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Seasonal Investigation of Anaplasma marginale Infection in Pakistani Cattle Reveals Hematological and Biochemical
Muhammad Asif1, Mourad Ben Said2,3, Rommel Lenin Vinueza4,5
1Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan 60800, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Bovine anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by an obligate intercellular Gram-negative bacterium named Anaplasma (A.) marginale. In this study, we report the seasonal prevalence, potentially associated risk factors and phylogeny of A. marginale in cattle of three different breeds from Multan District, Southern Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 1020 blood samples (crossbred, n = 340; Holstein Friesian, n = 340; and Sahiwal breed, n = 340) from apparently healthy cattle were collected on a seasonal basis from March 2020 to April 2021. Based on PCR amplification of the msp5 partial sequence, overall, the A. marginale prevalence rate was estimated at 11.1% (113/1020) of the analyzed cattle samples. According to seasons, the highest prevalence rate was observed in autumn (16.5%), followed by winter (10.6%) and summer (9.8%), and the lowest was recorded in the spring (7.5%). The crossbred and Sahiwal cattle were the most susceptible to A. marginale infection, followed by Holstein Friesian cattle (7.9%). Analysis of epidemiological factors revealed that cattle reared on farms where dairy animals have tick loads, dogs coinhabit with cattle and dogs have tick loads have a higher risk of being infected with A. marginale. In addition, it was observed that white blood cell, lymphocyte (%), monocyte (%), hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations were significantly disturbed in A. marginale-positive cattle compared with non-infested cattle. Genetic analysis of nucleotide sequences and a phylogenetic study based on msp5 partial sequencing demonstrated that this gene appears to be highly conserved among our isolates and those infecting apparently healthy cattle from geographically diverse worldwide regions. The presented data are crucial for estimating the risk of bovine anaplasmosis in order to develop integrated control policies against bovine anaplasmosis and other tick-borne diseases infecting cattle in the country.
Insights
Bovine anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease, affects cattle in Pakistan, with prevalence varying by season and breed. Risk factors include ticks on cattle and dogs, impacting herd health and requiring integrated control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Bovine anaplasmosis is a significant tick-borne disease caused by *Anaplasma marginale*.
- Understanding its prevalence and risk factors is crucial for cattle health in Pakistan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seasonal prevalence of *Anaplasma marginale* in cattle in Multan District, Pakistan.
- To identify risk factors associated with *A. marginale* infection.
- To analyze the genetic diversity and phylogeny of *A. marginale* isolates.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 1020 blood samples from three cattle breeds over one year.
- PCR amplification of the *msp5* partial sequence for *A. marginale* detection.
- Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of *A. marginale* was 11.1%, highest in autumn.
- Crossbred and Sahiwal cattle showed higher susceptibility.
- Tick loads on cattle and dogs, and cohabitation with dogs, were identified as risk factors.
- Significant alterations in hematological parameters were observed in infected cattle.
- The *msp5* gene was found to be highly conserved.
Conclusions:
- Seasonal variations and breed susceptibility influence *A. marginale* prevalence.
- Farm management practices, including tick control, are critical for disease prevention.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicates *A. marginale* conservation, aiding in broader epidemiological understanding.
- Data supports developing integrated control policies for tick-borne diseases in cattle.
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