Molecular detection and phylogeny of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in naturally infected dogs in Central and Northeast Thailand

Research (Published online: 20-12-2022)

16. Molecular detection and phylogeny of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in naturally infected dogs in Central and Northeast Thailand

Andaman Purisarn, Sakulchit Wichianchot, Cherdsak Maneeruttanarungroj, Bandid Mangkit, Wuttinun Raksajit, Sarawan Kaewmongkol, Thitichai Jarudecha, Wanat Sricharern, and Rucksak Rucksaken

Veterinary World, 15(12): 2877-2889

Andaman Purisarn: Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Sakulchit Wichianchot: Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Cherdsak Maneeruttanarungroj: Department of Biology, School of Science, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand; Bioenergy Research Unit, School of Science, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand.

Bandid Mangkit: Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Wuttinun Raksajit: Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Sarawan Kaewmongkol: Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Thitichai Jarudecha: Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Wanat Sricharern: Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Rucksak Rucksaken: Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

doi: www.doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2022.2877-2889

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Article history: Received: 23-08-2022, Accepted: 14-11-2022, Published online: 20-12-2022

Corresponding author: Rucksak Rucksaken

E-mail: rucksak.r@ku.th

Citation: Purisarn A, Wichianchot S, Maneeruttanarungroj C, Mangkit B, Raksajit W, Kaewmongkol S, Jarudecha T, Sricharern W, and Rucksaken R (2022) Molecular detection and phylogeny of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in naturally infected dogs in Central and Northeast Thailand, Veterinary World, 15(12): 2877–2879.

Abstract

Background and Aim: Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys are tick-borne, Gram-negative bacteria that cause canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and canine cyclic thrombocytopenia, respectively. These diseases are of great importance and are distributed globally. This study aimed to create new primers for the identification of E. canis and A. platys in naturally infected dogs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis using the 16S rDNA and gltA genes.

Materials and Methods: In total, 120 blood samples were collected from dogs in three different locations (Saraburi, Buriram, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces) in Central and Northeast Thailand. The molecular prevalence of E. canis and A. platys was assessed using PCR targeting the 16S rDNA and gltA genes. All positive PCR amplicons were sequenced, and phylogenetic trees were constructed based on the maximum likelihood method.

Results: Ehrlichia canis had an overall molecular prevalence of 15.8% based on the 16S rDNA gene, compared to 8.3% based on the gltA gene. In addition, the overall molecular prevalence of A. platys using the 16S rDNA gene was 10.8%, while the prevalence rate was 5.8% using the gltA gene. Coinfection was 0.8% in Saraburi province. The partial sequences of the 16S rDNA and gltA genes of E. canis and A. platys in dogs in Central and Northeast Thailand showed 96.75%–100% identity to reference sequences in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rDNA and gltA genes revealed that E. canis and A. platys sequences were clearly grouped into their own clades.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the molecular prevalence of E. canis and A. platys in Central and Northeast Thailand. The 16S rDNA and gltA genes were useful for the diagnosis of E. canis and A. platys. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, the partial sequences of the 16S rDNA and gltA genes in E. canis and A. platys were related to prior Thai strains and those from other countries.

Keywords: 16S rDNA gene, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis, gltA gene, phylogenetic analysis.