Camino, E., Cruz-Lopez, F., de Juan, L., Dominguez, L., Shiels, B. and Coultous, R. M. (2020) Phylogenetic analysis and geographical distribution of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi sequences from horses residing in Spain. Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, 11(6), 101521. (doi: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101521) (PMID:32993941)
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Abstract
The intraerythrocytic protozoans Theileria equi and Babesia caballi are the causative agents of equine piroplasmosis (EP), one of the most important equine tick-borne diseases due to its significant impact on global international horse trade. Although EP is known to be endemic in Spain, previous phylogenetic studies have only been conducted for limited geographical regions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity and distribution of these parasite species nationwide. This was performed by amplification of the 18S small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene from 100 EP positive equine blood samples using a nested PCR protocol, and sequencing the obtained amplicons. Seventy-seven T. equi and six B. caballi isolates were successfully sequenced and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the T. equi isolates grouped into the previously described clades A (n = 21/77), D (n = 1/77) and E (n = 55/77), while B. caballi isolates were placed into clades A (n = 5/6) and B (n = 1/6). Isolates from T. equi clade D and B. caballi clade B have not previously been reported in Spain. A greater intra-clade diversity (97.3–98.3 % identity) was observed between T. equi clade E isolates compared to those within clade A (99.7–100 % identity). Additionally, a multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyse associations between the clade of T. equi infection and available epidemiological data. Horses residing in Spanish northern regions were statistically more likely to be infected with T. equi clade E (p = 0.01). We conclude that while extensive sequence variation of equine piroplasms exists in Spanish infected horses, a requirement for increased equine movement controls between Spain and EP-endemic countries should be considered.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Shiels, Professor Brian and Coultous, Dr Robert and Camino, Eliazar |
| Creator Roles: | Camino, E.Conceptualization, Data curation, Methodology, Resources, Investigation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review and editing Shiels, B.Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Resources, Validation, Writing – review and editing Coultous, R. M.Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Resources, Supervision, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review and editing |
| Authors: | Camino, E., Cruz-Lopez, F., de Juan, L., Dominguez, L., Shiels, B., and Coultous, R. M. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
| Journal Name: | Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 1877-959X |
| ISSN (Online): | 1877-9603 |
| Published Online: | 29 July 2020 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2020 Elsevier GmbH |
| First Published: | First published in Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases 11(6):101521 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher |
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