Epidemiology and genetic diversity of Anaplasma marginale in Zamora-Chinchipe, Ecuador

Publication date: Available online 21 January 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Tito Ramiro Muñoz Guarnizo, Dasiel Obregón Alvarez, Adrian Alberto Díaz-Sánchez, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz, Loidy Zamora Gutiérrez, Siomara Martínez Marrero, Belkis Corona-GonzálezAbstractBovine anaplasmosis, caused by the tick-borne pathogen Anaplasma marginale, is a hemolytic disease that constitutes a major constraint to cattle production in tropical and subtropical regions including Ecuador. However, the epidemiological situation of this hemoparasitosis in Ecuador is poorly characterized. The present study was aimed to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of A. marginale in cattle of Ecuador. A cross-sectional study was carried out covering several farms from six out nine cantons of the Zamora-Chinchipe province. A total of 185 cattle were randomly selected and blood samples were collected from the animals. The studied group of animals included six breeds, three age groups, and both sexes. The molecular diagnostic was performed based on a nPCR assay targeting the A. marginale msp5 gene. Anaplasma marginale prevalence was 63.8% and the bacteria were detected in all the cantons studied. Thirteen representative strains were selected and genetically characterized based on the msp1α gene. Genetic diversity analysis revealed that different strains circulate in the bovine herds studied. The results suggest that cattle movement may contribute to the circulation of comm...
Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases - Category: Zoology Source Type: research