Theileria lestoquardi in Sudan is highly diverse and genetically distinct from that in Oman

Awad, H., Al-Hamidhi, S., El Hussein, A.-R. M., Yousif, Y. M. z., Taha, K. M., Salih, D. A., Weir, W. and Babiker, H. (2018) Theileria lestoquardi in Sudan is highly diverse and genetically distinct from that in Oman. Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 62, pp. 46-52. (doi: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.04.014) (PMID:29660557)

Abstract

Malignant ovine theileriosis is a severe tick-borne protozoan disease of sheep and other small ruminants which is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. The disease is of considerable economic importance in Sudan as the export of livestock provides a major contribution to the gross domestic product of this country. Molecular surveys have demonstrated a high prevalence of sub-clinical infections of Theileria lestoquardi, the causative agent, among small ruminants. No information is currently available on the extent of genetic diversity and genetic exchange among parasites in different areas of the country. The present study used a panel of T. lestoquardi specific micro- and mini-satellite genetic markers to assess diversity of parasites in Sudan (Africa) and compared it to that of the parasite population in Oman (Asia). A moderate level of genetic diversity was observed among parasites in Sudan, similar to that previously documented among parasites in Oman. However, a higher level of mixed-genotype infection was identified in Sudanese animals compared to Omani animals, consistent with a higher rate of tick transmission. In addition, the T. lestoquardi genotypes detected in these two countries form genetically distinct groups. The results of this work highlight the need for analysis of T. lestoquardi populations in other endemic areas in the region to inform on novel approaches for controlling malignant theileriosis.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This study was supported by project GCC Co-Funding Research Grant CL/SQU/GCC/17/01 and a student scholarship from HA, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Weir, Professor Willie
• Authors: Awad, H., Al-Hamidhi, S., El Hussein, A.-R. M., Yousif, Y. M. z., Taha, K. M., Salih, D. A., Weir, W., and Babiker, H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Infection, Genetics and Evolution
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1567-1348
• ISSN (Online): 1567-7257
• Published Online: 13 April 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V.
• First Published: First published in Infection, Genetics and Evolution 62: 46-52
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy