Molecular identification and genetic characterization of tick-borne pathogens in sheep and goats at two farms in the central and southern regions of Malawi

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) caused by pathogens belonging to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia and Theileria in small ruminants are widespread tropical sub-tropical countries. The epidemiology of tick-borne (TBPs) is less understood compared those infecting cattle general. This study was carried out investigate characterize TBPs sheep goats using molecular tools. A total 107 blood samples from (n = 8) 99) were collected animals that apparently healthy two farms central southern regions Malawi. V4 hypervariable region 18S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) V1 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays used for detection piroplasms Anaplasmataceae, respectively. Almost full-length heat shock protein (groEL) sequences genetic characterization results showed 76.6 % examined 107) positive at least one TBP. overall co-infection with observed forty-eight (45 %). detected Anaplasma ovis (65 %), Ehrlichia ruminantium (4%), canis (2%), strain closely related gibsoni (1%), (52 mutans (3%), separata sp. (1%) MSD-like (17 To authors knowledge this first These have therefore provided a significant milestone occurrence Malawi, which prerequisite proper diagnosis control.