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Published on: February 4, 2018
High-Throughput Microfluidic Real-Time PCR for the Detection of Multiple Microorganisms in Ixodid Cattle Ticks in
Ghania Boularias1, Naouelle Azzag1, Clemence Galon2
1Research Laboratory for Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Rue Issad Abbes, El Alia, Algiers 16025, Algeria.
Abstract:
Ixodid ticks are hematophagous arthropods considered to be prominent ectoparasite vectors that have a negative impact on cattle, either through direct injury or via the transmission of several pathogens. In this study, we investigated the molecular infection rates of numerous tick-borne pathogens in ticks sampled on cattle from the Kabylia region, northeastern Algeria, using a high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR system. A total of 235 ticks belonging to seven species of the genera Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Ixodes were sampled on cattle and then screened for the presence of 36 different species of bacteria and protozoans. The most prevalent tick-borne microorganisms were Rickettsia spp. at 79.1%, followed by Francisella-like endosymbionts (62.9%), Theileria spp. (17.8%), Anaplasma spp. (14.4%), Bartonella spp. (6.8%), Borrelia spp. (6.8%), and Babesia spp. (2.5%). Among the 80.4% of ticks bearing microorganisms, 20%, 36.6%, 21.7%, and 2.1% were positive for one, two, three, and four different microorganisms, respectively. Rickettsia aeschlimannii was detected in Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma detritum, and Rhipicephalus bursa ticks. Rickettsia massiliae was found in Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Rickettsiamonacensis and Rickettsia helvetica were detected in Ixodesricinus. Anaplasma marginale was found in all identified tick genera, but Anaplasma centrale was detected exclusively in Rhipicephalus spp. ticks. The DNA of Borrelia spp. and Bartonella spp. was identified in several tick species. Theileria orientalis was found in R. bursa, R. sanguineus, H. detritum, H. marginatum, and I. ricinus and Babesia bigemina was found in Rhipicephalus annulatus and R. sanguineus. Our study highlights the importance of tick-borne pathogens in cattle in Algeria.
Insights
This study reveals high infection rates of tick-borne pathogens in Algerian cattle, with Rickettsia spp. being the most prevalent. The findings underscore the significant role of ticks in transmitting various microorganisms affecting cattle health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Parasitology
Background:
- Ixodid ticks are significant ectoparasites and vectors of pathogens impacting cattle health.
- Tick-borne diseases pose a substantial threat to livestock, causing economic losses.
- Understanding pathogen prevalence in ticks is crucial for effective disease management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the molecular infection rates of tick-borne pathogens in ticks from cattle in Algeria.
- To identify specific tick species and their associated bacterial and protozoan infections.
- To assess the co-infection prevalence among various tick-borne microorganisms.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of 235 ixodid ticks from cattle in the Kabylia region, Algeria.
- Identification of seven tick species belonging to genera Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Ixodes.
- High-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR screening for 36 different bacteria and protozoans.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of Rickettsia spp. (79.1%), followed by Francisella-like endosymbionts (62.9%), Theileria spp. (17.8%), and Anaplasma spp. (14.4%).
- 80.4% of ticks harbored microorganisms, with significant co-infection rates (up to four pathogens per tick).
- Specific pathogen-tick associations were identified, including Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus, and Anaplasma marginale across genera.
Conclusions:
- This study highlights a high burden of tick-borne pathogens in cattle in Algeria, with Rickettsia spp. being dominant.
- The findings emphasize the critical role of ticks as vectors for a diverse range of pathogens affecting cattle.
- Molecular surveillance is essential for understanding pathogen dynamics and informing veterinary interventions against tick-borne diseases.
