Piroplasmosis equina

Vector-borne diseases in horses are an emerging and re-emerging problem worldwide, because they have a huge economic impact on affected equine herds. Equine piroplasmosis is considered the most important vector-borne disease affecting the equine species, which includes horses, donkeys, mules and zebras. This disease is caused by the intra-erythrocyte parasites B. caballi and T. equi, mainly in tropical, subtropical and temperate climate regions, where the disease is endemic. These hemoparasites are responsible for significant economic losses in the equine industry, including costs for veterinary treatment, abortions, decreased performance, and death of animals in acute cases of the disease; besides the imposition of international restrictions on the export or participation in equestrian sporting and exhibition events of animals seropositive to B. caballi or T. equi. The cELISA assays for T. equi and B. caballi are the diagnostic tests recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health for the international movement of equines. Different treatment therapies are described for the control and sterilization of both hemoparasites in infected equines. This paper aimed at providing information on the main aspects related to equine piroplasmosis.Las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores en el equino constituyen un problema emergente y reemergente en todo el mundo, debido a que causan un enorme impacto económico en los rebaños equinos afectados. La piroplasmosis equina se considera como la enfermedad transmitida por vectores más importante que afecta a la especie equina, que incluye a caballos, asnos, mulas y cebras. Esta enfermedad es causada por los parásitos intraeritrocíticos B. caballi y T. equi, principalmente en regiones de clima tropical, subtropical y templado, donde la enfermedad es endémica. Estos hemoparásitos son responsables de importantes pérdidas económicas en la industria equina, que incluyen los costos por tratamiento veterinario, abortos, la disminución en el desempeño, la muerte de los animales en casos agudos de la enfermedad; además de la imposición de restricciones internacionales para la exportación o la participación en eventos ecuestres deportivos y expositivos de animales seropositivos a B. caballi o T. equi. Los ensayos de cELISA para T. equi y B. caballi son las pruebas de diagnóstico recomendadas por la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal para el movimiento internacional de equinos. Se describen diferentes terapias de tratamiento para el control y la esterilización de ambos hemoparásitos en los equinos infectados. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo proporcionar información sobre los principales aspectos relacionados con la piroplasmosis equina

First molecular evidence of Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' infections and its association with epidemiological factors in dogs from Cuba

Haemotrophic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) are unculturable, epicellular, cell wall-less gram-negative bacteria distributed worldwide, which infect several mammalian species. In dogs, Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' have been reported as causative agents of infectious anaemia, especially in splenectomised or immunocompromised animals. The present cross-sectional study aims to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and molecular characterization of canine haemoplasmas in Cuba. A total of 391 dog blood samples and 247 tick samples were tested for the presence of canine haemoplasmas by species-specific quantitative TaqMan® real-time PCR assays. Overall, 17.9% (70/391; 95% CI: 14.1-21.7) blood samples were PCR-positive for at least one canine haemoplasmas species, where 15.1% (59/391; 95% CI: 11.5-18.7) for Mycoplasma haemocanis, 4.4% (17/391; 95% CI: 2.3-6.4) for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum', and 1.5% (6/391; 95% CI: 0.3-2.8) were co-infected. All collected ticks were identified morphologically as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, and none of the tested tick samples was found PCR-positive for the presence of Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum'. Risk factors for canine haemoplasmas species infection included the presence of tick infestation, crossbreeding and living in kennels, while no association was found with the occurrence of anaemia. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences of Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' revealed >99% identity to other isolates distributed worldwide, indicating low genetic variability amongst these canine haemoplasmas species. To the best of the authors´ knowledge, this is the first molecular evidence of Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' infections in dogs from Cuba

Primera evidencia molecular de especies de micoplasmas hemotrópicos (Mycoplasma spp.) en animales de importancia económica y social en Cuba : [First molecular evidence of hemotropic mycoplasma species (Mycoplasma spp.) in animals of economic and social importance in Cuba]

