Molecular detection and characterization of tick-borne pathogens of dogs

dc.contributor.advisorPenzhorn, Barend Louisen
dc.contributor.advisorJongejan, Fransen
dc.contributor.emailtshepo.matjila@up.ac.zaen
dc.contributor.postgraduateMatjila, P.T. (Paul Tshepo)en
dc.date.accessioned2013-09-06T17:19:37Z
dc.date.available2009-04-08en
dc.date.available2013-09-06T17:19:37Z
dc.date.created2008-11-28en
dc.date.issued2008en
dc.date.submitted2009-01-21en
dc.descriptionThesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2008.en
dc.description.abstractThis thesis focuses on the molecular characterization of tick-borne parasites of dogs in South Africa. Emphasis is placed on Babesia, Erhlichia, incidental and novel parasite infections that may cause morbidity or mortality in infected dogs. An outbreak of canine babesiosis in the Netherlands is also reported in this thesis. Molecular techniques were employed to isolate, amplify and characterize genomic DNA of these parasites to species level. During preliminary screening of blood samples collected from various sites in the country, that included the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, SPCAs and private clinics throughout seven provinces in South Africa, it was discovered that domestic dogs harboured a wide variety of tick-borne pathogens. The most frequently encountered parasites in South Africa were Babesia rossi, a novel Theileria species of dogs, B. vogeli and Ehrlichia canis respectively. The parasites occurred as single or mixed infections. Incidental infections that included B. gibsoni and Trypanosoma congolense were also detected using PCR. Although it was anticipated that zoonotic Ehrlichial infections of dogs would be detected, none were found. Babesia vogeli was reported for the first time in South Africa although, without any clinical significance. An outbreak of autochthonous canine babesiosis in the Netherlands was confirmed to have been caused by Babesia canis. Dermacentor reticulates was implicated in the transmission of the parasite to naïve dogs. Clinical significance of B. rossi and the novel Theileria sp. of dogs was evaluated. Babesia rossi was found to be of significant clinical importance. Genotyping of B. rossi isolates revealed that parasite genotypes could be correlated to disease phenotype. Additionally, specific genotypes could also be associated with fatalities. Although the characterization of the Theileria sp. in dogs was a first report in South Africa, the clinical significance of this infection in dogs appeared to be poorly resolved. The dangers of having non-endemic species becoming established in South Africa was highlighted with the incidental finding of a B. gibsoni infection in an imported dog. The results of this thesis have shown therefore that populations of dogs that live in tickendemic areas are exposed to single or multiple tick-borne pathogens. These pathogens continue to cause morbidity and mortality in susceptible dogs. Correct diagnosis (supported by molecular diagnostic tools) followed by appropriate treatment offers a better understanding and management of these tick-borne pathogens. Preventative measures should be fully evaluated and applied to prevent these tick-borne pathogens from adversely affecting the canine population in South Africa and elsewhere.en
dc.description.availabilityunrestricteden
dc.description.departmentVeterinary Tropical Diseasesen
dc.identifier.citation2008en
dc.identifier.otherD540/gmen
dc.identifier.upetdurlhttp://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-01212009-122421/en
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/24372
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherUniversity of Pretoriaen_ZA
dc.rights© University of Pretoria 2008 D540/en
dc.subjectTick-borne pathogen (TBP)en
dc.subjectSouth Africa (SA)en
dc.subjectMolecularen
dc.subjectDogsen
dc.subjectUCTDen_US
dc.titleMolecular detection and characterization of tick-borne pathogens of dogsen
dc.typeThesisen

Files

Original bundle

Now showing 1 - 5 of 8
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
00front.pdf
Size:
111.29 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
01chapters1-2.pdf
Size:
243.23 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
02chapter3.pdf
Size:
845.73 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
03chapters4-5.pdf
Size:
475.74 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
04chapter6.pdf
Size:
333.75 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format