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Babesiosis, a tick-borne disease caused by protozoans of the genus Babesia, is widespread in subtropical and tropical countries. Mitochondria are essential organelles that are responsible for energy transduction and metabolism, calcium homeostasis and cell signaling. Mitochondrial genomes could provide new insights to help elucidate and investigate the biological features, genetic evolution and classification of the protozoans. Nevertheless, there are limited data on the mitochondrial genomes of ovine Babesia spp. in China. Methods: Herein, we sequenced, assembled and annotated the mitochondrial genomes of six ovine Babesia isolates; analyzed the genome size, gene content, genome structure and cytochrome b (cytb) amino acid sequences and performed comparative mitochondrial genomics and phylogenomic analyses among apicomplexan parasites. Results: The mitochondrial genomes range from 5767 to 5946 bp in length with a linear form and contain three protein-encoding genes, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 3 (cox3) and cytb, six large subunit rRNA genes (LSU) and two terminal inverted repeats (TIR) on both ends. The cytb gene sequence analysis indicated the binding site of anti-Babesia drugs that targeted the cytochrome bc1 complex. Babesia microti and Babesia rodhaini have a dual flip-flop inversion of 184–1082 bp, whereas other Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. have one pair of TIRs, 25–1563 bp. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the six ovine Babesia isolates were divided into two clades, Babesia sp. and Babesia motasi. Babesia motasi isolates were further separated into two small clades (B. motasi Hebei/Ningxian and B. motasi Tianzhu/Lintan). Conclusions: The data provided new insights into the taxonomic relationships and drug targets of apicomplexan parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Babesiosis is an economically important disease caused by tick-borne apicomplexan protists of the genus Babesia. Most apicomplexan parasites, including Babesia, have a plastid-derived organelle termed an apicoplast, which is involved in critical metabolic pathways such as fatty acid, iron-sulphur, haem and isoprenoid biosynthesis. Apicoplast genomic data can provide significant information for understanding and exploring the biological features, taxonomic and evolutionary relationships of apicomplexan parasites, and identify targets for anti-parasitic drugs. However, there are limited data on the apicoplast genomes of Babesia species infective to small ruminants. Methods: PCR primers were designed based on the previously reported apicoplast genome sequences of Babesia motasi Lintan and Babesia sp. Xinjiang using Illumina technology. The overlapped apicoplast genomic fragments of six ovine Babesia isolates were amplified and sequenced using the Sanger dideoxy chain-termination method. The full-length sequences of the apicoplast genomes were assembled and annotated using bioinformatics software. The gene contents and order of apicoplast genomes obtained in this study were defined and compared with those of other apicomplexan parasites. Phylogenetic trees were constructed on the concatenated amino acid sequences of 13 gene products using MEGA v.6.06. Results: The results showed that the six ovine Babesia apicoplast genomes consisted of circular DNA. The genome sizes were 29,916–30,846 bp with 78.7–81.0% A + T content, 29–31 open reading frames (ORF) and 23–24 transport RNAs. The ORFs encoded four DNA-directed RNA polymerase subunits (rpoB, rpoCl, rpoC2a and rpoC2b), 13 ribosomal proteins, one elongation factor TU (tufA), two ATP-dependent Clp proteases (ClpC) and 7–11 hypothetical proteins. Babesia sp. has three more genes than Babesia motasi (rpl5, rps8 and rpoB). Phylogenetic analysis showed that Babesia sp. is located in a separate clade. Babesia motasi Lintan/Tianzhu and B. motasi Ningxian/Hebei were divided into two subclades. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study is the first to elucidate the whole apicoplast genomic structural features of six Babesia isolates infective to small ruminants in China using Sanger sequencing. The data provide useful information confirming the taxonomic relationships of these parasites and identifying targets for anti-apicomplexan parasite drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick-borne apicomplexan haemoparasites infect wild and domestic animals, but studies on their distribution among freeliving animals are comparatively fewer. Tissues from 241 wild carnivores of eight Mustelidae, two Canidae, one Viverridae and one Felidae species were collected in Northern Spain, and analysed by real-time PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene and sequencing. Babesia vulpes (formerly known as Theileria annae) was the only piroplasm detected in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Badgers (Meles meles) were shown to harbour two novel Babesia sp. sequence types (A and B) that only shared 96.7% homology between them and were closely related (ca. 97-98%) to, but distinct from B. vulpes and other babesia from carnivores. Analysis of PCR-derived sequences also revealed the presence of Cystoisospora sp. and Hepatozoon sp. in badgers and showed that wild cats (Felis silvestris catus) were infected with Cytauxzoon sp. Forty-two per cent of the animals subjected to a detailed external examination were parasitized by ixodid ticks, being Ixodes hexagonus and Ixodes ricinus the most abundant species. This study provided novel data on the different haemoparasites that can infect European wild carnivores and showed that they can be hosts for a range of haemoparasites and pose a potential risk for transmission to domestic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick-borne apicomplexan haemoparasites infect wild and domestic animals, but studies on their distribution among freeliving animals are comparatively fewer. Tissues from 241 wild carnivores of eight Mustelidae, two Canidae, one Viverridae and one Felidae species were collected