Molecular identification of different Theileria and Babesia species infecting sheep in Sudan.
The epidemiological aspects of sheep piroplasmosis in Sudan are poorly studied, and further investigations using sensitive and precise techniques are required. In this study, the Reverse Line Blot (RLB) hybridization assay was used to detect and simultaneously differentiate between Theileria and Babesia species. DNA was extracted from blood collected on filter paper (n=219) from apparently healthy sheep from six different geographical localities in Sudan. Results indicated that Theileria ovis (88.6%), T. separata (20.1%), T. lestoquardi (16.4%) and T. annulata (16.4%) DNA could be detected in the blood samples. Single and mixed Theileria infections were detected in 74 (33.8%) and 124 (56.6%) respectively and T. ovis being the most prevalent species in the country. T. ovis and T. separata were reported for the first time in sheep in Sudan.
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Elimam Elmahadi, P.O. Box 209, Kosti, Sudan.
Ahmed H
AH
El Imam
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, P.O.Box 32, Khartoum North, Sudan.
Shawgi M
SM
Hassan
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, P.O.Box 32, Khartoum North, Sudan.
Ahmed A
AA
Gameel
Department of Parasitology, Animal Resources Research Corporation, P.O. Box 8067, Khartoum, Sudan.
Abdelrahim M
AM
El Hussein
Department of Microbiology, Animal Resources Research Corporation, P.O. Box 8067, Khartoum, Sudan.
Khalid M
KM
Taha
Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, P/Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, Pretoria, South Africa.
Marinda C
MC
Oosthuizen
D000818:Animals; D001403:Babesia / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D001404:Babesiosis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000235:genetics; D005838:Genotype; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D013397:Sudan / Q000453:epidemiology; D016794:Theileria / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D013801:Theileriasis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*
D016054:DNA, Protozoan