Identification of Buxtonella sulcata with phylogenetic analysis in cattle in Egypt

Abstract

Protozoan diseases are of great significance in ruminants. In Egypt, the published data for Buxtonella sulcata (B. sulcata) in cattle is limited. This is the first study on B. sulcata in Assiut governorate via PCR and phylogenetic analysis. This study investigated the B. sulcata positive rate in cattle and its association with diarrhea. Out of 100 cattle fecal samples (50 males and 50 females) with different ages were collected from Assiut governorate, Egypt. Microscopically, the positive rate of B. sulcata was 69% (69/100). The cysts were oval or round with a size range of (82.23×78.63 to 53.65×48.62 μm) with a mean of (58.46×54.35 μm). While, its trophozoite appeared oval with characteristic grooves with a size range from (80.9×40.2 to 41.8×30.64 μm) with a mean of (58.78×41.26 μm). Females are slightly higher infected 72% (36/50) than male 66% (33/50). While, the highest positive rate recorded in age less than 1 year 78.6% (22/28), followed by age more than 3 years 68.4% (13/19), then the lowest in age 1-3 years 64.2% (34/53). The positive rate of B. sulcata was 92.2% (47/51) and 44.9% (22/49) of diarrheic and non-diarrheic feces, respectively, with very high significant differences. Diarrhea was established in all fecal samples with more than 1000 cysts per gram of faeces. Three fecal samples were positive for B. sulcata SSrDNA gene specific primer (1047 bp) by PCR. After DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, all nucleotide sequences showed high similarity to B. sulcata. We advised regular examination for B. sulcata in the predominant areas with excessive studies to aid in planning effective control strategies against it.