Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats of North West Province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis, one of the most prevalent parasitic zoonotic diseases with significant economic and public health implications worldwide. Infection with the parasite has a significant adverse effect on sheep and goat production and can frequently go undetected in the herd, resulting in abortions and weak or dead offspring. Although there are few studies on seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infections in livestock in other provinces of South Africa, there is no data in the North West province. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and risk factors associated with exposure in sheep and goats of the North West province of South Africa. Sera from 439 livestock (164 sheep and 285 goats) were collected and analysed for the presence of T. gondii IgG antibodies using indirect ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). An assessment of potential risk factors in farms associated with seropositivity was also conducted using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of the 439 tested sheep and goats, 13.9% (61/439) were positive for IgG antibodies against T. gondii. Sheep and goats had seroprevalences of 19.5% (32/164) and 10.5% (29/275) respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the risk of acquiring T. gondii was significantly higher in the mixed breed [Odds ratio (OR) = 71.07; 95% confidence interval (CI): 266.8-1893.1; p < 0.011)] animals than white dorper sheep and in farms that burn or bury aborted material (OR = 42.04; CI: 179.9-982.5; p = 0.020) compared to those that only burn aborted material. The risk was lower for the farms in Kagisano-Molopo (OR = 0.00; CI: 0.0-25.4; p = 0.015) and Mahikeng (OR = 0.00; CI: 0.0-4.9; p < 0.001) local municipalities than Greater Taung local municipality, and for the animals that drink water from dams (OR = 0.03; CI: 0.2-58.8; p = 0.021) than those that drink from boreholes. CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence and risk factors associated with transmission observed show that T. gondii infection is widespread in sheep and goats of the North West province.

Potential novel Colpodella spp. (phylum Apicomplexa) and high prevalence of Colpodella spp. in goat-attached Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks in Shandong province, China.

Tick-borne Apicomplexan parasites pose a significant threat to both public health and animal husbandry. Identifying potential pathogenic parasites and gathering their epidemiological data are essential for prospectively preventing and controlling infections. In the present study, genomic DNA of ticks collected from two goat flocks (Goatflock1 and Goatflock2) and one dog group (Doggroup) were extracted and the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia/Theileria/Colpodella spp. was amplified by PCR and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on the obtained sequences. The differences in pathogen positive rates between ticks of different groups were statistically analyzed using the Chi-square or continuity-adjusted Chi-square test. As a result, two pathogenic Theileria (T.) luwenshuni genotypes, one novel pathogenic Colpodella sp. HLJ genotype, and two potential novel Colpodella spp. (referred to as Colpodella sp. struthionis and Colpodella sp. yiyuansis in this study) were identified in the Haemaphysalis (H.) longicornis ticks. Ticks of Goatflock2 had a significantly higher positive rate of Colpodella spp. than those from Goatflock1 (χ2=92.10; P = 8.2 × 10-22) and Doggroup (χ2=42.34; P = 7.7 × 10-11), and a significantly higher positive rate of T. luwenshuni than Doggroup (χ2=5.38; P = 0.02). However, the positive rates of T. luwenshuni between Goatflock1 and Goatflock2 were not significantly different (χ2=2.02; P = 0.16), and so as the positive rates of both pathogens between Goatflock1 and Doggroup groups (P > 0.05). For either Colpodella spp. or T. luwenshuni, no significant difference was found in prevalence between male and female ticks. These findings underscore the potential importance of Colpodella spp. in domestic animal-attached ticks, as our study revealed two novel Colpodella spp. and identified Colpodella spp. in H. longicornis for the first time. The study also sheds light on goats' potential roles in the transmission of Colpodella spp. to ticks and provides crucial epidemiological data of pathogenic Theileria and Colpodella. These data may help physicians, veterinarians, and public health officers prepare suitable detection and treatment methods and develop prevention and control strategies.

Seroprevalence and associated factors with Neospora caninum infection in sheep and goats slaughtered in the state of Paraíba, Brazil.

The objective was to describe the seroprevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in goats and sheep slaughtered in the state of Paraíba and to identify possible associated factors with the infections. Two hundred twenty-nine samples from goats and two hundred five from sheep were analyzed by Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction (IFAT) using a cutoff point of 1:50. The presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was identified in 28.4% (65/ 229; 95% Confidence Interval: 22.6-34.2) of the goat samples and in 12.7% (26/ 205; 95% CI: 8.2 - 17.2) of the sheep samples. Contact between goats and dogs (Odds ratio 4.81; CI 1.13 - 2.67; p = 0.041) and cattle (OR. 1.87; CI 1.13 - 2.67; p = 0.002) was identified as a risk factor for goats and contact between sheep and dogs (OR 2.32; CI 1.58 - 3.14; p = 0.026) and history of abortion (OR 1.94; CI 1.28 - 2.90; p = 0.001) was considered a risk factor for sheep. The study revealed a high seroprevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in slaughtered goats and sheep in Paraíba. Risk factors such as contact with dogs/cattle and abortion history underscore the need for preventive measures to control infection and enhance animal health management.

Evaluation of brain injury in goats naturally infected with Coenurus cerebralis; brain specific biomarkers, acute inflammation, and DNA oxidation.

This investigate goals are to establish the utility of brain-specific biomarkers (GFAP and S100B) in vivo and to assess the brain damage in C. cerebralis-infected goats using histopathological and immunopathological methods. The animal material of the study consisted of 10 healthy and 20 Coenurus cerebralis infected female hair goats. Serum GFAP and S100B concentrations were measured to determine brain damage. Serum S100B (p < 0.037), GFAP (p < 0.012), urea (p < 0.045), GGT (p < 0.001) and ALT (p < 0.001) concentrations in the C.cerebralis group were significantly higher than the control group. There was no significant difference between the C.cerebralis group and the control group for hsTnI (p > 0.078), creatinine (p > 0.099) and CK-MB (p > 0.725). In the histopathological examination, pressure atrophy and related inflammatory changes were observed due to mechanical damage of the parasite. Immunohistochemical examinations revealed that the parasite stimulated inflammation with the expression of TNF-α and caused DNA damage with the expression of 8-OHdG. As a result, when the data collected for this study are assessed as a whole, it is thought that the use of brainspecific GFAP and S100B biomarkers may be beneficial in determining brain damage in naturally infected hair goats with C.cerebralis. Changes in the levels of brain-specific biomarkers contribute significantly to determining the prognosis of the disease in vivo. Measurement of GFAP and S100B concentrations from serum offers an important alternative to the CSF method.

Cryptosporidium parvum gp60 subtypes in diarrheic lambs and goat kids from Israel.

Cryptosporidium parvum is the second-most prevalent Cryptosporidium species that infects humans worldwide. In European countries, it is the most prevalent species in sheep, suggesting that these animals are a source of zoonotic infection. Preweaned lambs and goats are particularly susceptible to infection by the parasite and may suffer from severe diarrhea whilst excreting large quantities of infectious oocysts. Fifty fecal samples from preweaned lambs and goats with diarrhea from 35 farms across Israel, found to be Cryptosporidium-positive by microscopy, were tested by PCR and sequence analyses to determine the infective species and subtypes. Cryptosporidium parvum DNA was detected in most samples from both lambs and goats (46/50). Cryptosporidium xiaoi DNA was detected in three samples from kids, with co-infection detected in a single sample. Eleven different C. parvum subtypes were found, 10 in lambs and 5 in goats. All subtypes were from the IIa and IId subtype families, with subtypes IIdA20G1 and IIaA15G2R1 being the most prevalent and widespread. These subtypes were previously found in calves and humans in Israel and are considered the most prevalent C. parvum subtypes in small ruminants globally. These results underline the zoonotic potential of C. parvum from small ruminants and the high subtype diversity compared to previous reports from other Middle Eastern countries. In addition, this is the first report of C. xiaoi in Israel.

Diversity, prevalence and risk factors associated to gastrointestinal tract parasites in wild and domestic animals from Pakistan.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animals contains various helminth parasites, responsible for subclinical and clinical parasitism. The health situation of animals is seriously affected by these parasites and leads massive financial losses for the livestock trade. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of GIT parasites in small and large ruminants of Mardan district and zoo animals of Golden Life Safari Park Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A total of 419 fecal samples were collected including 117 from goats, 110 from cattle, 80 from sheep, 66 from buffaloes, 40 from birds, four from deer, and two from leopards. The fecal samples were subjected to sedimentation and floatation to identify parasite eggs. Of a total of 419 fecal samples, 215 (51.31%) were found positive for GIT parasites eggs. The prevalence of GIT parasites was high in sheep (65%), followed by goats (62.39%), cattle (42.70%), and buffaloes (37.87%). In birds, GIT parasite eggs were identified in 11 (45.83%) and 7 (43.75%) fecal samples of Pheasant and Peacock, respectively. However, an absence of infection was noted in fecal samples from deer and leopards. Eggs of GIT Parasites belonging to one superfamily and four different genera were recognized in fecal samples of domestic animals and buffaloes, which were Trichostrongyloidea (19.81%), Strongyloides (9.31%), Trichuris (7.77%), Monezia (6.44%), and Fasciola (4.53%). For bird, the coccidia group comprises the highest representation of parasites (2.63%), followed by the Trichuris genus (1.67%). Settlement, management system, anthelminthic medications and body condition score were significantly associated with the occurrence of GIT parasites in feces (P < 0.05). Animals from rural settlements, rearing under poor management systems, with thin (poor) body condition and under warmed were more affected by GIT parasites. The diversity and the high prevalence of GIT parasites reported in this study highlights the urgent need for intervention through treatment and modification of management practices in the investigated areas of Pakistan.

Molecular prevalence of Anaplasma marginale in ruminants and Rhipicephalus ticks in northern Pakistan.

Anaplasma marginale is the most prevalent tick-borne haemoparasite of cattle and causes huge economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of A. marginale infection in blood and tick samples collected from livestock animals in the districts located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. A total of 184 blood and 370 tick samples were included in this study. It has never been reported that sheep, goats, and cattle in Tank, Ghulam Khan, Birmil and Miran Shah areas were infected with A. marginale. All samples of blood and ticks were collected through random sampling from March 2021 to January 2022 from cattle, sheep and goats and screened through PCR for anaplasmosis by using primer pairs of Anaplasma spp. Three hundred and seventy ticks were collected from infested hosts (120/184, 64.21%). Among the four morphologically identified tick species, the highest occurrence was recorded for Rhipicephalus sanguineus (n=138, 37.29%), followed by Rhipicephalus microplus (n=131, 35.4%), Rhipicephalus annulatus (n=40, 10.81%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n=31, 8.37%), and Hyalomma marginatum (n=30, 8.1%). The occurrence of female tick was highest (n=160, 43.24%), followed by nymphs (n=140, 37.38%) and males ticks (n=70, 18.9%). Among these ticks, A. marginale was detected in female ticks of R. microplus, and R. sanguineus. Molecular identification of A. marginale was confirmed in 120 out of 184 blood samples and 6 out of 74 tick samples. Overall, occurrence of A. marginale in blood and tick samples was found to be 65.21% and 8.1% respectively. Species-wise occurrence in blood samples of goats were 71.11% followed by sheep 68.31% and cattle 50%. Specie-wise occurrence of A. marginale in tick samples of cattle were 12.5% followed by goats 6.89%. The obtained sequence showed similarity with A. marginale reported from Kenya and USA. We report the first PCR based detection of A. marginale infection in blood samples and in R. sanguineus ticks of goats simultaneously.

Molecular and phylogenetic characterization of zoonotic Trichostrongylus species from goats for the first time in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Trichostrongylus is one of the most important nematodes infecting animals and humans. The current study was designed to identify the Trichostrongylus species infecting goats by multiplex PCR and phylogenetic analysis. METHODS: A total of 124 goats' viscera were collected from different abattoirs of Mymensingh division. Trichostrongylus species were isolated and characterized based on morphometry, multiplex PCR and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: Among 124 viscera of goats, 39 were positive with two species, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Trichostrongylus vitrinus, revealing an overall 31.45% prevalence. Morphological identification of Trichostrongylus species was confirmed by multiplex PCR amplification of the ITS2 gene and sequencing. Partial sequencing of the ITS2 gene of two species revealed seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (three transitions and four transversions) in this study. The neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree demonstrated that T. colubriformis and T. vitrinus isolates were clustered together with the reference sequences that belong to the clade A and B without any geographical boundaries. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on molecular and phylogenetic analysis of Trichostrongylus species from ruminants in Bangladesh. These results provide the baseline data for understanding the zoonosis and epidemiology of this parasite in Bangladesh and global perspectives.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in Egyptian domestic sheep and goats: seroprevalence and risk factors.

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite that has been associated with reproductive failure in small ruminants. Although T. gondii infections in ruminants and humans have been recorded in several Egypt's governorates, but little is known about the risk factors associated with T. gondii infections. In this study, 350 sheep and 290 goat serum samples from three governorates in Egypt were examined for presence of antibodies against T. gondii, and evaluate the associate risk factors for the infection. The seroprevalence in sheep and goats was 24% and 38.28%, respectively. In sheep and goats, age, sex, the presence of cats, and hygienic conditions were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. In addition, the prevalence rates were significantly higher in older animals more than 2 years old, females, among animals contacted with cats, and animals living in bad hygienic condition. In conclusion, sheep and goats in the examined regions are commonly infected with T. gondii. The identification of risk variables defines the sort of actions to be implemented in order to decrease, and prevent T. gondii infection in small ruminant animals and, as a result, human infection.

Molecular characterization and immunological properties of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1) ADK1 and ADK8.

Adenylate kinases (ADKs) are one of the important enzymes regulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism in Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The objective of the present study was to explore the molecular characteristics and immunological properties of E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1) adenylate kinase 1 (EgADK1) and adenylate kinase 8 (EgADK8). EgADK1 and EgADK8 were cloned and expressed, and the molecular characteristics of EgADK1 and EgADK8 were analyzed through different bioinformatics tools. Western blotting was used to examine the reactogenicity of recombinant adenylate kinase 1 (rEgADK1) and recombinant adenylate kinase 8 (rEgADK8) and to evaluate their diagnostic value. The expression profiles of EgADK1 and EgADK8 in 18-day-old strobilated worms and protoscoleces were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, and their distribution in 18-day-old strobilated worms, the germinal layer, and protoscoleces was determined by immunofluorescence localization. EgADK1 and EgADK8 were successfully cloned and expressed. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that EgADK1 and EgADK8 have multiple phosphorylation sites and B-cell epitopes. Compared with EgADK8, EgADK1 and other parasite ADKs have higher sequence similarity. In addition, both cystic echinococcosis (CE)-positive sheep sera and Cysticercus tenuicollis-infected goat sera could recognize rEgADK1 and rEgADK8. EgADK1 and EgADK8 were localized in protoscoleces, the germinal layer, and 18-day-old strobilated worms. EgADK1 and EgADK8 showed no significant difference in their transcription level in 18-day-old strobilated worms and protoscoleces, suggesting that EgADK1 and EgADK8 may play an important role in the growth and development of E. granulosus sensu lato. Since EgADK1 and EgADK8 can be recognized by other parasite-positive sera, they are not suitable as candidate antigens for the diagnosis of CE.

Refugia or reservoir? Feral goats and their role in the maintenance and circulation of benzimidazole-resistant gastrointestinal nematodes on shared pastures.

Gastrointestinal nematodes threaten the productivity of grazing livestock and anthelmintic resistance has emerged globally. It is broadly understood that wild ruminants living in sympatry with livestock act as a positive source of refugia for anthelmintic-susceptible nematodes. However, they might also act as reservoirs of anthelmintic-resistant nematodes, contributing to the spread of anthelmintic resistance at a regional scale. Here, we sampled managed sheep and cattle together with feral goats within the same property in New South Wales, Australia. Internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2) nemabiome metabarcoding identified 12 gastrointestinal nematodes (Cooperia oncophora, Cooperia punctata, Haemonchus contortus, Haemonchus placei, Nematodirus spathiger, Ostertagia ostertagi, Teladorsagia circumcincta, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Oesophagostomum venulosum, Trichostrongylus axei, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Trichostrongylus rugatus). Isotype-1 ß-tubulin metabarcoding targeting benzimidazole resistance polymorphisms identified 6 of these nematode species (C. oncophora, C. punctata, H. contortus, H. placei, O. ostertagi and T. circumcincta), with the remaining 3 genera unable to be identified to the species level (Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Trichostrongylus). Both ITS-2 and ß-tubulin metabarcoding showed the presence of a cryptic species of T. circumcincta, known from domestic goats in France. Of the gastrointestinal nematodes detected via ß-tubulin metabarcoding, H. contortus, T. circumcincta, Nematodirus and Trichostrongylus exhibited the presence of at least one resistance genotype. We found that generalist gastrointestinal nematodes in untreated feral goats had a similarly high frequency of the benzimidazole-resistant F200Y polymorphism as those nematodes in sheep and cattle. This suggests cross-transmission and maintenance of the resistant genotype within the wild ruminant population, affirming that wild ruminants should be considered potential reservoirs of anthelmintic resistance.

Monitoring of hard tick parasitism in domestic ruminants: A scale evidence for policymakers.

Domestic ruminants such as camels, cattle, goats, and sheep represent a substantial part of the global world economy. Hard ticks are well-known as obligatory bloodsucking ectoparasites of domestic ruminants. Policymakers need to get results that show the global distribution of tick genera and species, their parasitic levels, and their roles as disease vectors in camels, cattle, goats, and sheep. Iran is endemic to a broad range of hard tick-borne diseases. A study that reviews the tick genera and species, life stage, seasonal and attachment site parasitism levels, the global mean ranks of tick species parasitism rates and records, and their distribution in target animals would be of particular importance. Accordingly, this review aims to summarize the above objectives. After evaluating the identified articles, 147 were selected to be part of the survey based on the study objectives. Globally, tick parasitism levels were 28.7, 29.9, 36.0 and 47.6% for goats, cattle, sheep, and camels, respectively. The tick parasitism trends have exhibited an increasing trend for camels and sheep over the years while remaining constant for cattle and goats, indicating that current tick control measures are not being properly followed. Ticks tend to parasitize females more than males because males are more resistant to certain pests than females. The distribution of tick genera and species, their parasitism levels, and their roles as disease vectors provided. This information addresses the needs of decision-makers to make decisions.

Co-infection patterns in the ectoparasitic community affecting the Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoptic mange is one of the main parasitic diseases affecting the Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica. Scabietic animals suffer a decline in body condition and reproductive fitness and in severe cases may die. Although several previous studies of the pathology of this disease and the physiological changes it produces in ibex have been carried out in recent years, our knowledge of the relationship between Sarcoptes scabiei and other ectoparasites of this host is still limited. METHODS: We analysed 430 Iberian ibex skin samples. Ectoparasites were removed, counted and identified. Mite (S. scabiei) numbers were obtained after digesting the skin samples in a 5% KOH solution. We modelled mite numbers in terms of host sex and age, site, year, season and the presence of other ectoparasites such as ticks and lice using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and ectoparasite co-occurrence patterns using two different models: the probabilistic model species co-occurrence and the generalized linear latent variable model (GLLVM). RESULTS: The ectoparasite community was mainly composed of S. scabiei, six ticks (Haemaphysalis sulcata, Haemaphysalis punctata, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Dermacentor marginatus and Ixodes ricinus) and two lice (Bovicola crassipes and Linognathus stenopsis). Adult male ibex harboured more mites than females. Mite numbers varied greatly spatially and seasonally and increased with the presence of other parasites. Some positive co-occurrence relationships between pairs of different ectoparasites were observed, particularly between ticks. The presence of S. scabiei negatively affected lice and H. sulcata numbers. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcoptic mange has spread above all in ibex populations in and around the Mediterranean Basin, where it is now found in almost a third of its host's range. Mite numbers varied seasonally and spatially and were higher in male hosts. The presence of S. scabiei had a negative effect on lice numbers but favoured the presence of ticks.

Myzomyia and Pyretophorus series of Anopheles mosquitoes acting as probable vectors of the goat malaria parasite Plasmodium caprae in Thailand.

Unlike malaria parasites in humans, non-human primates, rodents, and birds, ungulate malaria parasites and their vectors have received little attention. As a result, understanding of the hosts, vectors, and biology of ungulate malaria parasites has remained limited. In this study, we aimed to identify the vectors of the goat malaria parasite Plasmodium caprae. A total of 1019 anopheline and 133 non-anopheline mosquitoes were collected from goat farms in Thailand, where P. caprae-infected goats were discovered. Anopheline mosquitoes were identified using molecular biological methods that target the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (cox2) genes, and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region. Pool and individual mosquitoes were tested for P. caprae using the head-thorax parts that contain the salivary glands, with primers targeting three genetic markers including cytochrome b, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, and 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA genes. Additionally, goat blood samples were collected concurrently with mosquito surveys and screened to determine the status of malaria infection. This study revealed nine mosquito species belonging to six groups on goat farms, including Hyrcanus, Barbirostris, Subpictus, Funestus, Tessellatus, and Annularis. The DNA of P. caprae was detected in Anopheles subpictus and Anopheles aconitus. This is the first time An. subpictus and An. aconitus have been implicated as probable vectors of P. caprae.

Parasitic coinfections among selected smallholder goat flocks in Malaysia.

This paper describes the occurrence of multiple parasitic infection with special reference to emerging haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis. A cross-sectional survey of four selected goat flocks was conducted to collect samples and management information. Blood samples were processed using microhaematocrit centrifugation to determine the packed cell volume (PCV). Detection and morphological identification of blood protozoa and haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis from Giemsa-stained smears were done microscopically. M. ovis infection was classified mild (1-29% infected cells), moderate (30-59% infected cells), or severe (above 60% infected cells). Faecal floatation and McMaster faecal egg count were used to detect and classify strongyle infections as negative (no eggs/oocysts), light (< 500 epg), Moderate (500 - 1000 epg), or severe (>1000 epg) and coccidia infection as light (<1800 opg), moderate (1800 - 6000 opg), or severe (>6000 opg). There were 149 goats with blood protozoa (57.98%; 95% CI: 51.87 - 63.85) and 204 goats with GI parasites (79.38%; 95% CI: 74.02 - 83.87) involved in single (15.8%; 95% CI: 11.7 - 21.0) or multiple (84.2%; 95% CI: 79.0 - 88.3) infections. The risk of Strongyles increases by 2.49 (95% CI: 1.24 - 4.99) in females versus males and 6.79 (95% CI: 3.25 - 14.18, p =0.000) in adults versus young. The risk of Eimeria species increases by 7.32 (95% CI: 3.45 - 15.50, p =0.000) in adults versus young, while M. ovis coinfection risk increases by 4.51 (95% CI: 1.40 - 14.50, p =0.000) in female versus males. Thin animals had a significantly higher (p<0.05) mean burden of Strongyle (1370.37 ± 345.49) and Eimeria (1594.12 ± 695.26) than the moderate and fat goats. The PCV was negatively associated with mean faecal egg count (FEC) (p<0.05) such that a lower PCV was recorded in animals with a higher Strongyle epg output. A severe burden of M. ovis was accompanied by an increased nematode FEC and decreased haematocrit (p<0.05). Coinfections of Strongyles, or Eimeria species involving M. ovis were associated with a higher parasitaemia compared with single infections (p<0.05). This study highlights the importance of M. ovis and Strongyle or Eimeria species coinfections among goat flocks and provides valuable data for developing and implementing an integrated herd health management program for parasite control among low-input smallholder flocks.

The detection and phylogenetic analysis of Anaplasma phagocytophilum-like 1, A. ovis and A. capra in sheep: A. capra divides into two genogroups.

In this study, the presence, prevalence, and genotypes of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. ovis, and A. capra in sheep were investigated based on 16 S SSU rRNA, groEL, and gtlA gene-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. The sequences of the genes were used for detection of the phylogenetic position of the species. Additionally, a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were carried out for discrimination of A. phagocytophilum and related variants (A. phagocytophilum-like 1 and 2). The prevalence of Anaplasma spp. was found as 25.8% (101/391), while it was found that A. ovis, A. phagocytophilum-like 1, and A. capra are circulating in the sheep herds in Kyrgyzstan, according to the PCRs, RFLP and the partial DNA sequencing results. The positivity rates of A. phagocytophilum-like 1, A. ovis, and A. capra genotype-1 were 6.9, 22.5, and 5.3%, respectively. A total of 32 (8.2%) sheep were found to be mix infected. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses and sequence comparison with those available in the GenBank showed that A. capra formed two distinct genetic groups (A. capra genotype-1 and A. capra genotype-2). Considering the zoonotic potential of these species, it may be necessary to make changes in the interpretation of anaplasmosis cases in animals and there is a need for further studies to determine the pathogenicity of the species/genotypes circulating in animals.

Sarcoptic mange changes bacterial and fungal microbiota of bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus).

BACKGROUND: Sarcoptes scabiei is globally distributed and one of the most impactful mammalian ectoparasites. Sarcoptic mange, caused by infection with S. scabiei, causes disruption of the epidermis and its bacterial microbiota, but its effects on host fungal microbiota and on the microbiota of marsupials in general have not been studied. Here, we (i) examine bacterial and fungal microbiota changes associated with mange in wild bare-nosed wombats (BNWs) and (ii) evaluate whether opportunistic pathogens are potentiated by S. scabiei infection in this species. METHODS: Using Amplicon Sequencing of the 16S rRNA and ITS2 rDNA genes, we detected skin microbiota changes of the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus). We compared the alpha and beta diversity among healthy, moderate, and severe disease states using ANOVA and PERMANOVA with nesting. Lastly, we identified taxa that differed between disease states using analysis of composition of microbes (ANCOM) testing. RESULTS: We detected significant changes in the microbial communities and diversity with mange in BNWs. Severely affected BNWs had lower amplicon sequence variant (ASV) richness compared to that of healthy individuals, and the microbial communities were significantly different between disease states with higher relative abundance of potentially pathogenic microbial taxa in mange-affected BNWs including Staphylococcus sciuri, Corynebacterium spp., Brevibacterium spp., Brachybacterium spp., and Pseudogymnascus spp. and Debaryomyces spp. CONCLUSION: This study represents the first investigation of microbial changes in association with sarcoptic mange in a marsupial host, as well as the first investigation of fungal microbial changes on the skin of any host suffering from sarcoptic mange. Our results are broadly consistent with bacterial microbiota changes observed in humans, pigs, canids, and Iberian ibex, suggesting the epidermal microbial impacts of mange may be generalisable across host species. We recommend that future studies investigating skin microbiota changes include both bacterial and fungal data to gain a more complete picture of the effects of sarcoptic mange.

Prevalence and Distribution of Hard Ticks and Their Associated Risk Factors in Sheep and Goats from Four Agro-Climatic Zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan.

Hard ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites infesting all types of domestic ruminants throughout the world and serve as vectors in the dissemination of a wide variety of pathogens. Sheep and goat farming is a vital economic source for resource-poor farming communities in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan. Aim: The aim of present study is to study the epidemiological profile of ticks in various agro-climatic zones of KPK. Materials and Methods: A total of 1500 (882 sheep and 618 goats) of all age groups and sexes were examined for the presence of ticks belonging to six districts in four agro-climatic zones of KPK province, Pakistan. Non-probability sampling was undertaken based on animal hosts' selection, collection of hard ticks, and epidemiological parameters. Ticks collected from sheep and goats were identified phenotypically using standard keys. Results: The results revealed that Rhipicephalus microplus (36.2%) was the predominant tick species followed by Hyalomma anatolicum (25.2%), Hyalomma trancatum (18.1%), Hyalomma aegyptium (11.3%), Hyalomma asiaticum (6.9%), and Haemephysalis bispinosa (2.4%). Different epidemiological parameters showed that weather, humidity, and host age negatively affect (p < 0.05) tick load while temperatures (Minimum and Maximum), sunshine (hrs), and precipitation positively affected (p < 0.05) tick load. Host sex only showed a positive association with tick load (p > 0.05). The highest value of tick diversity index (H) 0.36748 was noted for Hyalomma anatolicum as this tick species was commonly distributed in three agro-climatic zones except in the Suleiman Piedmont zone, while Haemaphysalis bispinosa has the lowest diversity index (0.0334) as it was only found in the Central Valley Plains zone of KPK. The Shannon diversity index of tick diversity was highest at Barikot while the lowest index value was at Kabal (2.407). Similarly, a higher Simpson's diversity index was at Barikot (0.9554) and the lowest hard index was noted at Takht bai (2.874). The dominance index showed that the tick species were more dominant at Takht bai (0.1251), while the lowest dominance was at Barikot (0.04465). Conclusions: It has been concluded that tick diversity and distribution, abundance, reproduction, development, and survival depend on prevailing climatic conditions. The present study would not only help to identify the tick species but also facilitate in devising effective control measures to minimize the transmission pathogens in sheep and goats being reared in the various agro-climatic zones of KPK province, Pakistan.

First report of Przhevalskiana silenus derived recombinant hypodermin C based indirect ELISA for serodiagnosis of goat warble fly myiasis.

Goat warble fly infestation (GWFI) is a subcutaneous myiasis caused by larvae of Przhevalskiana silenus, an insect belonging to the order Diptera. The diagnosis of GWFI is challenging in the early larval instars (L1 and L2) as they are occult under the skin and hair coat causing prolonged economic loss in form of meat and hide damage. This necessitates early diagnosis for disease control at herd level and its prophylactic management to prevent economic losses. Hypodermins, a class of serine proteases from Hypoderminae subfamily have been used as serodiagnostic antigens for the past four decades for diagnosis of warble fly myiasis. In this study,the immunodominant antigen Hypodermin C (HyC) from P. silenus has been recombinantly expressed in E. coli and immunogenic characterisation of expressed protein was done. The protein shows hallmark residues in conserved cysteine and catalytic triad typical of serine proteases along with similar profile of immunoreactivity towards Hypoderminae infestation. The present study reports an optimised indirect-ELISA based on recombinant HyC derived from P. silenus for early diagnosis of GWFI. The optimised indirect ELISA provides a sensitive and specific immunodiagnostic for mass surveillance of the GWFI with diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of 96% and 100%, respectively and not showing any cross reactivity against other important parasitic and bacterial diseases of goats. This study presents the first report of indirect ELISA based on recombinant Hypodermin C antigen derived from P. silenus for the serosurveillance of goat warble fly disease.

Histidine acid phosphatase domain-containing protein from Haemonchus contortus is a stimulatory antigen for the Th1 immune response of goat PBMCs.

BACKGROUND: Histidine acid phosphatase (HAP), a member of the histidine phosphatase superfamily, is widely found in parasites and is also a potential vaccine antigen or drug target. However, the biological function of HAP in Haemonchus contortus is still unclear. METHODS: We cloned the HAP gene from H. contortus (Hc-HAP) and expressed the purified recombinant Hc-HAP (rHc-HAP) protein. The transcription of the Hc-HAP gene in the eggs, infective third-stage larvae (L3s), exsheathed third-stage larvae (xL3s) and adults (females/males) was analyzed by quantitative real-time-PCR (qPCR). An immunofluorescence assay was also used to detect the localization of Hc-HAP expression in adult worms. The effect of rHc-HAP on the function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was observed by co-culture of rHc-HAP protein with goat PBMCs. RESULTS: The qPCR results revealed that the Hc-HAP gene was transcribed at a higher level in the L3 and xL3 stages that there were gender differences in transcription at the adult stage, with females exhibiting higher transcription than males. Moreover, Hc-HAP was mainly expressed in adult intestinal microvilli. Additionally, western blot results revealed that rHc-HAP could be detected in goat sera artificially infected with H. contortus. In the experiments, rHc-HAP bound to goat PBMCs and released nitric oxide. The rHc-HAP also induced the expression of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and the phosphorylated STAT 1 transcription factor, while inhibiting interleukin-4 expression. CONCLUSIONS: The results shows that rHc-HAP stimulated the IFN-γ/STAT1 signaling pathway and enabled polarization of PBMCs toward T-helper 1 immune responses.