Introduction: Hemotropic mycoplasmas are widely distributed in several regions of the world. The aim of the present work was to determine the presence of hemotropic mycoplasma species in cattle, buffaloes, dogs and ticks in Cuba. Methods: They were analyzed thirty-nine buffalo and 41 cattle blood samples to investigate the presence of Mycoplasma wenyonii and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos’. They were analyzed and 391 dog blood samples and 247 tick pools to detect the presence of Mycoplasma haemocanis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum’. In all cases it was used the species-specific TaqMan® real-time PCR assay. Results: For M. wenyonii 53 animals were positive and 33 for ‘Ca. Mycoplasma haemobos’; in coinfection with M. wenyonii, with similar prevalence in cattle and buffalo. 17.9% of dog samples were positive for at least one hemoplasma species, with 15.1% positive for M. haemocanis, 4.4% for ‘Ca. Mycoplasma haematoparvum’, and 1.5% co-infected. The ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato; none of the pools were positive for the canine mycoplasma species under study. It was demonstrated he presence of five different haplotypes for M. haemocanis and four haplotypes for ‘Ca. M. haematoparvum’; one of these haplotypes showed 100 % identity with one isolated from Grenada, which was associated with cases of zoonotic exposure. Conclusions. These results constitute the first molecular evidence of infection by hemoplasma species in cattle and buffaloes in Cuba and the Caribbean and the first molecular report of the occurrence of single infections and co-infections caused by M. haemocanis and ‘Ca. M. haematoparvum’ in dogs in Cuba. For the first time is evident the circulation of a genotype of ‘Ca. M. haematoparvum’ with zoonotic potential, common between the Greater and Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean.Introducción: Los micoplasmas hemotrópicos se encuentran ampliamente distribuidos envarias regiones del mundo. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar la presencia deespecies de micoplasmas hemotrópicos en bovinos, bufalinos, perros y garrapatas de Cuba. Métodos: Se analizaron 39 muestras de sangre de búfalos y 41 bovinos para investigar lapresencia de Mycoplasma wenyonii y ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos’; 391 muestrasde sangre de perros y 247 pools de garrapatas para detectar la presencia de Mycoplasmahaemocanis y ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum’ mediante ensayos de PCR en tiemporeal TaqMan® (especie específicos). Resultados: Para M. wenyonii 53 animales fueronpositivos y 33 para ‘Ca. Mycoplasma haemobos’; en coinfección con M. wenyonii, con prevalenciassimilares en bovinos y bufalinos. El 17,9 % de las muestras de perros fueron positivaspara al menos una especie de hemoplasma, con el 15,1 % positivo para M. haemocanis, el4,4 % para ‘Ca. Mycoplasma haematoparvum’, y el 1,5 % coinfectados. Las garrapatas seidentificaron como Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato; y ninguno de los pools fue positivoa las especies de micoplasmas caninos en estudio. Se demostró la presencia de 5 haplotiposdiferentes para M. haemocanis y 4 haplotipos para ‘Ca. M. haematoparvum’; uno de estoshaplotipos mostró 100 % de identidad con un aislado de Granada, que se asoció con casosde exposición zoonótica. Conclusiones: Estos resultados constituyen la primera evidencia molecular de la infección por especies de hemoplasmas en bovinos y bufalinos de Cuba y elCaribe y el primer reporte molecular de la ocurrencia de infecciones simples y coinfeccionescausadas por M. haemocanis y ‘Ca. M. haematoparvum’ en perros de Cuba. Por primera vezse evidencia la circulación de un genotipo de ‘Ca. M. haematoparvum’ con potencial zoonótico,común entre las Antillas mayores y menores del Caribe

Dynamic nesting of Anaplasma marginale in the microbial communities of Rhipicephalus microplus

International audienceAbstract Interactions within the tick microbiome involving symbionts, commensals, and tick‐borne pathogens (TBPs) play a pivotal role in disease ecology. This study explored temporal changes in the microbiome of Rhipicephalus microplus , an important cattle tick vector, focusing on its interaction with Anaplasma marginale . To overcome limitations inherent in sampling methods relying on questing ticks, which may not consistently reflect pathogen presence due to variations in exposure to infected hosts in nature, our study focused on ticks fed on chronically infected cattle. This approach ensures continuous pathogen exposure, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the nesting patterns of A. marginale in the R. microplus microbiome. Using next‐generation sequencing, microbiome dynamics were characterized over 2 years, revealing significant shifts in diversity, composition, and abundance. Anaplasma marginale exhibited varying associations, with its increased abundance correlating with reduced microbial diversity. Co‐occurrence networks demonstrated Anaplasma 's evolving role, transitioning from diverse connections to keystone taxa status. An integrative approach involving in silico node removal unveils the impact of Anaplasma on network stability, highlighting its role in conferring robustness to the microbial community. This study provides insights into the intricate interplay between the tick microbiome and A. marginale , shedding light on potential avenues for controlling bovine anaplasmosis through microbiome manipulation

Detección e identificación molecular de patógenos transmitidos por garrapatas en perros de La Habana, Cuba : [Detection and molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens in Havana, Cubandogs]

Introduction: Vector-borne canine diseases are a serious danger to animal and human health. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens (Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia spp. and non-zoonotic (Hepatozoon canis and Babesia spp.) in ownerless dogs from Havana, Cuba. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 100 dogs and the hematological profiles were studied and pathogens were detected by visualization of blood smears and real-time PCR. To determine the prevalence of infection by Hepatozoon canis, 80 dogs were studied by visualization of blood smears andreal time PCR. For the detection of Babesia spp., 60 dogs were studied, using hematological examination, blood smear visualization and PCR. Results: Eighty-five dogs were positive for at least one pathogen, being E. canis the most prevalent, followed by A. platys and Rickettsia felis, and 36 % showed coinfections. All samples were negative for A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. These results constitute the first report of R. felis in dogs from Cuba, demonstrate the high prevalence of pathogens transmitted by ticks, with zoonotic potential, and constitute the first study where coinfections are analyzed. 38 % of the dogs were positive for H. canis by PCR and for the first-time molecular characterization of H. canis was carried out in Cuban ownerless dogs and 20 % were positive by PCR for Babesia spp., which constitutes the first molecular evidence of Babesia spp. in ownerless dogs fromCuba. Conclusions, these results are of great importance for the surveillance of vector-borne diseasesin dogs, and demonstrate the need for studies on the prevention of transmission and spread of the diseases they cause

