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Babesia caballi, Theileria equi and several species of rickettsias are agents of vector-borne diseases that affect equines. The objective of this study was to detect infections by B. caballi and T. equi in horses and to identify rickettsias in horses and ticks in the western region of Cuba. Two nPCR assays were developed and standardized for the detection of B. caballi and T. equi. Blood samples from horses and ticks were collected. Identification by blood smear and molecular detection and identification of B. caballi, T. equi and Rickettsia spp. were carried out. Intraerythrocytic formations compatible with B. caballi and T. equi were observed. The nPCR showed that 25 % of the samples were positive for B. caballi, 73 % for T. equi and 20 % showed coinfection. The results were confirmed with the partial sequencing of the genes bc48 (B. caballi) and ema-1 (T. equi). The sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi demonstrated the presence of at least two genotypes of T. equi isolates in Cuba. The real time qPCR assay and sequencing revealed the presence of Rickettsia amblyommatis in A. mixtum and Rickettsia felis in D. nitens. Conclusions: These results constitute the first piece of molecular evidence of B. caballi and T. equi in horses and the first report of R. felis in D. nitens in Cuba, which broadens the knowledge about the distribution of pathogens and the spectrum of potential vectors contributing to the strengthening of management and control programs., Babesia caballi, Theileria equi y varias especies de rickettsias son agentesde enfermedades transmitidas por vectores que afectan a los equinos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue detectarinfecciones por B. caballi y T. equi en caballos e identificar rickettsias en caballos y garrapatas en la región occidentalde Cuba. Se estandarizaron 2 ensayos de nPCR para la detección de B. caballi y T. equi. Se colectaron muestras desangre de caballos, y garrapatas. Se realizó identificación por frotis sanguíneo y detección e identificación molecularde B. caballi, T. equi y Rickettsia sp. Se observaron formaciones intraeritrocíticas compatibles con B. caballi y T. equi.El nPCR mostró que el 25 % de las muestras fueron positivas para B. caballi, 73 % para T. equi y 20 % mostraroncoinfección. Los resultados se confirmaron con la secuenciación parcial de los genes bc48 (B. caballi) y ema-1 (T.equi). La secuenciación del gen 18S de ARNr de T. equi demostró la presencia de al menos 2 genotipos de aisladosde T. equi en Cuba. El ensayo de PCR en tiempo real y la secuenciación revelaron la presencia de Rickettsia amblyommatis en A. mixtum y Rickettsia felis en D. nitens. Como conclusiones estos resultados constituyen la primeraevidencia molecular de B. caballi y T. equi en equinos y el primer reporte de R. felis en D. nitens en Cuba, lo queamplía el conocimiento sobre la distribución de patógenos y el espectro de vectores potenciales contribuyendo alfortalecimiento de los programas de manejo y control.

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including emerging and re-emerging zoonoses, are of public health importance worldwide; however, TBDs tend to be overlooked, especially in countries with fewer resources, such as Zambia and Angola. Here, we investigated Rickettsia, Anaplasmataceae, and Apicomplexan pathogens in 59 and 96 adult ticks collected from dogs and cattle, respectively, in Shangombo, a town at the Zambia-Angola border. We detected Richkettsia africae and Rickettsia aeschilimannii in 15.6% of Amblyomma variegatum and 41.7% of Hyalomma truncatum ticks, respectively. Ehrlichia minasensis was detected in 18.8% of H. truncatum, and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii was determined in Hyalomma marginatum. We also detected Babesia caballi and Theileria velifera in A. variegatum ticks with a 4.4% and 6.7% prevalence, respectively. In addition, Hepatozoon canis was detected in 6.5% of Rhipicephalus lunulatus and 4.3% of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Coinfection of R. aeshilimannii and E. minasensis were observed in 4.2% of H. truncatum. This is the first report of Ca. M. mitochondrii and E. minasensis, and the second report of B. caballi, in the country. Rickettsia africae and R. aeschlimannii are pathogenic to humans, and E. minasensis, B. caballi, T. velifera, and H. canis are pathogenic to animals. Therefore, individuals, clinicians, veterinarians, and pet owners should be aware of the distribution of these pathogens in the area.

