Serological and molecular surveys of spp. in Egyptian cattle reveal high infection prevalence.

BACKGROUND

Bovine anaplasmosis is an infectious disease with worldwide distribution. It spreads by various routes mainly through tick bites.

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate bovine related spp. in cattle from three northern governorates of Egypt by serological and molecular assays, to evaluate the associated risk factors and to analyze the phylogeny of revealed isolates.

METHODS

During 2020, a total of 650 blood samples were collected from asymptomatic cattle in the governorates of Kafr El-Sheikh (n=240), Menofia (n=230), and Al-Gharbia (n=180). Sera samples were examined using the antibody test kit, cELISA v2. Blood genomic DNA of seropositive cattle was then examined by PCRs specific to , , and . Selected positive samples were subjected to nucleotide sequencing. Risk factors (i.e. geographical area, breed, type of production, sex, age, herd size, season, husbandry system, tick infestation, and application of acaricides) were evaluated by logistic regression approach.

RESULTS

In total, 130 cattle (20%, 95% CI: 17.1-23.3) were recorded seropositive for species. Major risk factors associated with seropositivity were being crossbred, dairy cattle, aged more than 5 years, summer season, herd size of below 300, pasture grazing, tick infestation, and not being subjected to regular treatment with acaricides. By using species-specific PCR, only was detected. Nucleotide sequencing showed the occurrence of two different genotypes.

CONCLUSION

This study shows the high prevalence of in cattle of Kafr El-Sheikh, Al-Gharbia, and Menofia. However, the connection between species and their tick vectors remains unknown in Egypt and merits further investigations. Since these infections primarily spread through ixodid tick bites, effective ectoparasite control strategies, regular examination of cattle and successful chemoprophylaxis are recommended.