Epidemiological assessment of Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, and Babesia bovis infections in Colombian creole cattle breeds: A molecular survey in northeastern Colombia.

Anaplasmosis and babesiosis are globally distributed arthropod-borne diseases known for causing substantial economic losses due to their high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aims to assess the frequency and epidemiological features associated with the infection of Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, and Babesia bovis in three Creole cattle breeds (Chino Santandereano (Chino), Casanareño (CAS), and Sanmartinero (SM)) in northeastern Colombia. Between June 2019 and March 2020, a total of 252 Creole cattle were sampled, with Chino, CAS, and SM accounting for 42.8%, 29.5%, and 29.5% of the samples, respectively. Blood samples were subjected to molecular analysis to detect the DNA of A. marginale, B. bigemina, and B. bovis, using species-specific primers. Additionally, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total serum proteins, and body condition were evaluated. Molecular analyses revealed the presence of B. bigemina, A. marginale, and B. bovis in 83.7% (211/252; 95% CI = 79.1%-88.3%), 59.9% (151/252; 95% CI = 53.8%-66.1%), and 40.9% (103/252; 95% CI = 34.7%-46.9%) of the samples, respectively, with 69% (174/252; 95% CI = 57.8%-80.3%) exhibiting coinfections. Notably, in infected animals, no significant alterations in PCV, total serum proteins, or body condition were observed. Multivariate analyses indicated a statistically significant association between the frequency of A. marginale infection and the breed and season, with a higher frequency in SM during the rainy season (P < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first molecular survey that evaluates multiple arthropod-borne pathogens in Colombian Creole breeds. The results revel a high frequency of B. bigemina and A. marginale infections, coupled with a notable frequency of coinfections, all without significant alteration in the PCV, total serum proteins and body conditions. Our findings enhance the understanding of the epidemiological aspects of arthropod-borne pathogens in Colombian Creole breed and contribute to the improvement of sanitary programs for these animals.

Molecular identification, risk factor assessment, and phylogenetic analysis of tick-borne pathogens in symptomatic and asymptomatic cattle from South-Eastern Iran.

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a substantial threat to cattle globally, exerting adverse impacts on production, health, and economic viability. This study delves into the prevalence and implications of TTBPs in cattle sourced from resource-limited smallholder livestock farms situated in southeastern Iran, proximate to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Blood and tick specimens were systematically collected from a cohort of 230 cattle, comprising 150 asymptomatic and 80 symptomatic individuals. Genomic DNA isolated from blood samples underwent rigorous examination for the presence of key TBPs, including Anaplasma marginale, A. phagocytophilum, A. bovis, A. centrale, Babesia bigemina, and Theileria annulata, utilizing multiple genetic markers. Nucleotide sequence analysis facilitated the reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships. The study also evaluated various potential risk factors, such as clinical status, gender, age, breed, tick infestation, and management practices, to elucidate their associations with TTBPs. Among the cattle cohort, a staggering 87.8% (202/230) tested positive for at least one pathogen. Prevalence statistics encompassed A. marginale (72.2%), T. annulata (68.3%), A. phagocytophilum/A. platys-like complex (66.1%), A. centrale (16.7%), B. bigemina (10.0%), and A. bovis (6.1%). Remarkably, mixed infections involving two, three, and four pathogens were detected in 23%, 52.1%, and 2.2% of animals, respectively. Notably, all asymptomatic cattle were positive for at least one TBP. Tick infestation was observed in 62.2% (143/230) of cattle, predominantly caused by Hyalomma anatolicum (82.5%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (13.1%), and R. sanguineus sensu lato (4.4%). Risk factors linked to TBPs encompassed tick infestation, older age, and crossbred animals. Clinical presentations among symptomatic cattle encompassed fever, anemia, weight loss, anorexia, jaundice, and enlarged superficial lymph nodes. This study underscores the pivotal role of asymptomatic carriers in the propagation of TTBPs within endemic regions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the potential for the implementation of molecular diagnostics to unmask subclinical infections, thereby affording the opportunity for targeted interventions aimed at ameliorating the burden of TTBPs in resource-constrained smallholder dairy farms.

