Molecular Detection of Tick Borne Rickettsial Pathogens Associated with the Arabian Camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Riyadh and the Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Background In Saudi Arabia, records on molecular identifcation of tick-borne infections in camels are relatively scarce;
few molecular epidemiological studies have been conducted.
Objective This study aimed to fnd Anaplasma species and Piroplasma spp. in camels from Riyadh and the Eastern Region,
Saudi Arabia.
Animals A total of 1369 blood samples were collected from camels from Riyadh and the Eastern Region and analyzed for
the DNA of Anaplasma and Piroplasma species by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results Piroplasma spp. infection was not observed in any of the blood samples. 616 camels (44.99%) were found to be
positive for Anaplasma infection by PCR targeting the 16S rRNA and COX1 genes. Six Anaplasma sequences for the 16S
rRNA gene (OK481101–OK481106) were deposited in GenBank and six for the COX1 gene (OK490994–OK490999). They
showed 98.3% and 62.7% similarities with Anaplasma marginale (A. marginale) detected in Kenya and Brazil, respectively.
Phylogenetic studies revealed that the 12 sequences reported in this study were closely related; they were found in the same
cluster as A. marginale isolates previously recorded in South Africa, Brazil, USA, China, and Israel.
Conclusion Finally, 12 Anaplasma sequences closely related to A. marginale were detected in camels in Riyadh and the
Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia. Camels in these areas were confrmed to be free of Piroplasma
Aedes aegypti (Culicidae), the mosquito that causes yellow fever, is regarded as a significant vector for
many disease agents. The current study sought to learn more about mosquito mid-gut…