Microscopic and molecular investigation of vector borne haemoprotozoan diseases in dromedary camel of North Gujarat

Dhyanjyoti Sarma; Bhupamani Das; Niral Patel; Arun Patel; Abhinav Suthar; Ankit Prajapati; R M Patel

doi:10.4103/0972-9062.393968

Microscopic and molecular investigation of vector borne haemoprotozoan diseases in dromedary camel of North Gujarat

J Vector Borne Dis. 2024 Jan 16. doi: 10.4103/0972-9062.393968. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Dhyanjyoti Sarma¹, Bhupamani Das², Niral Patel¹, Arun Patel¹, Abhinav Suthar¹, Ankit Prajapati¹, R M Patel¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat 385506, India.
² Department of Clinics, Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat 385506, India.

PMID: 38238864
DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.393968

Abstract

Background objectives: Vector borne haemoprotozoan diseases comprise diverse group of single celled organism transmitted by haematophagus invertebrates. The current study was aimed at identification of major haemoprotozoan (Babesia, Theileria and Trypanosoma) in dromedary camel of North Gujarat region using microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Methods: A total of 234 blood samples were screened by the microscopic and molecular detection assays. Molecular prevalence studies of Theileria, Trypanosoma spp and Babesia was undertaken using 18s ribosomal DNA, RoTat 1.2 and SS rRNA gene respectively. The data relating to microscopic and molecular prevalence along with associated risk factors were analysed by statistical methods.

Results: The overall prevalence of hamoprotozoan disease based on microscopic and molecular investigation was 23.50%. The sensitivity and specificity (95% Confidence Interval) of PCR assay was 100% in comparison to microscopy (45.45% and 100%). The kappa coefficient between PCR and microscopy indicated good level of agreement with a value of 0.704 and SE of 0.159.

Interpretation conclusion: Despite holding much significance to the animal sector, little work has been undertaken in regional part of India regarding camel parasites. The present paper offers the first preliminary research data investigating haemoprotozoan disease using parasitological and molecular methods in camels in the region.