The added value of One Health surveillance: data from questing ticks can provide an early signal for anaplasmosis outbreaks in animals and humans.

OBJECTIVE: In 2021, a first outbreak of anaplasmosis occurred in animals and humans in southern Québec, with 64% of confirmed human cases located in Bromont municipality. Ixodes scapularis ticks and Peromyscus mouse ear biopsies collected in Bromont from 2019 to 2021 were analyzed for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap) with the objective of determining whether an early environmental signal could have been detected before the outbreak. METHODS: Samples were collected for a concurrent study aiming to reduce Lyme disease risk. Between 2019 and 2021, up to 14 experimental sites were sampled for ticks and capture of small mammals took place on three sites in 2021. Samples were screened for Ap using multiplex real-time PCR, and genetic strains were identified using a single-nucleotide polymorphism assay. RESULTS: Analyses showed an increase of 5.7% in Ap prevalence in ticks (CI95: 1.5-9.9) between 2019 and 2020, i.e., one year before the outbreak. A majority of Ap-positive ticks were infected with the zoonotic strain (68.8%; CI95: 50.0-83.9) during the study period. In 2021, 2 of 59 captured Peromycus mice were positive for Ap, for a prevalence of 3.4% (CI95: 0.4-11.7). CONCLUSION: We conclude that data collected in Bromont could have provided an early signal for an anaplasmosis risk increasing in the targeted region. This is a reminder that integrated surveillance of tick-borne diseases through structured One Health programs, i.e. systematically integrating data from humans, animals and the environment, can provide useful and timely information for better preparedness and response in public health.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: En 2021, suivant une éclosion d'anaplasmoses chez les animaux et les humains dans le sud du Québec, des tiques de l'espèce Ixodes scapularis et des biopsies de souris Peromyscus spp. échantillonées à Bromont, la municipalité où 64 % des cas humains confirmés était localisé, ont été testées pour Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap) avec pour objectif de déterminer si un signal environnemental précoce d'augmentation du risque aurait pu être détecté avant l'éclosion. MéTHODE: L'échantillonnage a été réalisé dans le cadre d'une étude visant à réduire le risque de maladie de Lyme. De 2019 à 2021, 14 sites expérimentaux ont été échantillonnés pour les tiques. En 2021, trois sites ont été sélectionnés pour la capture des micromammifères. Les échantillons ont été testés pour la présence d'Ap à l'aide d'un PCR multiplex en temps réelle et les lignées génétiques ont été identifiées grâce à un test de polymorphisme mononucléotidique. RéSULTATS: Les analyses ont montré une augmentation de 5,7 % (IC95% : 1,5­9,9) de la prévalence de Ap entre 2019 et 2020, c'est-à-dire un an avant l'éclosion. Cette augmentation est associée à la présence d'une majorité d'Ap de la lignée zoonotique (68,8 %; IC95% : 50,0­83,9) sur l'ensemble de la période étudiée. En 2021, deux Peromycus spp. capturées sur 59 étaient positives pour Ap pour une prévalence de 3,4 % (IC95% : 0,4­11,7). CONCLUSION: Les données environnementales échantillonnées à Bromont auraient pu fournir un signal précoce de l'augmentation du risque d'anaplasmose dans la région. C'est un rappel que la surveillance intégrée des maladies transmises par les tiques inspirée de l'approche Une seule santé, intégrant systématiquement des données humaines, animales et environnementales, peut fournir des informations utiles et opportunes aux autorités de santé publique.

Molecular epidemiology, phylogenetic analysis and risk assessment of Anaplasma marginale from naturally infected bovines of Punjab (India).