application/pdf, Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in equids, including horses, donkeys, zebras, and mules. It is globally endemic with significant economic impact on the equine industry. Infected animals may serve as carriers, and they may be a source of infection for ticks, thereby posing a great challenge for disease management. Sri Lanka is a tropical country, where infections by various tick-borne parasites are common among livestock animals. However, infections by T. equi and B. caballi remain unstudied in Sri Lanka. Therefore, in the present study, we conducted an epidemiological survey to investigate the presence of T. equi and B. caballi in apparently healthy free-roaming donkeys. Blood samples were randomly taken from 111 donkeys in Mannar (n = 100) and Kilinochchi (n = 11) districts in Sri Lanka. Thin blood smears were prepared from the blood samples and subjected to microscopic examination. Additionally, blood DNA samples were prepared and screened for T. equi and B. caballi infections using species-specific PCR assays. Our results showed that 64 (57.7%) and 95 (85.6%) of the donkeys were positive for T. equi by microscopy and PCR, respectively. However, all samples were negative for B. caballi. Phylogenetic analysis of the T. equi 18S rRNA sequences detected two distinct genotypes, namely C and D. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. equi in Sri Lanka and of genotype C in donkeys. The present study highlights the importance of monitoring the shrinking donkey population in Sri Lanka owing to EP caused by T. equi.

Babesia caballi, Theileria equi and several species of rickettsias are agents of vector-borne diseases that affect equines. The objective of this study was to detect infections by B. caballi and T. equi in horses and to identify rickettsias in horses and ticks in the western region of Cuba. Two nPCR assays were developed and standardized for the detection of B. caballi and T. equi. Blood samples from horses and ticks were collected. Identification by blood smear and molecular detection and identification of B. caballi, T. equi and Rickettsia spp. were carried out. Intraerythrocytic formations compatible with B. caballi and T. equi were observed. The nPCR showed that 25 % of the samples were positive for B. caballi, 73 % for T. equi and 20 % showed coinfection. The results were confirmed with the partial sequencing of the genes bc48 (B. caballi) and ema-1 (T. equi). The sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi demonstrated the presence of at least two genotypes of T. equi isolates in Cuba. The real time qPCR assay and sequencing revealed the presence of Rickettsia amblyommatis in A. mixtum and Rickettsia felis in D. nitens. Conclusions: These results constitute the first piece of molecular evidence of B. caballi and T. equi in horses and the first report of R. felis in D. nitens in Cuba, which broadens the knowledge about the distribution of pathogens and the spectrum of potential vectors contributing to the strengthening of management and control programs., Babesia caballi, Theileria equi y varias especies de rickettsias son agentesde enfermedades transmitidas por vectores que afectan a los equinos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue detectarinfecciones por B. caballi y T. equi en caballos e identificar rickettsias en caballos y garrapatas en la región occidentalde Cuba. Se estandarizaron 2 ensayos de nPCR para la detección de B. caballi y T. equi. Se colectaron muestras desangre de caballos, y garrapatas. Se realizó identificación por frotis sanguíneo y detección e identificación molecularde B. caballi, T. equi y Rickettsia sp. Se observaron formaciones intraeritrocíticas compatibles con B. caballi y T. equi.El nPCR mostró que el 25 % de las muestras fueron positivas para B. caballi, 73 % para T. equi y 20 % mostraroncoinfección. Los resultados se confirmaron con la secuenciación parcial de los genes bc48 (B. caballi) y ema-1 (T.equi). La secuenciación del gen 18S de ARNr de T. equi demostró la presencia de al menos 2 genotipos de aisladosde T. equi en Cuba. El ensayo de PCR en tiempo real y la secuenciación revelaron la presencia de Rickettsia amblyommatis en A. mixtum y Rickettsia felis en D. nitens. Como conclusiones estos resultados constituyen la primeraevidencia molecular de B. caballi y T. equi en equinos y el primer reporte de R. felis en D. nitens en Cuba, lo queamplía el conocimiento sobre la distribución de patógenos y el espectro de vectores potenciales contribuyendo alfortalecimiento de los programas de manejo y control.

