Tick identification and studies of blood parasites in Camels using microscopic and molecular techniques, with special reference to biological control by Metarhizium anisopliae

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Arish University, Egypt

2 Parasitology Department, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt

3 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science Arish University, Arish, Egypt

Abstract

Recognizing the economic importance of Camelus dromedarius underscores the need for attention to parasitic diseases that threaten their health and productivity, particularly blood parasites and ticks. To investigate this issue, camel blood samples were collected at the Al-Basatein and Berqash Slaughterhouses to diagnose blood parasites using microscopic and molecular techniques. Additionally, evaluate the effectiveness of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, in controlling these as an alternative biological agent. Three genera of ticks were identified: Hylomma sp., Amblyomma sp., and Rhipicephalus sp. Specifically, four species were characterized among the ticks: H. dromedarii (79.4%), A. lepidum (18.9%), A. variegatum (0.7%), and R. pulchellus (1.1%). Microscopic examination revealed the presence of several parasites, including Theileria spp. (53.01%), Trypanosoma evansi (2.2%), and Dipetalonema evansi (0.75%). Phylogenetic analysis of T. annulata tams1 gene sequences revealed two isolates that have been deposited in the GenBank database under the accession numbers OQ640226 and OQ640227. The alternative tick control strategy used Metarhizium anisopliae (at a concentration of 106 spores/ml), which was tested against H. dromedarii ticks by dipping and spraying applications. The mortality rates reached 63.33% and 76.66% for both applications. Additionally, there was a reduction in all reproductive parameters.

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