Anaplasmosis, an infectious vector borne rickettsial disease caused by different species of Anaplasma transmitted through mechanical and biological (tick) processes has a great concern to livestock industry due to its associated economic losses. The current cross sectional comprehensive epidemiological study was conducted from August 2020 to November 2021 on 391 (277 cattle and 114 buffaloes) bovines from different districts of five agro climatic zones of Punjab state. Classical microscopic examination of Romanowsky stained blood smears showed an occurrence of 13.00%, while DNA amplification targeting major surface protein (msp5) of Anaplasma marginale revealed the 382 bp amplicon in 32.48% samples. Zone based molecular prevalence of A. marginale was highest in the Undulating zone (41.93%) and least in the Sub-Mountain zone (18.84%). The prevalence in Central plain zone, Western plain zone, and Western zone were 40.15, 30.95 and 29.91%, respectively. An overall molecular prevalence of A. marginale was 34.52, 32.75 and 20.0% in young, adults and calves, respectively, the difference being non-significant. Anaplsma marginale was more prevalent in unorganized farms (38.22%; 60/157) than organized farms (28.63%; 66/234). Risk factors analysis revealed young, female cattle at unorganized farms were more prone to anaplasmosis. Out of 127 positive samples, four samples were customed to sequencing revealed 98-99% homology with published sequences for other available global isolates. Multi-single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were observed in the sequence of two samples when aligned with the reference sequence from the NCBI database (CP023731).

Epidemiological study on Anaplasma phagocytophilum in cattle: Molecular prevalence and risk factors assessment in different ecological zones in Iran.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a tick-borne pathogen affecting humans and domestic animals worldwide. This study aimed to determine the molecular epidemiology and its associated risk factors of A. phagocytophilum infection in cattle in four ecological zones of Iran. A multi-stage stratified random sampling method was utilized during 2017-2018. A total of 1851 blood samples from 320 cattle farms were collected and examined using specific nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) based on the 16S rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of A. phagocytophilum was 15.5% (286/1851) by using nPCR. All four zones were A. phagocytophilum positive, the presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA was detected in eight out of nine tested provinces. Univariable analysis of risk factors indicated that climate, altitude, longitude, latitude, season, farm-type, feeding method, hygiene of the farm, tick infestation, use of acaricides by the farmer, distance from other farms, contact with wild animals, race, sex, and milk yield were significant determinants (P < 0.05) for A. phagocytophilum infection. The multivariable analysis determined that longitude, latitude, season, feeding method, and hygiene of the farm remained as significant risk factors for A. phagocytophilum infection (P < 0.05). Specific (SaTScan) cluster analysis identified two high risks and four low risks statistically significant clusters for A. phagocytophilum infection amongst the study areas (P < 0.001). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA isolates were 96-99% identical to sequences deposited in the GenBank. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive molecular study on the epidemiology and risk factors analysis of A. phagocytophilum infection in cattle in different climatic zones of Iran. Further investigations are necessary to be performed regarding the tick vectors, reservoir animals, and the zoonotic potential of the A. phagocytophilum in the endemic region of Iran.

Molecular Detection and Assessment of Risk Factors for Tick-Borne Diseases in Sheep and Goats from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Tick-borne diseases mainly, theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis cause significant economic losses in livestock globally, including Turkey. The tick-borne pathogens of small ruminants in Turkey have been studied widely but information on molecular characterization and disease occurrence is still limited. METHODS: In this study, both microscopy and molecular detection and characterization for Theileria spp. Babesia ovis, Anaplasma ovis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum was conducted. A total of 133 blood samples of tick-infested small ruminants (105 sheep and 28 goats) were collected from Turkey: half of the animals had clinical signs of tick-borne disease infections. RESULTS: Using PCR assays and microscopy, 90.2% and 45.1% of the samples were positive for at least one pathogen, respectively. Overall, the infection rates of A. phagocytophilum, B. ovis, A. ovis, Theileria spp. were 66.7%, 62.4%, 46.6% and 7.0%, respectively. Fifty-nine of the 133 (44.4%) samples were co-infected with two or more pathogens. Sex, season and B. ovis positivity were significant risk factors for occurrence of clinical disease. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on B. ovis 18S small subunit rRNA, A. ovis major surface protein 4, Theileria spp. 18S rRNA and A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA genes showed that the isolates in this study clustered together in well-supported clades with those previously collected from Turkey and other countries. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows B. ovis as the most significant pathogen associated with clinical and fatal cases in small ruminants from Turkey. Female sex and summer season are associated with increased risk of the disease. This study shows high infection rates with the pathogens among small ruminants including A. phagocytophilum which has veterinary and public health importance.