Detección e identificación molecular de patógenos transmitidos por garrapatas en perros de La Habana, Cuba : [Detection and molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens in Havana, Cubandogs]

Introduction: Vector-borne canine diseases are a serious danger to animal and human health. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens (Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia spp. and non-zoonotic (Hepatozoon canis and Babesia spp.) in ownerless dogs from Havana, Cuba. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 100 dogs and the hematological profiles were studied and pathogens were detected by visualization of blood smears and real-time PCR. To determine the prevalence of infection by Hepatozoon canis, 80 dogs were studied by visualization of blood smears andreal time PCR. For the detection of Babesia spp., 60 dogs were studied, using hematological examination, blood smear visualization and PCR. Results: Eighty-five dogs were positive for at least one pathogen, being E. canis the most prevalent, followed by A. platys and Rickettsia felis, and 36 % showed coinfections. All samples were negative for A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. These results constitute the first report of R. felis in dogs from Cuba, demonstrate the high prevalence of pathogens transmitted by ticks, with zoonotic potential, and constitute the first study where coinfections are analyzed. 38 % of the dogs were positive for H. canis by PCR and for the first-time molecular characterization of H. canis was carried out in Cuban ownerless dogs and 20 % were positive by PCR for Babesia spp., which constitutes the first molecular evidence of Babesia spp. in ownerless dogs fromCuba. Conclusions, these results are of great importance for the surveillance of vector-borne diseasesin dogs, and demonstrate the need for studies on the prevention of transmission and spread of the diseases they cause

Molecular detection and identification of tick-borne pathogens in Equus caballus and ticks from western Cuba : [Detección e identificación molecular de patógenos transmitidos por garrapatas en Equus caballus y garrapatas del occidente de Cuba]

Babesia caballi, Theileria equi and several species of rickettsias are agents of vector-borne diseases that affect equines. The objective of this study was to detect infections by B. caballi and T. equi in horses and to identify rickettsias in horses and ticks in the western region of Cuba. Two nPCR assays were developed and standardized for the detection of B. caballi and T. equi. Blood samples from horses and ticks were collected. Identification by blood smear and molecular detection and identification of B. caballi, T. equi and Rickettsia spp. were carried out. Intraerythrocytic formations compatible with B. caballi and T. equi were observed. The nPCR showed that 25 % of the samples were positive for B. caballi, 73 % for T. equi and 20 % showed coinfection. The results were confirmed with the partial sequencing of the genes bc48 (B. caballi) and ema-1 (T. equi). The sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi demonstrated the presence of at least two genotypes of T. equi isolates in Cuba. The real time qPCR assay and sequencing revealed the presence of Rickettsia amblyommatis in A. mixtum and Rickettsia felis in D. nitens. Conclusions: These results constitute the first piece of molecular evidence of B. caballi and T. equi in horses and the first report of R. felis in D. nitens in Cuba, which broadens the knowledge about the distribution of pathogens and the spectrum of potential vectors contributing to the strengthening of management and control programs.Babesia caballi, Theileria equi y varias especies de rickettsias son agentesde enfermedades transmitidas por vectores que afectan a los equinos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue detectarinfecciones por B. caballi y T. equi en caballos e identificar rickettsias en caballos y garrapatas en la región occidentalde Cuba. Se estandarizaron 2 ensayos de nPCR para la detección de B. caballi y T. equi. Se colectaron muestras desangre de caballos, y garrapatas. Se realizó identificación por frotis sanguíneo y detección e identificación molecularde B. caballi, T. equi y Rickettsia sp. Se observaron formaciones intraeritrocíticas compatibles con B. caballi y T. equi.El nPCR mostró que el 25 % de las muestras fueron positivas para B. caballi, 73 % para T. equi y 20 % mostraroncoinfección. Los resultados se confirmaron con la secuenciación parcial de los genes bc48 (B. caballi) y ema-1 (T.equi). La secuenciación del gen 18S de ARNr de T. equi demostró la presencia de al menos 2 genotipos de aisladosde T. equi en Cuba. El ensayo de PCR en tiempo real y la secuenciación revelaron la presencia de Rickettsia amblyommatis en A. mixtum y Rickettsia felis en D. nitens. Como conclusiones estos resultados constituyen la primeraevidencia molecular de B. caballi y T. equi en equinos y el primer reporte de R. felis en D. nitens en Cuba, lo queamplía el conocimiento sobre la distribución de patógenos y el espectro de vectores potenciales contribuyendo alfortalecimiento de los programas de manejo y control