Naslov
Novel equi merozoite antigen (ema-1) gene heterogeneity in a geographically isolated Theileria equi population in Croatia

Autori
Coultous, Robert ; Gotić, Jelena ; McCann, Martine ; Sutton, David ; Beck, Relja ; Shiels, Brian

Izvornik
Parasites and Vectors (1756-3305) 15 (2022), 1; 401 (2022), 7

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, kratko priopcenje, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Equine, Piroplasmosis, Croatia, Theileria equi, Ema-1, Equi merozoite antigen

Sažetak
Background: The apicomplexan haemoparasite Theileria equi, a causative agent of equine piroplasmosis, is an estab- lished pathogen of significant welfare and economic concern within the Croatian equine population. A previous large surveillance study of T. equi has identified two distinct parasite populations, one in the north and one in the south, geographically separated by the Dinaric Alps, which traverse the country. This study aimed to further investigate the genetic diversity within these two populations, focussing on allelic variability of the equi merozoite antigen gene, ema-1. Methods: Following nested PCR of DNA isolates, the generated ema-1 amplicons were subsequently sequenced and compared by phylogenetic analysis to available sequences representing previously described ema-1 genotypes (groups A–C). Results: Isolates from the southern T. equi population clustered with the existing ema-1 groups A and B. Strikingly, isolates from the northern population clustered into two novel ema-1 genotypes, named groups D and E. Conclusions: This detection of hitherto unreported genotypes suggests that historic geographical isolation has led to a degree of divergent evolution in this northern T. equi population. Additionally, current global regulatory testing of equine piroplasmosis relies heavily on EMA-1 based immunodiagnostics, and the discovery of unique ema-1 geno-types may question the efficacy of current diagnostics in international equine movement, with ramifications for the global equine community.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Veterinarska medicina

POVEZANOST RADA