Research Information System
ICOPA 2022, Kobenhavn, Denmark, 21 - 26 August 2022, pp.3
Aim: Piroplasmosis, caused by Babesia and Theileria species, is a tick-borne protozoan disease and leads to
significant economic losses. There are several studies regarding the
epidemiology of the disease in many regions of Turkey, but there is no
comprehensive study in Erzurum province. This study, it was aimed to determine
the presence and prevalence of the agents causing piroplasmosis in sheep in Erzurum
province, also to reveal the tick species infesting the sheep, and investigate
the role of these ticks in the transmission of piroplasmosis.
Material and Method: Sampling was
conducted on randomly selected sheep from 41 villages and 77 different enterprises
in 20 districts of Erzurum province. A total of 1621 blood samples and 1696
ixodid ticks from infested sheep were collected. Thin blood smears were prepared,
stained with %5 Giemsa, and examined under a light microscope. Each sample was
subjected to PCR for amplification of partial fragments of 18S ribosomal RNA
gene of Babesia and Theileria spp with BJ1/BN2, Thei
F1/R1 and Thei F2/R2 primers.
After
species identification, engorged female ticks were maintained in an incubator
at suitable temperature and humidity conditions until they oviposited. The
ticks were grouped according to species, degree of engorgement, and host, and
115 tick pools were created. Ticks were screened for the presence of Babesia and Theileria spp with PCR using the same primers.
The
selected PCR positive amplicons were sent to a commercial company for
bidirectional sequencing.
Results: The microscopic analysis revealed 0.06% B. ovis and 2.77%Theileria spp. positivity in blood smears. Parasitemia was 0.1% for
B. ovis and ranging from 0.001% to
0.003% for Theileria spp. A total of
307 blood samples were positive for Babesia
spp. and Theileria spp. by molecular
analysis. The analysis of the obtained nucleotide sequences revealed the presence
of B. ovis (0.41%), B. crassa (0.41%), B. canis (0.41%), T. ovis (69.26%),
Theileria sp. (26.64%) and Theileria sp. OT3 (2.87%) in 244
samples. Collected ticks were identified as D.
marginatus (62.55%), Hae. parva (36.14%),
Hae. punctata (1.07%), Rh. turanicus (0.12%) and H. marginatum (0.12%). Molecular
analysis of tick samples revealed T. ovis
and T. annulata positivity in D. marginatus, B. crassa and T. ovis positivity
in Hae. parva and T. ovis positivity in Hae. punctata ticks.
Conclusion: The presence and the prevalence of Babesia/Theileria species and genotypes in sheep
and ticks of Erzurum were determined. Tick species infesting sheep were
identified. The results of this study were provided up to date data on related
diseases for the region. It is envisaged that the obtained data will be shared with the breeders, field
veterinarians and relevant institutions and organizations to plan effective
protection and control strategies for the mentioned diseases.