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The first molecular detection of a Theileria-like species (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmida) in Meriones persicus from
Farnaz Kheirandish1,2, Mohammad Hassan Kayedi1,2, Ehsan Mostafavi3
11Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
Abstract:
The archived blood of rodents species such as Meriones, Mus, and Microtus species was investigated in order to detect any piroplasms species. In this study 18S rRNA target gene of piroplasm parasite was amplified by PCR in a Meriones persicus; so, the Locus 1 and Locus 2 of 18S rRNA were sequenced, successfully. A Theileria-like taxa was suspected in accordance with the BLAST analysis of 18S rRNA L1 and L2 with 96% and 91% sequence homology, respectively. The present study was the first report of a Theileria-like species in M. persicus from Iran.
Insights
This study investigated piroplasm parasites in rodent blood, identifying a Theileria-like species in Meriones persicus. This marks the first report of such a parasite in this rodent species from Iran.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Rodent Health
Background:
- Piroplasmosis is a significant tick-borne disease affecting various animal species.
- Rodents are known reservoirs for numerous pathogens, including potential piroplasm species.
- Archived blood samples provide a valuable resource for retrospective etiological investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and molecularly characterize piroplasm species in archived rodent blood samples.
- To identify piroplasm infections in Meriones persicus, Mus, and Microtus species.
- To report the first occurrence of a Theileria-like species in Iranian Meriones persicus.
Main Methods:
- DNA extraction from archived rodent blood samples.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasm parasites.
- Sequencing of Locus 1 and Locus 2 of the amplified 18S rRNA gene.
- BLAST analysis for sequence homology and phylogenetic identification.
Main Results:
- Successful amplification and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene from a Meriones persicus sample.
- BLAST analysis indicated a Theileria-like taxa with 96% (Locus 1) and 91% (Locus 2) sequence homology.
- This study represents the first documented report of a Theileria-like species in Meriones persicus from Iran.
Conclusions:
- A novel Theileria-like piroplasm species has been identified in Meriones persicus.
- Molecular detection and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene are effective for identifying piroplasms.
- Further research is warranted to fully characterize this Theileria-like species and its epidemiological significance in Iran.