A review on the eco-epidemiology and clinical management of human granulocytic anaplasmosis and its agent in Europe.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the agent of tick-borne fever, equine, canine and human granulocytic anaplasmosis. The common route of A. phagocytophilum transmission is through a tick bite, the main vector in Europe being Ixodes ricinus. Despite the apparently ubiquitous presence of the pathogen A. phagocytophilum in ticks and various wild and domestic animals from Europe, up to date published clinical cases of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) remain rare compared to the worldwide status. It is unclear if this reflects the epidemiological dynamics of the human infection in Europe or if the disease is underdiagnosed or underreported. Epidemiologic studies in Europe have suggested an increased occupational risk of infection for forestry workers, hunters, veterinarians, and farmers with a tick-bite history and living in endemic areas. Although the overall genetic diversity of A. phagocytophilum in Europe is higher than in the USA, the strains responsible for the human infections are related on both continents. However, the study of the genetic variability and assessment of the difference of pathogenicity and infectivity between strains to various hosts has been insufficiently explored to date. Most of the European HGA cases presented as a mild infection, common clinical signs being pyrexia, headache, myalgia and arthralgia. The diagnosis of HGA in the USA was recommended to be based on clinical signs and the patient's history and later confirmed using specialized laboratory tests. However, in Europe since the majority of cases are presenting as mild infection, laboratory tests may be performed before the treatment in order to avoid antibiotic overuse. The drug of choice for HGA is doxycycline and because of potential for serious complication the treatment should be instituted on clinical suspicion alone.

Molecular Assessment of Anaplasma marginale in Bovine and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Tick of Endemic Tribal Belt of Coastal South Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: This study described the detection, prevalence and phylogeny of Anaplasma marginale in the bovine (cattle and buffaloes) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick belonged to the tribal area of coastal South Gujarat, India, by amplifying 576 bp of major surface protein (msp) 5 gene using custom designed primers in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The PCR detection limit was up to 20 parasites/µl of blood in sensitivity experiment, and observed 100% specificity against Trypanosoma evansi, Babesia bigemina and Theileria annulata. Prevalence rate of the A. marginale in the bovine (n = 211)) was 18.48% and 6.64% (p < 0.05) as per the PCR and Giemsa stained blood smear, respectively. Febrile animals (35%) observed significantly (p < 0.05) higher incidence rate than the non-febrile (14.62%). The amplified msp5 had single cut site for the EcoR1 enzyme, upon digestion yielded two fragments of 365 and 211 bp on 1.0% agarose gel. The current sequence (KC811329) showed 100% homology and 1064 total score with the published nucleotide sequences of msp5 of A. marginale in the NCBI-BLAST study. Monophyletic relationship was observed with high bootstrap proportion (> 76% in Neighbor-Joining/ Maximum Likelihood) between the current and published nucleotide sequences in the phylogeny. Twenty out of 39 A. marginale infected bovine recorded R. (B.) microplus on their body surface, out of which 18 had detected the infection. The rickettsia was in 55%, 65% and 25% of anterior half, posterior half and egg of tick, respectively. CONCLUSION: The test detected A. marginale in a carrier, pre-symptomatic and symptomatic vertebrate hosts (cattle and buffalo) and different body parts of the starved R. (B.) microplus including its egg. The current genotype could be an explanation for the frequent outbreaks of bovine anaplasmosis in the targeted areas.

