Cross-sectional analysis of Piroplasma species-infecting camel (Camelus dromedaries) in Egypt using a multipronged molecular diagnostic approach

Authors: MAHDY, OLFAT - Cairo University; NASSAR, AHMED - Cairo University; ELSAWY, BASSMA - National Research Centre; ALZAN, HEBA - National Research Centre; KANDIL, OMNIA - National Research Centre; MAHMOUD, MONA - National Research Centre; Suarez, Carlos

Submitted to: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/3/2023
Publication Date: 4/28/2023
Citation: Mahdy, O.A., Nassar, A.M., Elsawy, B.S., Alzan, H.F., Kandil, O.M., Mahmoud, M.S., Suarez, C.E. 2023. Cross-sectional analysis of Piroplasma species-infecting camel (Camelus dromedaries) in Egypt using a multipronged molecular diagnostic approach. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 10. Article 1178511. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1178511.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1178511

Interpretive Summary: Camel piroplasmosis is a costly acute and persistent tick-borne disease (TBD) caused by hemoprotozoan parasites. In this study, we performed a cross-sectional study aiming at identifying Piroplasm spp. infecting camels in Egypt on a sample of 531 camel (Camelus dromedarius) blood samples from slaughterhouses at different governorates in Egypt using microscopical and molecular (PCR) analysis. Microscopical and molecular (PCR) prevalence found in the samples was 11% (58/531) and 38% (203/531), respectively. Further PCR analysis applied on all piroplasma spp. positive samples allowed the detection of T. equi, B. caballi, B. bigemina, B. bovis, B. vulpes (22%), Babesia sp. (9%), and Theileria sp. (3%). Overall, the results of this study confirmed high prevalence of TBDs caused by piroplasm hemoparasites in camel and suggest the need for future interventions aimed at improving the control of these potentially debilitating diseases that may be threatening important economic resources and food security in Egypt.

Technical Abstract: Camel piroplasmosis is a costly acute and persistent tick-borne disease (TBD) caused by hemoprotozoan parasites. Hereby, we performed a cross-sectional study aiming at identifying Piroplasm spp. infecting camels in Egypt. A total of 531 camel (Camelus dromedarius) blood samples were collected from slaughterhouses at different governorates in Egypt for analysis. Piroplasm spp. were identified using microscopy analysis and several different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the 18S rRNA genes of Piroplasm spp. Microscopical and molecular prevalence overall in the samples was 11% (58/531) and 38% (203/531), respectively. Further multiplex PCR analysis targeting the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene applied on all piroplasma spp. positive samples allowed the detection of T. equi, B. caballi, B. bigemina and B. bovis. Additionally, Blast analysis of nested (n) PCR amplicon sequences resulted in the identification of B. vulpes (22%), Babesia sp. (9%), and Theileria sp. (3%). Overall, the results of this study confirmed high prevalence of TBDs caused by piroplasm hemoparasites in camel and suggest the need for future interventions aimed at improving the control of these potentially debilitating diseases that may be threatening important economic resources and food security in Egypt.