Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

PCR detection of Ehrlichia ruminantium and Babesia bigemina in cattle from Kwara State, Nigeria: unexpected absence of infection

Elkie Hector, Nusirat Elelu, Joana Ferrolho, Joana Couto, Gustavo Seron Sanches, Sandra Antunes, Ana Domingos, Mark C. Eisler

Parasitology Research · 2019

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Summary

This study applied molecular diagnostic techniques (qPCR and semi-nested PCR) to detect two significant tick-borne pathogens in cattle from Kwara State, Nigeria. Unexpectedly, all 157 blood samples tested negative for both Ehrlichia ruminantium and Babesia bigemina, despite both pathogens being considered endemic to Nigeria. These findings provide new epidemiological data that may help refine disease control strategies and surveillance priorities in the region.

UK applicability

Limited direct applicability to UK conditions, as neither E. ruminantium nor B. bigemina are endemic to the United Kingdom. However, the molecular diagnostic methodology could inform UK surveillance systems for emerging or re-emerging tick-borne diseases.

Key measures

Presence/absence of E. ruminantium (qPCR) and B. bigemina (semi-nested PCR) in cattle blood samples; sample size n=157

Outcomes reported

The study investigated the presence of Ehrlichia ruminantium and Babesia bigemina in cattle blood samples from Kwara State, Nigeria using qPCR and semi-nested PCR. All 157 samples tested negative for both pathogens, contributing data on the current disease burden in the region.

Theme
Measurement & metrics
Subject
Animal health & welfare
Study type
Research
Study design
Field survey with molecular diagnostics
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Nigeria
System type
Pasture-based livestock
DOI
10.1007/s00436-019-06204-1
Catalogue ID
BFmovi1swh-ebcc6i

Topic tags

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