Molecular detection of haemotropic mycoplasmas in ixodid ticks from lions (Panthera leo) and in questing ticks from Ngorongoro crater, Tanzania

Abstract
Haemotropic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) are pathogens that can cause hemolytic anemia in susceptible mammalian species worldwide. The cause of hemolysis is not fully elucidated and it is unclear whether it is due to direct damage of erythrocytes or indirectly through immune mediated mechanisms when the pathogens come into contact with erythrocytes. A molecular study was conducted to determine the presence of feline haemoplasma species in different tick species collected from Ngorongoro crater, Tanzania. Three TaqMan real-time PCR assays were used for the analysis of DNA pools (n=507) derived from 11 tick species. Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ were detected in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and R. appendiculatus tick species. On average 19.7% and 12.9% of the R sanguineus and 0.4% and 0.2% of R. appendiculatus from Ngorongoro crater were PCR-positive for M. haemofelis and ‘Candidatus M. haemominutum’, respectively. Presence of M. haemofelis in the crater with the known pathological effects of severe acute and fatal hemolytic anaemia in domestic cats will probably have undesirable effects to wild cats like lions (Panthera leo). Therefore, a concerted effort towards tick control regime is highly recommended.

Contact:
Robert D. Fyumagwa
Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) Wildlife Veterinary Programme, P. O. BOX
rfyumagwa@yahoo.com; phone: +255 28 2621565

Prof. Dr. Hans Lutz, Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
hlutz@vetclinics.unizh.ch; Phone: +41-44-635 83 12


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		Programme de bourses "Echanges Universitaires" Molecular detection of haemotropic mycoplasmas in ixodid ticks from lions (Panthera leo) and in questing ticks from Ngorongoro crater, Tanzania Abstract Haemotropic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) are pathogens that can cause hemolytic anemia in susceptible mammalian species worldwide. The cause of hemolysis is not fully elucidated and it is unclear whether it is due to direct damage of erythrocytes or indirectly through immune mediated mechanisms when the pathogens come into contact with erythrocytes. A molecular study was conducted to determine the presence of feline haemoplasma species in different tick species collected from Ngorongoro crater, Tanzania. Three TaqMan real-time PCR assays were used for the analysis of DNA pools (n=507) derived from 11 tick species. Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ were detected in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and R. appendiculatus tick species. On average 19.7% and 12.9% of the R sanguineus and 0.4% and 0.2% of R. appendiculatus from Ngorongoro crater were PCR-positive for M. haemofelis and ‘Candidatus M. haemominutum’, respectively. Presence of M. haemofelis in the crater with the known pathological effects of severe acute and fatal hemolytic anaemia in domestic cats will probably have undesirable effects to wild cats like lions (Panthera leo). Therefore, a concerted effort towards tick control regime is highly recommended. Contact: Robert D. Fyumagwa Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) Wildlife Veterinary Programme, P. O. BOX rfyumagwa@yahoo.com; phone: +255 28 2621565 Prof. Dr. Hans Lutz, Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland hlutz@vetclinics.unizh.ch; Phone: +41-44-635 83 12