Molecular Identification of Tick-Borne Pathogens from Tick Samples of Cattle in Bandarban District, Bangladesh

Abstract

The role of tick-borne pathogen transmission is exacerbated by international cattle trade, leading to significant economic losses through diseases like anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and theileriosis. These diseases hinder cattle health, growth, and production. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bandarban district of Bangladesh to identify tick-borne pathogens in cattle. The study aimed to morphologically identify ticks and molecularly identify tick-borne diseases from tick samples. Tick samples (130) were collected from three upazilas: 48 from Bandarban sadar, 44 from Lama, and 38 from Alikadam along with details on each cattle's age, sex, species, and physiological status. Morphological identification under a microscope revealed that Boophilus sp. and Haemaphysalis sp. had an overall prevalence of 92.31% and 7.69%, respectively. Tick infestations were more common in the summer (94.44%) compared to spring (87.5%). Adult cattle showed higher susceptibility to Haemaphysalis sp. (13.33%) compared to young cattle and calves (0%), while Boophilus sp. was more prevalent in young cattle and calves (100%) compared to adults (86.7%). Indigenous breed cattle were more prone to tick infestations (95%) than crossbred cattle (75%). The prevalence of Boophilus sp. was highest in Lama (33.85%), followed by Bandarban Sadar (33.08%) and Alikadam (25.38%). Haemaphysalis sp. was found only in Bandarban Sadar (3.85%) and Alikadam (3.85%). PCR testing of 20 pooled tick samples identified tick-borne pathogens, resulting in three Anaplasma marginale positive samples (one each from Bandarban Sadar, Lama, and Alikadam), one Babesia bigemina positive sample from Alikadam, and one Theileria annulata positive sample from Bandarban Sadar. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, and Theileria annulata in cattle in the Bandarban district, with these pathogens being carried by ticks. The findings of this study are invaluable for veterinarians and cattle farmers in Bandarban, providing insights necessary to develop effective prevention and control measures against tick-borne infections..