Mycoplasma wenyonii and candidatus mycoplasma haemobos in pastoralists cattle in Nigeria

Kamani, J., Shand, M. , Shekaro, A., Laminu, B., Toyin, O., Abasiama, M. S., Schaer, J. and Harrus, S. (2023) Mycoplasma wenyonii and candidatus mycoplasma haemobos in pastoralists cattle in Nigeria. Acta Parasitologica, 68(2), pp. 430-438. (doi: 10.1007/s11686-023-00683-0) (PMID:37170044)

Abstract

Purpose: The extensive migration practiced by pastoralists cattle exposes them to a variety of pathogens and vectors which may sometimes lead to severe disease outcomes. Moreover, the synergistic effect of multiple parasitism on the productivity of livestock has been well recognized. This is particularly true where the livestock production system predisposes the animals to constant and heavy infestation with arthropod vectors. Methods: The presences, prevalence and risk factors for hemotropic Mycoplasma (hemoplasma) infection in cattle in Nigeria was investigated using a PCR and sequencing approach. DNA, extracted from 566 cattle blood samples, collected from 10 states from the three agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Nigeria, from April 2021 to March 2022, were screened for the presences of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. DNA. Results: The DNA of hemoplasmas was detected in 48 out of the 566 (8.5%) samples, 12 (25%) of them were identified as Mycoplasma wenyonii and 19 (38.6%) as ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos’. Coinfection with both species was detected in 17 (35.4%) of the samples. High prevalence and risk of hemoplasmas infection was associated with sex of the cattle (bulls were more affected; p = 0.005) and the packed cell volume (p = 0.009), but not with the age (p = 0.08), breed (p = 0.22), body condition (p = 0.052), source of the samples (p = 0.45) or the AEZs (0.59). This is the first nationwide survey of hemotropic mycoplasmas in cattle in Nigeria using this molecular approach. Conclusion: Further studies to determine the veterinary and public health significance of these pathogens, which were previously associated with varying degrees of clinical signs and production losses, are recommended in Nigerian cattle.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Haemoplasms, Mycoplasma, 16S rRNA, PCR, pastoralism, cattle, risk factors, Nigeria.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Shand, Mr Michael
• Authors: Kamani, J., Shand, M., Shekaro, A., Laminu, B., Toyin, O., Abasiama, M. S., Schaer, J., and Harrus, S.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Journal Name: Acta Parasitologica
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 1230-2821
• ISSN (Online): 1896-1851
• Published Online: 11 May 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors under exclusive licence to Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences
• First Published: First published in Acta Parasitologica 68(2):430-438
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher