Geographic distribution of Theileria sp. (buffalo) and Theileria sp. (bougasvlei) in Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in southern Africa : implications for speciation
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Date
Authors
Pienaar, Ronel
Latif, Abdalla A.
Thekisoe, Oriel M.M.
Mans, Ben J. (Barend Johannes)
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Abstract
Strict control measures apply to movement of buffalo in South Africa including testing for Theileria parva, the causative
agent of Corridor disease in cattle. The official test is a real-time hybridization PCR assay that amplifies the 18S rRNA V4
hyper-variable region of T. parva, T. sp. (buffalo) and T. sp. (bougasvlei). Mixed infections with the latter organisms affect
diagnostic sensitivity due to PCR suppression. While the incidence of mixed infections in the Corridor disease endemic
region of South Africa is significant, little information is available on the specific distribution and prevalence of T. sp.
(buffalo) and T. sp. (bougasvlei). Specific real-time PCR assays were developed and a total of 1211 samples known to
harbour these parasites were screened. Both parasites are widely distributed in southern Africa and the incidence of mixed
infections with T. parva within the endemic region is similar (25–50%). However, a significant discrepancy exists in
regard to mixed infections of T. sp. (buffalo) and T. sp. (bougasvlei) (10%). Evidence for speciation between T. sp.
(buffalo) and T. sp. (bougasvlei) is supported by phylogenetic analysis of the COI gene, and their designation as different
species. This suggests mutual exclusion of parasites and the possibility of hybrid sterility in cases of mixed infections.
Description
Keywords
Diagnostics, Mixed infections, PCR suppression, Real-time hybridization, Theileria parva, Theileria sp. (buffalo), Theileria sp. (bougasvlei), Speciation
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Pienaar, R, Latif, AA, Thekisoe, OMM & Mans, BJ 2014, 'Geographic distribution of Theileria sp. (buffalo) and Theileria sp. (bougasvlei) in Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in southern Africa : implications for speciation', Parasitology, vol. 141, no. 3, pp. 411-424.