Cross-sectional survey of health management and prevalence of vector-borne diseases, endoparasites and ectoparasites in Samoan dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of selected canine vector-borne diseases (Leishmania infantum, Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis) and endo- and ectoparasites in Samoan dogs presenting for surgical sterilisation and to report on the general health management of the dogs. METHODS: This study was a prospective serological cross-sectional survey. Management data were obtained for 242 dogs by interview with their owners. Blood samples were collected from 237 dogs and screened for the canine vector-borne diseases using point-of-care qualitative ELISA assays. Anaplasma spp. positive samples were screened by PCR and sequenced for species identification. Rectal faecal samples were collected from 204 dogs for faecal flotation and immunofluorescent antibody tests were performed for Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. on a subset of 93 faecal samples. The skin and coat of 221 dogs were examined for presence of ectoparasites. RESULTS: The D. immitis antigen was detected in 46.8% (111/237) of dogs. Seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. was 8.4% (20/237); A. platys was confirmed by PCR. Prevalence of hookworm was 92.6% (185/205) and Giardia was 29.0% (27/93). Ectoparasites were detected on 210/221 (95.0%) of dogs examined and 228/242 dogs (94.2%) had previously never received any preventative medication. CONCLUSIONS: There was a very high prevalence of D. immitis, hookworm and external parasites in Samoan dogs, and prophylactic medication is rarely administered. This is the first report confirming A. platys in Samoa and the South Pacific islands. The public health implications of poor management of the dogs should be considered and investigated further.

Assessment of a quantitative 5' nuclease real-time polymerase chain reaction using groEL gene for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species in rodents in Brazil.

New genotypes of Anaplasmataceae agents have been detected in wild carnivores, birds and deer in Brazil. The present work aimed to investigate the presence of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species in rodents sampled in Brazil. Additionally, a newly designed quantitative 5' nuclease real-time multiplex PCR for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma spp. detection based on groEL gene amplification was designed, showing high specificity and sensitivity (10 groEL fragment copy/µL). Between 2000 and 2011, different rodent species [n=60] were trapped in 5 Brazilian biomes. Among 458 rodent spleen samples, 0.4% (2/458) and 2.4% (11/458) were positive for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma spp., respectively. Of 458 samples, 2.0% (9/458) and 1.1% (5/458) were positive for Anaplasma sp. and Ehrlichia sp., respectively, using conventional 16S rRNA PCR assays. Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyse based on a small region of 16S rRNA genes positioned the Anaplasma genotypes in rodents near Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma odocoilei isolates. Ehrlichia genotypes were closely related to E. canis. There was a low occurrence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in wild and synanthropic rodents in Brazil, suggesting the circulation of new genotypes of these agents in rodents in the studied areas.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Hemoparasites in Cattle and Goats at the Edge of Kibale National Park, Western Uganda.

Livestock production is a major sector of the Ugandan economy. Ugandan ruminant livestock (principally cattle and goats) are susceptible to hemoparasites that can cause serious clinical disease and production losses. Kibale National Park, in western Uganda, is a protected forest ecosystem surrounded by small-scale farms where cattle and goats are raised. We conducted a cross-sectional study of cattle and goats in this area and diagnosed hemoparasite infections by microscopy. We collected data on animal characteristics and management practices to assess risk factors associated with infection. We studied 186 cattle and 317 goats from 20 villages, including 16 villages directly adjacent to Kibale and 4 villages ≥3 km from the park boundary. Hemoparasites detected in cattle and goats were of the genera Theileria, Anaplasma, and Trypanosoma with a prevalence of 15.1%, 1.6%, and 4.3% respectively in cattle, and 10%, 6.0%, and 0.0%, respectively in goats. Trypanosomes infected approximately 8% of cattle in villages bordering Kibale but were never detected in cattle in "control" villages ≥3 km from the park. Trypanosomes were approximately 7 times more likely to infect animals in households that did not provide veterinary care to their animals than in households that provided routine veterinary care. Within cattle, Theileria infections were approximately 7 times more likely to occur in cross-bred cattle than in indigenous pure breeds. Anaplasma infections were approximately 3.5 times more likely to occur in cattle than in goats (no goats were diagnosed with Trypanosoma infection). These data suggest that proximity to the park, provision of veterinary care, and breed are significant risk factors for hemoparasites in this population of ruminants, and that, in general, cattle are more susceptible than goats.

