Potential tick vectors for Theileria equi in Israel

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Molecular Epidemiology
• Tick-borne Diseases

Background:

• Theileria equi is a major tick-borne pathogen affecting horses globally.
• Equine piroplasmosis, caused by Theileria equi, is endemic in many regions, including Israel.
• Understanding tick vectors is crucial for controlling disease transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate five hard tick species found on horses in Israel as potential vectors of Theileria equi.
• To identify the presence and genotypes of Theileria equi in these tick species.
• To investigate potential parasite genotype selection within tick vectors.

Main Methods:

• DNA extraction from whole ticks and salivary glands of five hard tick species.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene.
• Detection and genotyping of Theileria equi in tick samples.

Main Results:

• Theileria equi was detected in 37.8% of ticks and 23.3% of salivary glands across all five species.
• Haemaphysalis parva and Rhipicephalus annulatus were identified as potential novel vectors.
• Theileria equi genotypes A and D were identified, with genotype A being predominant.

Conclusions:

• Haemaphysalis parva and Rhipicephalus annulatus are implicated as potential vectors of Theileria equi in Israel.
• The findings suggest that tick vectors may play a role in selecting Theileria equi genotypes.
• Further research is needed to confirm vector competence and understand transmission dynamics.