title: Molecular Identification of Hemoprotozoan Parasites in Camels (Camelus dromedarius) of Iran.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although camels represent a valuable source of food, wool and hide in many countries, in-depth information about their vector-borne pathogens is scarce compared to other animals. The aim of the current study was to characterize vector-borne protozoa in the blood of dromedaries from Iran by molecular tools.
  
  
  METHODS
  From June to July 2014, 200 peripheral blood samples were collected from asymptomatic one-humped camels in two provinces of Kerman and Sistan- va-Baloochestan in central and southeastern Iran. Microscopic examination was performed on Giemsa-stained blood smears, and drops of blood were spotted on Whatman FTA®cards for further analyses. Genomic DNA was extracted from the cards, and PCR was carried out for the detection of piroplasms and trypanosomes, followed by sequence analysis of positive samples.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One sample was positiveTrypanosomaspp. trypomastigotes in light microscopy. PCR results revealed one positive sample each withTheileria annulataandTrypanosoma evansi.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Camels were identified as hosts for bovine Mediterranean theileriosis in the investigated area. The presence ofTr. evansi, the causative agent of surra disease, was also confirmed in camels of Iran. Further studies are recommended in order to investigate their impact on the health and productivity of camels and other livestock in this region.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sazmand
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Eigner
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mirzaei
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed Hossein
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Hekmatimoghaddam
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Josef
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harl
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Georg Gerhard
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Duscher
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Hans-Peter
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Fuehrer
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Anja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Joachim
keywords: Hemoparasites; One-humped camel; Theileria annulata; Trypanosoma evansi