Detection and assessment of risk factors associated with natural concurrent infection of Trypanosoma evansi and Anaplasma marginale in dairy animals by duplex PCR in eastern Punjab.

Duplex PCR consisting of two primer sets within a single mixture for the simultaneous detection of Anaplasma marginale and Trypanosoma evansi was standardized and employed on 219 blood samples collected from cattle (165) and buffaloes (54) from eastern Punjab to evaluate the status of concurrent infection and associated risk factors. The reaction produced 257- and 407-bp amplification products targeting repetitive nucleotide sequence of T. evansi and msp1ß gene of A. marginale, respectively. The nucleotide sequence analysis of individual amplicons expressed the fidelity of the primer pairs used; duplex PCR was 100% sensitive and 92.66 % specific with conventional microscopy for the detection of mixed infections. Among the agro-climatic zones of interest, undulating zone was at higher risk of T. evansi infection (odds ratio (OR) = 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.94-3.27), and submountain zone (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.11-3.33) for A. marginale. For the concurrent infection, the relative risk among the two zones was almost unity. The cross-bred cattle population was at the highest risk of infection, may it be solo infection of T. evansi (OR = ∞, 95% CI = 1.18-∞)/A. marginale (OR = 6.39, 95% CI = 1.14-125.3) or dual infection (OR = ∞, 95% CI = 0.39-∞) of both as the indigenous cattle are resistant to the infection. Cross-bred cattle were at approximately three times the risk than buffaloes. For the dual infection, the cattle calves were at about 2.5 times higher risk than buffalo calves. Results indicate the endemic status of these infections in the region and mark out the commodities at great risk and requiring better surveillance.

Detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys DNA using multiplex PCR.

We hereby propose a novel sensitive, specific, and cost-efficient method to detect Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys DNA from canine whole blood samples by multiplex PCR. Blood samples from hemoparasited dogs attending the Veterinary Hospital at the Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia-UFRA, Belém, Brazil, were collected in tubes containing EDTA. Amplification of E. canis and A. platys 16S rDNA by nested (n) PCR was successfully achieved by using primers specific to the Anaplasmataceae in the first round of PCR, followed by a second round of PCR using E. canis-specific primers in conjunction with A. platys-specific primers. The amplicons obtained were cloned and sequenced, yielding sequences of 478 and 473 bp (including primers) pertaining to regions of the 16S rDNA of E. canis and A. platys, respectively. The protocol we here propose may help to measure the prevalence of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) and canine cyclic thrompocytopenia, not only in northern Brazil, where there is no data available, but also elsewhere.

Seroprevalence of Anaplasma marginale in 2 Iowa feedlots and its association with morbidity, mortality, production parameters, and carcass traits.

A prospective cohort observational study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of Anaplasma marginale in Iowa feedlots and its association with morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs. Blood samples were taken from 659 calves from 31 consigners at processing and classified as seropositive to A. marginale using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) with a 30% cutoff. Health and production parameters were modeled by A. marginale serostatus with mixed model regression analysis. The apparent prevalence of seropositive cattle was 15.17% (100/659). When the cELISA positive cutoff was at 42% inhibition, the apparent prevalence was 5.00% (33/659). There was no significant association between A. marginale serostatus and production parameters; however, seropositive status had a weak positive association with undifferentiated fever (P = 0.17). Although prevalence of anaplasmosis in Iowa feedlots is higher than reported in Montana-sourced calves arriving in Canadian feedlots, this was not associated with increased production costs.

[Assessment of rate of infection with agents of bacterial infections in ticks captured on one of the Moscow park terrains].

