ABSTRACT
Canine vector-borne diseases are widely distributed around the world. They are transmitted by arthropods, and many seriously threaten the health of animals and humans. In China, our knowledge of Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma species circulating in dogs is still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the prevalence and genetic characteristics of canine Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. in Chongqing (southwest), Fujian (southeast), Shandong (southeast), and Hubei (central) Provinces of China. Blood samples from healthy pet dogs were processed to detect Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma DNA with PCR. Haplotype and phylogenetic analyses were performed on 18S rRNA sequences. Among 306 dogs, no Ehrlichia spp. or Mycoplasma spp. were detected, whereas one Hepatozoon sp. was detected in 10 (3.27%) of the animals. Only Hepatozoon canis was identified and was endemic to Chongqing (2.46%) and Hubei (8.77%). A haplotype analysis identified eight haplotypes among the H. canis isolates. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the H. canis isolates in this study clustered into four clades, together with isolates from different countries and hosts, forming a large group that was clearly separate from other Hepatozoon species. These findings provided new information on the epidemiological characteristics of canine vector-borne diseases in China and will be helpful in the development of efficient measures to safeguard the health and well-being of companion animals and their owners.
ABSTRACT
Babesia gibsoni is a tick-borne apicomplexan protozoan causing canine babesiosis. This parasite has diploid sexual reproduction in ticks, during which genetic exchanges can occur leading to increased genetic diversity, which is an important factor in adapting to environmental changes. Exploring the genetic variation of B. gibsoni population can provide a foundation for understanding the patterns of disease transmission and developing babesiosis control strategies. Partial 18S rRNA fragment sequences were obtained from 11 B. gibsoni isolates collected from different regions in China and 117 publicly available sequences were from 12 geographical areas including China. The genetic variation, demographic expansion and population structure were examined. A total of 34 haplotypes were identified among B. gibsoni populations. Analysis of molecular variance, pairwise Fst and structure analysis showed that high genetic variation within populations, low genetic differentiation and obvious mixture haplotype were apparent in a single continent, but higher genetic differentiation was detected across different continents. Neutrality tests implied that B. gibsoni populations had experienced population extension. These findings will contribute to understand the genetics and evolution of B. gibsoni and will be useful for formulating effective management strategies to prevent and control this parasite.
ABSTRACT
As there are few studies of Babesia spp. infection in cats in China, or anywhere in the world, the aim of this study was to explore the epidemic features of babesiosis in pet cats in China. In total, 429 blood samples were randomly collected in four different geographical regions. The 18S rRNA gene fragment of Babesia spp. was amplified by nest polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and haplotype and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia were performed to analyze the relationship of this protozoa. The total positive rate of infection was 2.8%. BLAST analysis indicated that Babesia gibsoni was detected in 12 cats. Among these, 4.3%, 3.1%, 0.8% and 2.0% were from Chongqing, Fujian, Hubei and Shandong, respectively. Haplotype and phylogenetic analysis showed that there were nine haplotypes and no obvious genetic variation among B. gibsoni populations. These findings will be helpful for understanding the epidemiology of Babesia spp. in China, and provide a foundation for developing effective preventative strategies.
ABSTRACT
In the original publication [...].