in Northern Spain, and analysed by real-time PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene and sequencing. Babesia vulpes (formerly known as Theileria annae) was the only piroplasm detected in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Badgers (Meles meles) were shown to harbour two novel Babesia sp. sequence types (A and B) that only shared 96.7% homology between them and were closely related (ca. 97-98%) to, but distinct from B. vulpes and other babesia from carnivores. Analysis of PCR-derived sequences also revealed the presence of Cystoisospora sp. and Hepatozoon sp. in badgers and showed that wild cats (Felis silvestris catus) were infected with Cytauxzoon sp. Forty-two per cent of the animals subjected to a detailed external examination were parasitized by ixodid ticks, being Ixodes hexagonus and Ixodes ricinus the most abundant species. This study provided novel data on the different haemoparasites that can infect European wild carnivores and showed that they can be hosts for a range of haemoparasites and pose a potential risk for transmission to domestic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Babesiosis is an uncommon but emerging tick-borne disease caused by the genus Babesia. In this case study, we report a case of human infection with a novel Babesia sp. in China. Findings: The patient in question had been suffering from repetitive occurrences of mild fever of unknown origin and fatigue for 10 years. Ring forms, tetrads, and one or two dots of chromatin or trophozoite-like organisms were observed in the patient's thin blood smears and bone marrow smears. Using a confocal laser-scanning microscope, it was observed that the patient's serum had reactivity with the surface proteins of the B. microti strain. Electron microscopy revealed oval red blood cells with 1 ~ 2 µm of knob protrusions in the cellular membrane. The results of the Babesia-specific nested PCR assay for 18S rRNA confirmed the presence of Babesia infection. The construction of a phylogenetic relationship showed clustering with B. microti and B. duncani, which was identified as a novel Babesia species and named as Babesia sp. XXB/HangZhou. Azithromycin, doxycycline, and moxifloxacin hydrochloride were shown to relieve symptoms but were not as effective after continuous usage. After atovaquone (Mepron®) administration, the patient recovered from fever and tested negative for detection of Babesia-specific genes. Conclusion: Babesia sp. XXB/HangZhou is a novel Babesia species, which causes mild babesiosis in an immunocompetent patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 5 years old crossbred cow was brought to the Veterinary Clinical Complex of Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Hisar with history of progressive weakness, pale mucous membrane, anorexia, high fever (105 °F), tachycardia, laboured breathing and coffee coloured urine. Analysis of haematological parameters revealed severe anaemia, leucocytopenia, marked poikilocytosis of erythrocytes. Blood smear examination showed presence of signet ring shaped Theileria organisms, Babesia piroplasms and condensed dot forms of Anaplasma marginale in the stained erythrocytes. Further animal was treated with buparvaquone @ 2.5 mg/kg b.wt deep I/M in neck region and long acting oxytetracycline at 25 mg/kg b. W. slow I/V daily in normal saline solution for 5 days. Berenil (Diminazene aceturate 5%) injection was also administered @ 1 ml/20 kg b.wt. I/M along with supportive therapy. Clinical signs started to subside 3 days post treatment. Complete recovery was achieved by 4 weeks post treatment however animal succumbed to death due to immunosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular detection of apicomplexan parasites in splenic samples of red foxes collected from northeastern Poland was conducted by PCR amplification of a fragment of the 18S rRNA spanning the V4 gene region of Apicomplexa. Positive PCR products were further analysed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing to identify species. One hundred and eleven red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) were acquired from 15 localities in the Mazovian Province and 27 foxes were acquired from the Mazurian Lakeland. Apicomplexan 18S rDNA was detected in 15.9% of 138 fox spleens examined. Three apicomplexan species were identified: Hepatozoon canis was detected in 11.6% of the spleen samples, Toxoplasma gondii was detected in 3.6% of the spleen samples and a Babesia sp. was sequenced from 1 sample (0.7%). This data represent the first record of H. canis, T. gondii and a B. sp. from naturally infected red foxes in Poland. Infected foxes may act as sylvatic reservoirs of these apicomplexan parasites as well as serving as a source of infection for arthropod definitive hosts and vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences is the property of Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A cat was presented with anorexia, vomiting and diarrhoea for past three days. Clinical examination revealed pale mucous membrane and swollen popliteal lymph nodes. Hemotology revealed severe anemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. Blood smear examination revealed presence of Babesia sp. organisms. Mild elevation of AST and ALT were noticed. The cat was treated initially with Doxycycline. Later, Primaquine phosphate was administered once orally as a total dose of 1mg/ cat along with Inj. Ranitidine 0.5 ml. i.m. The cat recovered uneventfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesiosis is one of the most important tick-borne diseases in veterinary health, impacting mainly cattle, equidae, and canidae, and limiting the development of livestock industries worldwide. In humans, babesiosis is considered to be an emerging disease mostly due to Babesia divergens in Europe and Babesia microti in America. Despite this importance, our knowledge of Babesia sp. transmission by ticks is incomplete. The complexity of vectorial systems involving the vector, vertebrate host, and pathogen, as well as the complex feeding biology of