AIM: To study the rate of infection of ticks captured one of the Moscow park terrains with bacteria (agents of tick borreliosis and anaplasmosis). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rates of infection of dried ticks with agents of main tick-borne bacterial infections (tick borreliosis and anaplasmosis) were determined by nested PCR. RESULTS: In May-June 2006, 76 ticks (40 adult females, 36 adult, males) belonged to Ixodes ricinus species were captured by the method "on flag". Number of ticks on the chosen terrain was 1.77 ticks per km2. 22.4% of ticks (12 females and 5 males) were positive for the agent of tick borreliosis--spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato which is pathogenic for humans. The main detected pathogen was Euro-Asian genovariant of B. garinii--7 female and 5 male ticks (70.6% from total number of infected ticks) were infected with it. Five female ticks were infected with genovariant of B. afzelii. One female tick (1.2%) was infected with B. valaisiana. CONCLUSION: Anaplasma A. phagocytophilum causing human granulocytic anaplasmosis was not detected in captured adult ticks.

Estimated direct economic costs associated with tick-borne diseases on cattle in Tanzania.

Tick-borne diseases, namely, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, cowdriosis and theileriosis, constrain cattle production and improvement in Tanzania, leading to considerable economic losses. A simple spreadsheet model was used to estimate the economic losses resulting from production losses, treatment and control costs associated with tick-borne diseases (TBD) in Tanzania. Model parameters included the national cattle population, reported TBD morbidity, fatality risk, and chemotherapy and control measures used. The total annual national loss due TBD was estimated to be 364 million USD, including an estimated mortality of 1.3 million cattle. Theileriosis accounted for 68% of the total loss, while anaplasmosis and babesiosis each accounted for 13% and cowdriosis accounted for 6% of the total loss. Costs associated with mortality, chemotherapy and acaricide application accounted for 49%, 21% and 14% of the total estimated annual TBD losses, respectively, infection and treatment method milk loss and weight loss accounted for 1%, 6% and 9% of the total annual loss, respectively. Despite the inadequacies of the data used, the results give evidence that tick-borne diseases inflict substantial economic losses on cattle production and resource use in Tanzania.

Prevalence of blood parasites in cattle from wilayates of Annaba and El Tarf east Algeria.

Between June and September 2002, a preliminary study was conducted to assess the prevalence of blood parasites of cattle in eastern Algeria. Fifty-four bovines of different genotypes were submitted to clinical examination. From each animal, blood smears were made and stained by Giemsa. Four species of parasites, namely Theileria annulata, T. orientalis, Babesia bovis and Anaplasma marginale were encountered. Fifty animals carried single or multiple infections with blood parasites and four were found negative. The rate of single infections (72.3%, n = 39) was almost three times higher than multiple infections (20.3%, n = 11). The high percentage of single infections was recorded with T. annulata (53.7%). However single infection with Anaplasma marginale (7.4 %), B. bovis (5.6%) and T orientalis (5.6%) were very low compared to T. annulata infection. The rates of mixed infection were as follows: T. annulata/A. marginale 9.3%, T. annulata/T. orientalis 5.6%, A. marginale/T. orientalis 3.7% and B. bovis/A. marginale 1.9%.

Present status of tick-borne diseases in Sudan.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are widespread in the Sudan, cause substantial economic losses and constitute major obstacles to the development of animal wealth. Most important among these diseases are tropical theileriosis, malignant ovine theileriosis, cowdriosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis and avian spirochaetosis. However, knowledge about ticks and tick-borne diseases is still fragmentary and far from complete. The large number of tick species, the multplicity of transmitted agents and the diverse ecoclimatic zones of the Sudan provide a unique opportunity to host diverse research activities that could benefit other regions in Africa.

General review of tick-borne diseases of sheep and goats world-wide.

A general review of the tick-borne diseases of sheep and goats is given, with the emphasis on those thought to be of greatest economic importance. These include babesiosis, theileriosis, cowdriosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Nairobi sheep diseases and tick paralysis. A commented list of tick-borne diseases and their vectors is presented. It is stressed that large gaps remain in our knowledge of the real importance in the field of many of these diseases, especially in local stock.