Molecular Epidemiology and Phylogeny of Theileria ovis and Theileria lestoquardi in Sheep and Goats from Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Background: Theileria spp. are responsible for ovine and caprine theileriosis, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in small ruminants. The present study aims to investigate Theileria spp. infections in small ruminants from Southern Punjab in Pakistan, and genetic characterize revealed Theileria spp. isolates. Methods: A total of 93 sheep and 107 goats were sampled between May and August 2022. Blood smears were examined microscopically, and PCR amplification targeting the 18S rRNA gene was performed to detect Theileria spp. Additionally, specific PCR assays targeting 18S rRNA and ms1 partial sequences were used to identify Theileria ovis and T. lestoquardi, respectively.  Results: The prevalence of Theileria spp. was significantly higher using PCR (13.5%) compared to microscopic screening (5%). Sheep showed a higher prevalence rate (19.4%) compared to goats (8.4%) (p = 0.024). Young sheep aged ≤ 1 year were more commonly infected with Theileria spp. (41%) compared to older sheep (p = 0.006). The prevalence of Theileria spp. was higher in sheep-only herds (37.3%) compared to goat-only herds (18%) or mixed-species herds (8.1%) (p = 0.015). The prevalence rates of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi were 9% and 2.5%, respectively, with four animals (2 goats and 2 sheep) showing co-infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that our T. ovis 18S rRNA sequence clustered with previously reported sequences from sheep in Turkey, China, Spain, and goats in Tanzania. The obtained T. lestoquardi ms1 partial sequence formed a distinct cluster from other T. lestoquardi isolates in Pakistan and neighboring countries.  Conclusion: Theileria spp. co-circulation in Pakistani small ruminants, particularly the presence of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi, highlights the need for attention from animal health decision-makers due to their financial and health impacts.

Seroprevalence of bovine echinococcusis in Pakistan / Soroprevalência de equinococcusose bovina no Paquistão

ABSTRACT: Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic infection of worldwide distribution, which, despite causing significant loss of health and money, is still a neglected disease. The present study was performed to determine the prevalence of bovine hydatid disease at Research Centre for the Conservation of Sahiwal Cattle, Jahangirabad, Khanewal, Pakistan. Five hundred bovine serum samples were tested for the detection of bovine Echinococcus antibodies (IgG), using the ELISA kits. Antibodies of bovine Echinococcus were detected in 24.2% cattle. Female cattle showed higher disease prevalence (33.2%) compared to (6.02%) in male cattle. There was positive association between sex of cattle and prevalence (P<0.05). Positive correlation between disease prevalence and age was detected. Younger animals (<3 years old) had lower prevalence value of disease than to older animals (> 3 years old). It is concluded that there is high degree of exposure of cattle to Echinococcus at Research Centre for Conservation of Sahiwal Cattle, Khanewal, Punjab. Measures should be taken to reduce risk of disease to avoid its spread to humans as well as great degree of economic losses.

RESUMO: A equinococose cística é uma infecção parasitária de distribuição mundial que, apesar de causar perda significativa de saúde e dinheiro, ainda é uma doença negligenciada. O presente estudo foi realizado para determinar a prevalência da doença hidatídea bovina no Centro de Pesquisa para Conservação do Gado Sahiwal, Jahangirabad, Khanewal, Paquistão. Quinhentas amostras de soro bovino foram testadas para a detecção de anticorpos anti Echinococcus de bovinos (IgG), utilizando os kits ELISA. Anticorpos de contra Echinococcus bovino foram detectados em 24,2% dos bovinos. As fêmeas apresentaram maior prevalência de doenças (33,2%) em comparação com (6,02%) nos machos. Existe associação positiva entre sexo do gado e prevalência (P<0,05). Foi detectada correlação positiva entre a prevalência da doença e a idade. Animais mais jovens (<3 anos) apresentaram menor valor de prevalência da doença do que animais mais velhos (>3 anos). Conclui-se que existe um alto grau de exposição do gado ao Echinococcus no Centro de Pesquisa para Conservação do Gado Sahiwal, Khanewal, Punjab. Devem ser tomadas medidas para reduzir o risco de doenças e evitar sua propagação para os seres humanos, além de um grande grau de perdas econômicas.