Babesia caballi, Theileria equi and several species of rickettsias are agents of vector-borne diseases that affect equines. The objective of this study was to detect infections by B. caballi and T. equi in horses and to identify rickettsias in horses and ticks in the western region of Cuba. Two nPCR assays were developed and standardized for the detection of B. caballi and T. equi. Blood samples from horses and ticks were collected. Identification by blood smear and molecular detection and identification of B. caballi, T. equi and Rickettsia spp. were carried out. Intraerythrocytic formations compatible with B. caballi and T. equi were observed. The nPCR showed that 25 % of the samples were positive for B. caballi, 73 % for T. equi and 20 % showed coinfection. The results were confirmed with the partial sequencing of the genes bc48 (B. caballi) and ema-1 (T. equi). The sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi demonstrated the presence of at least two genotypes of T. equi isolates in Cuba. The real time qPCR assay and sequencing revealed the presence of Rickettsia amblyommatis in A. mixtum and Rickettsia felis in D. nitens. Conclusions: These results constitute the first piece of molecular evidence of B. caballi and T. equi in horses and the first report of R. felis in D. nitens in Cuba, which broadens the knowledge about the distribution of pathogens and the spectrum of potential vectors contributing to the strengthening of management and control programs., Babesia caballi, Theileria equi y varias especies de rickettsias son agentesde enfermedades transmitidas por vectores que afectan a los equinos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue detectarinfecciones por B. caballi y T. equi en caballos e identificar rickettsias en caballos y garrapatas en la región occidentalde Cuba. Se estandarizaron 2 ensayos de nPCR para la detección de B. caballi y T. equi. Se colectaron muestras desangre de caballos, y garrapatas. Se realizó identificación por frotis sanguíneo y detección e identificación molecularde B. caballi, T. equi y Rickettsia sp. Se observaron formaciones intraeritrocíticas compatibles con B. caballi y T. equi.El nPCR mostró que el 25 % de las muestras fueron positivas para B. caballi, 73 % para T. equi y 20 % mostraroncoinfección. Los resultados se confirmaron con la secuenciación parcial de los genes bc48 (B. caballi) y ema-1 (T.equi). La secuenciación del gen 18S de ARNr de T. equi demostró la presencia de al menos 2 genotipos de aisladosde T. equi en Cuba. El ensayo de PCR en tiempo real y la secuenciación revelaron la presencia de Rickettsia amblyommatis en A. mixtum y Rickettsia felis en D. nitens. Como conclusiones estos resultados constituyen la primeraevidencia molecular de B. caballi y T. equi en equinos y el primer reporte de R. felis en D. nitens en Cuba, lo queamplía el conocimiento sobre la distribución de patógenos y el espectro de vectores potenciales contribuyendo alfortalecimiento de los programas de manejo y control.

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including emerging and re-emerging zoonoses, are of public health importance worldwide; however, TBDs tend to be overlooked, especially in countries with fewer resources, such as Zambia and Angola. Here, we investigated Rickettsia, Anaplasmataceae, and Apicomplexan pathogens in 59 and 96 adult ticks collected from dogs and cattle, respectively, in Shangombo, a town at the Zambia-Angola border. We detected Richkettsia africae and Rickettsia aeschilimannii in 15.6% of Amblyomma variegatum and 41.7% of Hyalomma truncatum ticks, respectively. Ehrlichia minasensis was detected in 18.8% of H. truncatum, and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii was determined in Hyalomma marginatum. We also detected Babesia caballi and Theileria velifera in A. variegatum ticks with a 4.4% and 6.7% prevalence, respectively. In addition, Hepatozoon canis was detected in 6.5% of Rhipicephalus lunulatus and 4.3% of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Coinfection of R. aeshilimannii and E. minasensis were observed in 4.2% of H. truncatum. This is the first report of Ca. M. mitochondrii and E. minasensis, and the second report of B. caballi, in the country. Rickettsia africae and R. aeschlimannii are pathogenic to humans, and E. minasensis, B. caballi, T. velifera, and H. canis are pathogenic to animals. Therefore, individuals, clinicians, veterinarians, and pet owners should be aware of the distribution of these pathogens in the area.

