Microscopic and Molecular Detection of Camel Anaplasmosis and Piroplasmosis in Banadir region, Somalia

Abstract

The socio - economic importance of dromedary camels ( Camelusdromedarius ) is unique for Somali community. It has been a rich area of research before the civil war. The present study was planned to investigate piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis in camels from Banadir region of Somalia using microscopical (Blood Film) and molecular ( PCR) techniques. A total of 182 camels including semi - intensive dairy camel farms and nomadic (extensive) systems were sampled from three districts in Banadir region between December 2015 and March 2016.The prevalence rate using parasitological and molecul ar examinations was52.2% and 54.9% respectively. In microscopical results, the prevalence rates Varies significantly (p < 0.05) between different production systems, Districts and sexes. However, these differences were not significant after molecular confirm ation. Using Kappa test, PCR technique was more sensitive and more specific in determination of piroplasms than conventional blood film method. The prevalence rate of Anaplasma sp. using microscopical examination was13.2%. Mix - infection of piroplasms and A naplasma sp. is usual in the present study. The degree of anaemia (PCV%) in the infected camels was significantly affected (p=0.05) after molecular confirmation of piroplasmosis. The present paper was to be the first report on camel piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis in Banadir region and may be in whole Somalia. In conclusion, camel piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis are highly prevalent in camels from Banadir region of Somalia. Further studies in the clinical and economical impact of camel all T&TBDs is reco mmended. Moreover, the control measures including effective treatment should be conducted to improve the general condition of Somali camels.