Molecular Characterization of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia Species in Different Cattle Breeds and Age Groups in Mbarara District (Western Uganda)

D. Muhanguzi ； K. Ikwap ； K. Picozzi ； C. Waiswa

《International Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances》 2卷3期 (2010/07) Pp. 76-88

並列摘要

Anaplasma and Ehrlichia sp. (AEs) cause significant economic losses to the livestock sector in Uganda. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of AEs in cattle from Kashaari county-Mbarara district (Uganda) so as to compare the prevalence of AEs in different cattle breeds, age groups, sub county of origin and management systems and predictor(s) of infection with AEs. Such information is deemed necessary to direct future tick-borne disease control programs. A single pair of primers was used to amplify a 492-498bp fragment of the 16SRNA gene spanning the V1 region conserved for both AEs. PCR products were transferred onto the Reverse Line Blot (RLB) membrane and AEs amplicons in the PCR products allowed to hybridize with A E species-specific oligonucleotides. The prevalence of Ehrlichia sp. was 5.1% (CI=95%, 2.9-7.3%) whereas that of Anaplasma species was 5.3 % (CI=95%, 3-7.6%). Individual AEs detected include; A. bovis (5.1%, CI=95%, 2.9-7.3%), E. ruminantium (4.5%, CI=95%, 2.4-6.6%), A. marginale (3.7%, CI=95%, 1.8-5.6%), A. (E.) phagocytophilum (2.7%, CI=95%, 1.1-4.3%), E. ovina/canis (2.7%, CI=95%; 1.1-4.3%), E. sp. (omatjenne) (1.9%, CI=95%, 0.5-3.3%). Cattle breed was found to be the best predictor of infection. To further understand bovine tick-borne parasites in Uganda, we recommend that studies covering a wider area and over longer periods, investigation of breed as a predictor of infection, molecular genetic characterization, transmission and pathogenicity studies on the different strains of AEs be carried out.

並列關鍵字

Anaplasma and Ehrlichia sp. AEs ； cattle age ； cattle breed ； predictors of infection ； prevalence ； Reverse Line Blot hybridization RLB