Babesia caballi, Theileria equi and several species of rickettsias are agents of vector-borne diseases that affect equines. The objective of this study was to detect infections by B. caballi and T. equi in horses and to identify rickettsias in horses and ticks in the western region of Cuba. Two nPCR assays were developed and standardized for the detection of B. caballi and T. equi. Blood samples from horses and ticks were collected. Identification by blood smear and molecular detection and identification of B. caballi, T. equi and Rickettsia spp. were carried out. Intraerythrocytic formations compatible with B. caballi and T. equi were observed. The nPCR showed that 25 % of the samples were positive for B. caballi, 73 % for T. equi and 20 % showed coinfection. The results were confirmed with the partial sequencing of the genes bc48 (B. caballi) and ema-1 (T. equi). The sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi demonstrated the presence of at least two genotypes of T. equi isolates in Cuba. The real time qPCR assay and sequencing revealed the presence of Rickettsia amblyommatis in A. mixtum and Rickettsia felis in D. nitens. Conclusions: These results constitute the first piece of molecular evidence of B. caballi and T. equi in horses and the first report of R. felis in D. nitens in Cuba, which broadens the knowledge about the distribution of pathogens and the spectrum of potential vectors contributing to the strengthening of management and control programs., Babesia caballi, Theileria equi y varias especies de rickettsias son agentesde enfermedades transmitidas por vectores que afectan a los equinos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue detectarinfecciones por B. caballi y T. equi en caballos e identificar rickettsias en caballos y garrapatas en la región occidentalde Cuba. Se estandarizaron 2 ensayos de nPCR para la detección de B. caballi y T. equi. Se colectaron muestras desangre de caballos, y garrapatas. Se realizó identificación por frotis sanguíneo y detección e identificación molecularde B. caballi, T. equi y Rickettsia sp. Se observaron formaciones intraeritrocíticas compatibles con B. caballi y T. equi.El nPCR mostró que el 25 % de las muestras fueron positivas para B. caballi, 73 % para T. equi y 20 % mostraroncoinfección. Los resultados se confirmaron con la secuenciación parcial de los genes bc48 (B. caballi) y ema-1 (T.equi). La secuenciación del gen 18S de ARNr de T. equi demostró la presencia de al menos 2 genotipos de aisladosde T. equi en Cuba. El ensayo de PCR en tiempo real y la secuenciación revelaron la presencia de Rickettsia amblyommatis en A. mixtum y Rickettsia felis en D. nitens. Como conclusiones estos resultados constituyen la primeraevidencia molecular de B. caballi y T. equi en equinos y el primer reporte de R. felis en D. nitens en Cuba, lo queamplía el conocimiento sobre la distribución de patógenos y el espectro de vectores potenciales contribuyendo alfortalecimiento de los programas de manejo y control.

Babesia caballi, Theileria equi and several species of rickettsias are agents of vector-borne diseases that affect equines. The objective of this study was to detect infections by B. caballi and T. equi in horses and to identify rickettsias in horses and ticks in the western region of Cuba. Two nPCR assays were developed and standardized for the detection of B. caballi and T. equi. Blood samples from horses and ticks were collected. Identification by blood smear and molecular detection and identification of B. caballi, T. equi and Rickettsia spp. were carried out. Intraerythrocytic formations compatible with B. caballi and T. equi were observed. The nPCR showed that 25 % of the samples were positive for B. caballi, 73 % for T. equi and 20 % showed coinfection. The results were confirmed with the partial sequencing of the genes bc48 (B. caballi) and ema-1 (T. equi). The sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi demonstrated the presence of at least two genotypes of T. equi isolates in Cuba. The real time qPCR assay and sequencing revealed the presence of Rickettsia amblyommatis in A. mixtum and Rickettsia felis in D. nitens. Conclusions: These results constitute the first piece of molecular evidence of B. caballi and T. equi in horses and the first report of R. felis in D. nitens in Cuba, which broadens the knowledge about the distribution of pathogens and the spectrum of potential vectors contributing to the strengthening of management and control programs., Babesia caballi, Theileria equi y varias especies de rickettsias son agentesde enfermedades transmitidas por vectores que afectan a los equinos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue detectarinfecciones por B. caballi y T. equi en caballos e identificar rickettsias en caballos y garrapatas en la región occidentalde Cuba. Se estandarizaron 2 ensayos de nPCR para la detección de B. caballi y T. equi. Se colectaron muestras desangre de caballos, y garrapatas. Se realizó identificación por frotis sanguíneo y detección e identificación molecularde B. caballi, T. equi y Rickettsia sp. Se observaron formaciones intraeritrocíticas compatibles con B. caballi y T. equi.El nPCR mostró que el 25 % de las muestras fueron positivas para B. caballi, 73 % para T. equi y 20 % mostraroncoinfección. Los resultados se confirmaron con la secuenciación parcial de los genes bc48 (B. caballi) y ema-1 (T.equi). La secuenciación del gen 18S de ARNr de T. equi demostró la presencia de al menos 2 genotipos de aisladosde T. equi en Cuba. El ensayo de PCR en tiempo real y la secuenciación revelaron la presencia de Rickettsia amblyommatis en A. mixtum y Rickettsia felis en D. nitens. Como conclusiones estos resultados constituyen la primeraevidencia molecular de B. caballi y T. equi en equinos y el primer reporte de R. felis en D. nitens en Cuba, lo queamplía el conocimiento sobre la distribución de patógenos y el espectro de vectores potenciales contribuyendo alfortalecimiento de los programas de manejo y control.

