Detection of a new Apicomplexa group from buffaloes in Mosul city, Iraq

Abstract

This study was focused on the detection of a new apicomplexan parasite (Plasmodium spp.) and its clinical and haematological effects during infection of domesticated water buffaloes (Bubalis bubalis) in Mosul city, Iraq. Although Plasmodium parasites of ungulates are diverse and distributed worldwide, no data are available in Iraq about any ungulate malaria, so the current investigation endea­voured to bridge this gap in the existing body of knowledge. The study included 70 cases of domesticated water buffaloes at different ages and from both sexes that were brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq. The animals were from different regions of Mosul in northern Iraq. Microscopic examination was carried out on blood smears to detect Plasmodium parasite. The nested PCR assay was also conducted using Plasmodium spp. cytochrome b gene (cytb) specific primers to confirm the infection. Results showed the presence of Plasmodium parasite in 24.28% (17/70) of cases. Plasmodium bubalis was detected by PCR in three cases from 11 buffaloes. Among infected buffaloes, the symptomatic cases of malaria were 64.5%, while only 35.5% were asymptomatic (occult) cases. Moreover, fever in 54% of cases, paleness of the mucous membranes in 36% of cases, and recumbences in 10% of cases were the clinical signs reported in symptomatic malaria cases. Anaemia and thrombocytopaenia made up the majority of the haematological abnormalities observed in malaria-infected buffaloes. This is the first report about Plasmodium bubalis in Iraqi buffaloes.