ticks, may be part of the reason for the existing gaps in our knowledge. Indeed, this complexity renders the implementation of experimental systems that are as close as possible to natural conditions and allowing the study of tick-host-parasite interactions, quite difficult. However, it is unlikely that the development of more effective and sustainable control measures against babesiosis will emerge unless significant progress can be made in understanding this tripartite relationship. The various methods used to date to achieve tick transmission of Babesia spp. of medical and veterinary importance under experimental conditions are reviewed and discussed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick-borne pathogens cause infectious diseases that inflict much societal and financial hardship worldwide. Blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, are primary vectors of several epizootic and zoonotic pathogens. The aim was to find varius pathogens of I. scapularis and to determine their prevalence. In Ontario and Quebec, 113 I. scapularis ticks were collected from songbirds, mammals, including humans, and by flagging. PCR and DNA sequencing detected five different microorganisms: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 1 (0.9%); Babesia odocoilei, 17 (15.3%); Babesia microti-like sp., 1 (0.9%); Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), 29 (26.1%); and Hepatozoon canis, 1 (0.9%). Five coinfections of Bbsl and Babesia odocoilei occurred. Notably, H. canis was documented for the first time in Canada and, at the same time, demonstrates the first transstadial passage of H. canis in I. scapularis. Transstadial passage of Bbsl and B. odocoilei was also witnessed. A novel undescribed piroplasm (Babesia microti-like) was detected. An established population of I. scapularis ticks was detected at Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. Because songbirds widely disperse I. scapularis larvae and nymphs, exposure in an endemic area is not required to contract tick-borne zoonoses. Based on the diversity of zoonotic pathogens in I. scapularis ticks, clinicians need to be aware that people who are bitten by I. scapularis ticks may require select antimicrobial regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Blood-sucking arthropods can cause infections in domestic and wild animals, as well as in humans by transmitting pathogens while blood feeding. During the first part of the twenty-first century, diseases caused by arthropods, including ticks, have increased significantly in Europe. In this study, the presence of different types of pathogens in badgers from Great Britain was evaluated by means of molecular techniques. While no bacteria were found, a blood parasite (Babesia sp.) was identified in half of the investigated animals. The same parasite has been reported in badgers from Spain, Scotland, China and Hungary, and recently also in a wild cat in Bosnia Herzegovina, a wolf in Italy and hunting dogs in Hungary, showing its widespread occurrence and potential presence in different host species. The impact on the health of these hosts and also of other wild carnivores needs to be further investigated. Arthropod-borne diseases (ABD) are of increasing interest in veterinary and public health. Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) are known to harbor a wide range of pathogens, but information on their role as ABD reservoirs and their potential epidemiological relevance is limited. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of arthropod-borne pathogens, specifically piroplasmids and the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis and Bartonella spp., in badgers from Great Britain (GB). Blood and heart samples from 18 badgers were examined using PCR and sequencing. A neighbour-joining (NJ) phylogram was also produced. Nine animals tested positive for Babesia sp., while none of the samples was positive for the investigated bacteria. The sequences obtained clustered with other sequences of Babesia sp. from badgers from GB and elsewhere, including China, Hungary, Spain and Italy, showing a widespread distribution of this parasite in badgers. Badger-associated Babesia DNA was also found recently in a wild cat in Bosnia Herzegovina, in a wolf in Italy and in dogs in Hungary. Further investigations are needed to understand the epidemiology of this putative pathogen and its impact on the health of wild and domestic carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atranorin (ATR), is a compound with multidirectional biological activity under different in vitro and in vivo conditions and it is effective as an antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal and anti-inflammatory agent. In the current study, the in vitro as well as in vivo chemotherapeutic effect of ATR as well as its combined efficacy with the existing antibabesial drugs (diminazene aceturate (DA), atovaquone (AV) and clofazimine (CF)) were investigated on six species of piroplasm parasites. ATR suppressed B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, B. caballi and T. equi multiplication in vitro with IC50 values of 98.4 ± 4.2, 64.5 ± 3.9, 45.2 ± 5.9, 46.6 ± 2.5, and 71.3 ± 2.7 µM, respectively. The CCK test was used to examine ATR's cytotoxicity and adverse effects on different animal and human cell lines, the main hosts of piroplasm parasites and it showed that ATR affected human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF), mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH/3T3) and Madin-Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) cell viability in a dose-related effect with a moderate selective index. The combined efficacy of ATR with DA, CF, and AV exhibited a synergistic and additive efficacy toward all tested species. In the in vivo experiment, ATR prohibited B. microti multiplication in mice by 68.17%. The ATR-DA and ATR-AV combination chemotherapies were more potent than ATR monotherapy. These results indicate the prospects of ATR as a drug candidate for piroplasmosis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]