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease affecting horses, donkeys, mules and zebras, caused by the intracellular apicomplexan protozoa Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. The geographical distribution of EP is closely related to the distribution of its vector tick species belonging to the genera of Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma. Since the discovery of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in 2007 and the first reported autochthonous cases in the South of the Netherlands in 2012, no data on the (sero)prevalence of EP in horses in the Netherlands have been reported and it remains unclear whether B. caballi and T. equi have been able to establish themselves in the Netherlands. This study aims to give an update on the current status of EP in horses in the Netherlands using data from serological tests performed in the context of export and screening of 12,881 horses from 2015 through 2020. Horses were categorized as “Dutch,” “Foreign,” or “Unknown” based on microchip number. The overall seroprevalence of EP in Dutch horses was found to be 0.5% (95% exact CI [0.4–0.7]), compared to 1.9% (95% exact CI [1.3–2.6]) in horses in the category “Foreign” and 1.7% (95% exact CI [1.2–2.3]) in horses in the category “Unknown.” In addition, the seroprevalence per country in the category “Foreign” ranged from 0% (0.95% exact CI [0–2.8]) for Ireland to 6.0% (0.95% exact CI [3.5–9.3]) for Spain. In light of the reports on the seroprevalence during the outbreak of autochthonous EP reported in 2012 and on seroprevalences of EP in other countries in Northwestern Europe, the seroprevalence of EP in horses exported from the Netherlands is very low. However, the higher seroprevalence of EP in horses from abroad warrants the need for the monitoring of EP, as tick vectors are present in the Netherlands and the import of horses from endemic areas increases the chances of EP becoming more prevalent in the Netherlands.

Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by apicomplexan protozoan parasites, Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. The disease is responsible for serious economic losses to the equine industry. It principally affects donkeys, horses, mules, and zebra but DNA of the parasites has also been detected in dogs and camels raising doubt about their host specificity. The disease is endemic in tropical and temperate regions of the world where the competent tick vectors are prevalent. Infected equids remain carrier for life with T. equi infection, whilst, infection with B. caballi is cleared within a few years. This review focuses on all aspects of the disease from the historical overview, biology of the parasite, epidemiology of the disease (specifically highlighting other non-equine hosts, such as dogs and camels), vector, clinical manifestations, risk factors, immunology, genetic diversity, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by apicomplexan protozoan parasites, Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. The disease is responsible for serious economic losses to the equine industry. It principally affects donkeys, horses, mules, and zebra but DNA of the parasites has also been detected in dogs and camels raising doubt about their host specificity. The disease is endemic in tropical and temperate regions of the world where the competent tick vectors are prevalent. Infected equids remain carrier for life with T. equi infection, whilst, infection with B. caballi is cleared within a few years. This review focuses on all aspects of the disease from the historical overview, biology of the parasite, epidemiology of the disease (specifically highlighting other non-equine hosts, such as dogs and camels), vector, clinical manifestations, risk factors, immunology, genetic diversity, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention