Prevalence and molecular analysis of anaplama and piroplasmid species infecting buffaloes in qualyubia governorate, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, Benha University

2 Animal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, Benha University

3 Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Anapalsma and piroplasmid species infecting buffaloes
with regard to season, age and sex. To achieve this aim, blood samples from a total of 530 apparently
healthy and clinically suspected buffaloes in Qualyubia governorate, Egypt were collected throughout
the period from June 2013 to May 2014. The blood samples were smeared, stained with Giemsa and
examined by conventional microscope. Moreover, PCR assay was applied to amplify DNA of Babesia
and Theileria sp. in 100 microscopically negative buffaloes' blood samples. The microscopic
investigation identified the infection in 37.92% of the examined buffaloes. Anaplasma marginale was
the most prevalent species (30.94%) followed by Babesia sp. (26.60%) and Theileria annulata (2.08%).
The most frequent clinical signs observed during the course of disease, in addition to the effect of
seasons, age and sex on the prevalence of infection were presented in the study. PCR assay proved to
be the most reliable method for the diagnosis of piroplasmid infections as compared to light microscopy,
where it was able to detect Babesia and Theileria sp. DNA in 25% and 12% with 5% mixed in the
microscopically negative blood samples of buffaloes respectively. The high prevalence of infection in
buffaloes highlights the need for establishment of a consolidated control program to overcome the
economic losses caused by these parasites

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