Molecular identification and genetic characterization of Theileria and Anapalsma in naturally infected sheep and goats of North Gujarat

Abstract Ticks and tick-borne diseases are significant health concerns in small ruminants. The present study was conducted to identify and characterize the genetic makeup of Theileria and Anapalsma species in sheep and goats located in different districts of North Gujarat. A total of 226 blood samples were collected from sheep (n=78) and goats (n=148) viz. Banaskantha (n=175), Patan (n=26), and Bhuj (n=25). PCR was carried out using a species-specific primer of Theileria targeting 18S rRNA, SSU rRNA, and Anapalsma targetting the msp5 gene. A total of 29/78 (37.18%) sheep and 16/148 (10.81%) goats were found positive for Theileria. At the same time, 12/78 (15.38%) sheep and 38/148 (25.68%) goats were found positive for Anaplasma infection. Moreover, mixed infection was found in 10/226 (4.42%) sheep and goats. Tick-borne diseases were more prevalent in females compared to male sheep and goats. Theileria infection was more common in sheep, whereas Anapalsma was more dominant in goats of north Gujarat. Sequencing of six positive samples revealed the T. ovis and A. ovis infections in sheep and goats. Phylogenetic analysis of T. ovis SSU rRNA and Anaplasma spp. msp5 revealed that the pathogens identified in this study are clustered together, indicating similar molecular characteristics. Hyaloma and Rhipicephalus were common ticks identified in sheep and goats. We concluded that Theileria and Anaplasma are highly prevalent in the study area, and continuous monitoring of sheep and goats in North Gujarat is highly required. This is the first scientific report on Theileria and Anaplasma co-infections in sheep and goats from North Gujarat.