Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases (May 2020)

Anaplasma Infection in Ticks in Southeastern Region of Iran

  • Reza Ranjbar,
  • Mehdi Anjomruz,
  • Ahmad Ali Enayati,
  • Mehdi Khoobdel,
  • Atiyeh Rafinejad,
  • Javad Rafinejad

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 2
pp. 126–133 – 126–133

Abstract

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Background: Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis are the most important tick-borne diseases. This study was conducted in three cities of Kerman Province in Iran to investigate the circulation of the bacteria in ticks collected from sheep. Methods: Ticks were collected from animals using Srkj forceps and transferred to the Entomology lab in cold chain. After specimen’s identification, they kept at -70 ºC. Tick DNA was extracted using Bioneers DNA extraction kits followed by Nested PCR technique to amplify ribosomal 16S rRNA gene to detect Anaplasma infection in ticks. Results: 472 sheep were examined from which 349 ticks were collected and identified in laboratory using valid keys. Tick specimens belonged to two genera and four species; Hyalomma marginatum (62.47%) was the most frequent and Hylomma asiaticum (5.73%) showed the least abundance. The infestation rate to different tick species was different in three regions of Kerman Province. Observation revealed that 24 specimens (58.3%) were positive for Anaplasma. There is a significant difference between male and female infection rate. However, there is no sig­nificant difference between these variables in each of these cities. Conclusion: This study shows high infection rates to Anaplasma in hard ticks. It is essential for health and veteri­nary authorities and farmers to use appropriate strategies to control ticks to reduce the infestation.

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