Molecular Epidemiology and Prevalence of Theileria lestoquardi and Theileria ovis Infection in Goats Infested With Tick Vectors From Multan, Pakistan.

Caprine theileriosis is a major production problem in regions of the world that rely on goats as a major source of milk, meat, and other means of economic income. Theileria ovis and Theileria lestoquardi are responsible for caprine theileriosis in Pakistan. The present study examined the prevalence of Theileria spp. infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and light microscopy of blood collected from goats from Multan, Pakistan. In addition, the prevalence and identity of the genus of ticks feeding on these goats was determined on specimens collected at the time of blood sampling. The current project hypothesized that Theileria spp. prevalence would be higher in goats infested with ticks than goats without tick infestation. Four hundred and sixty-three blood samples from goats were analyzed, and the prevalence of infection was 16.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = ±5.96) 74 of 463 by PCR and 5.4% (95% CI = ±7.79) 25 of 463 by microscopic examination. Thirty-six (48.6%, 95% CI = ±4.96) and 30 (40.5%, 95% CI = ±7.10) of 74 samples were positive by PCR for T. ovis and T. lestoquardi, respectively. Eight samples (10.0%, 95% CI = ±9.61) had mixed infections of these Theileria species. Infection was observed significantly (P < 0.05) more often in male 22.8%, 95% CI = ±3.85 (23/101) than in female 14%, 95% CI = ±2.36 (51/362) goats. No statistical (P > 0.05) difference in prevalence was present among the three age groups of ≤1 yr (12.6%, 95% CI = ±6.70), 1-4 yr (16.2%, 95% CI = ±8.24), and ≥4 yr (17.7%, 95% CI = ±11.30) goats examined. Two hundred and one (43.4%, 95% CI = ±7.45) goats were infested with ticks, Rhipicephalus spp. and Haemaphysalis spp., which are capable of transmitting Theileria spp. Tick infestation was found to be a significant (P < 0.05) risk factor for infection. Prevalence of Theileria infection in goats was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the summer compared with the other three seasons. Data from this study support our hypothesis and demonstrate that both T. ovis and T. lestoquardi are highly prevalent in goats from Multan, Pakistan.

Correlates of myopia in students of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan.

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of myopia in young students of Bahaudin Zakariya University, Multan. A total sample of 620 students of both gender (male=295; female=325) was collected during 2014. The data was divided in two breeding pattern groups, five groups on account of age at myopia onset and different family size. Out of 620 subjects, 150 had myopia (male=85; female=65). The overall prevalence of myopia was 24.19%. The myopia prevalence was apparently higher in males 28.8% as compared to females 20%. It was observed that myopia was more in age group 21 (37.33%) and less in age group 18 (2.67%). Myopia was found to be higher in inbreeding group (cousin marriage) 56.67% when compared with out-breeding group 43.33% and was found significantly (P< 0.05) more 69.33% in family size of 6-9 as compared 5 (5.33%) respectively.

Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica in humans.

The present survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of human amebiasis. During the study, 1360 fecal samples were examined from February 2007 to December 2007 at Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Out of 1360 hosts examined, 295 were infected with E. histolytica. The overall prevalence of E. histolytica was (21.69%). Relationship between sex and E. histolytica in humans showed that the infection of E. histolytica was more prevalent in male hosts (22.36%) as compared to female hosts (20.9%). However the difference was statistically non-significant (P>0.05). Results regarding the relationship between age and E. histolytica revealed that the parasite had highest prevalence (30.82%) in age group of 1 day to 15 years and lowest prevalence (17.34%) in age group of 31 to 45 years. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).