Cattle anaplasmosis and babesiosis: Major tick-borne diseases affecting the cattle industry in Khartoum State, Sudan

• Published in: Veterinary parasitology (Amsterdam) Vol. 26; p. 100632
• Main Authors: Satti, Rawan A., Awadelkareem, Eman A., Suganuma, Keisuke, Salim, Bashir, Inoue, Noboru, Xuan, Xuenan, Rehan, Suheir, Mossaad, Ehab
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01-12-2021
• Subjects: A. marginale; Anaplasma marginale - genetics; Anaplasmosis - epidemiology; Animals; Babesia bigemina; Babesia bovis; Babesiosis - epidemiology; Babesiosis - parasitology; Cattle; Cattle Diseases - epidemiology; Cattle Diseases - parasitology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sudan; Sudan - epidemiology; Theileriasis - epidemiology; Theileriasis - parasitology; Tick-borne diseases; Tick-Borne Diseases - epidemiology; Tick-Borne Diseases - parasitology; Tick-Borne Diseases - veterinary; Sudan; Babesia bigemina; A. marginale; Babesia bovis; Cattle; Tick-borne diseases; Sudan
• ISSN: 2405-9390; 2405-9390
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100632

Tick-borne hemoparasitic (TBH) infections are a major problem affecting livestock industries worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study was carried out in response to repeated reports from local veterinarians in Khartoum State, Sudan, where TBH infections are prevalent in dairy farms. This cross-sectional study was undertaken from October 2017 to April 2018 with the objective of assessing the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with cattle anaplasmosis and babesiosis in the localities of Omdurman, Khartoum, and Khartoum North, Khartoum State. A total of 292 cattle blood samples collected from apparently healthy animals were examined for the presence of A. marginale, Babesia bigemina, and B. bovis using PCR. The overall prevalence of A. marginale and B. bigemina was found to be 40.41% and 3.42%, respectively, while B. bovis was not detected. Mixed infections with A. marginale and B. bigemina were detected in four (1.37%) cattle. The prevalence of the two pathogens was found to be significantly higher in Khartoum and Omdurman than in Khartoum North. However, no significant difference was observed for the prevalence based on sex, age, breed, and mean packed cell volume values. Our findings indicated that A. marginale is a highly prevalent parasite in Khartoum State, which may be a primary constraint to the cattle industry. Inclusion of this pathogen in the diagnostic protocols, and consequent treatment and tick control are necessary. Moreover, the role of B. bigemina infection may exacerbate the situation to some extent in this region.
The prevalence of A. marginale in Khartoum State was 40.41%. This can constrain the cattle industry. B. bigemina (prevalence of 3.42%) can exacerbate the situation. [Display omitted]
•PCR was used to assess the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, and B. bovis.•The prevalence of A. marginale was 40.41% and that of B. bigemina was 3.42%.•B. bovis was not detected in this study.•Prevalence was not associated with sex, age, breed, and mean PCV.•Tick-infested cattle showed statistically lower infection rates.