Molecular characterization of Babesia and Theileria species in ticks collected in the outskirt of Monte Romano, Lazio Region, Central Italy.

Molecular characterization of Babesia and Theileria species in ticks collected in the outskirt of Monte Romano, Lazio Region, Central Italy. Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2017 Jan-Mar;53(1):30-34 Authors: Toma L, Di Luca M, Mancini F, Severini F, Mariano C, Nicolai G, Laghezza Masci V, Ciervo A, Fausto AM, Cacciò SM Abstract BACKGROUND: In 2012-2013, an investigation was carried out in the Viterbo province, Lazio region, on ticks and tick-borne Apicomplexan protozoa of the Babesia and Theileria genera. This followed the reporting of high density of ticks by soldiers operating in a military shooting range, and the signaling by owners and local veterinary authorities of several cases of babesiosis among cattle. METHODS: A total of 422 ticks were collected from 35 heads, whereas 96 ticks were collected by dragging. Ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus Say (n = 373), Rhipicephalus bursa Canestrini & Fanzago (n = 63), Rhipicephalus sanguineus/turanicus (n = 32), Hyalomma marginatum Koch (n = 49) and Dermacentor marginatus Sulzer, 1776 (n = 1). A randomly selected sample of ticks (235 from animals and 36 by dragging) was analyzed using molecular methods to detect species of Babesia and Theileria. RESULTS: In total, 11 ticks collected from animals (4.7%) and two ticks (5.5%) collected by dragging were positive. Sequencing of PCR products of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene revealed Babesia caballi (n...
Source: Ann Ist Super Sanita - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Tags: Ann Ist Super Sanita Source Type: research