Next Article in Journal
Chemical Composition, Antifungal Activity, and Plant-Protective Potential of Rosa damascena Mill. Essential Oil Against Fusarium graminearum
Previous Article in Journal
Blood Transcriptome Profiling Highlights the Role of Intestinal Bacterial Translocation in Severe COVID-19
Previous Article in Special Issue
Serosurvey of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and Ehrlichia chaffeensis in Quilombola Communities of Southern Brazil
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
Pathogens
Volume 14
Issue 4
10.3390/pathogens14040382
pathogens-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

First Record of Leishmania (Viannia) sp. and High Prevalence of Anaplasma marginale and Trypanosoma theileri in Zebu Cattle from Zenú Communities in Northern Colombia

by
Daniel Guzmán-Vásquez
1,
Lucas Lisboa Nunes Bonifácio
2,
Kamila Gaudêncio da Silva Sales
2,
Rafaela Lira Nogueira de Luna
2,
Luis Enrique Paternina Tuiran
3,* and
Filipe Dantas-Torres
2,*
1
Institute of Tropical Biological Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
2
Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil
3
Department of Biology and Chemistry, Faculty of Education and Science, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo 700001, Colombia
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Pathogens 2025, 14(4), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14040382
Submission received: 3 March 2025 / Revised: 11 April 2025 / Accepted: 12 April 2025 / Published: 15 April 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector Control and Parasitic Infection in Animals)
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Colombia has the fourth largest livestock herd on the American continent. Cattle farms are expanding in Colombia, sometimes impacting traditional communities and reserves. This is especially true for the Zenú ethnic group, whose ancestral territory includes the valleys of the Sinú and San Jorge rivers, as well as the Caribbean coast around the Gulf of Morrosquillo, in the departments of Córdoba and Sucre. The present study examined the prevalence of trypanosomatids and Anaplasma spp. in zebu cattle grazing in seven Zenú communities in the Sucre department. Of the 110 cattle sampled, 56 (50.9%) tested positive for trypanosomatids. Forty 18S rRNA gene sequences generated showed >99% identity with Trypanosoma theileri, while one sequence demonstrated 99.6% identity with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis; sequencing of the remaining 15 positive samples was unsuccessful. Regarding Anaplasma spp., 96 (87.3%) samples were positive, and the 14 msp4 gene sequences generated displayed >99% identity with Anaplasma marginale. Thus, T. theileri and A. marginale were prevalent in cattle from all Zenú communities, while Leishmania (Viannia) sp. was found in a cow from the community of La Gallera. Our findings indicate that these agents are common in zebu cattle from Zenú communities, underscoring the need for preventive measures to reduce the infection burden and potential implications for cattle production in these areas.

1. Introduction

With over 29 million cattle, Colombia has the fourth-largest livestock herd in the Americas and ranks 14th globally [1]. The cattle industry plays a significant role in the national economy. In addition to its economic contributions, livestock farming is a vital pillar of the country’s food security, accounting for 21.8% of the agricultural gross domestic product [2]. Zebu cattle make up 95% of the bovine population in Colombia [3] and have been employed in crossbreeding systems with Colombian creole cattle breeds [4].
Zebu cattle are prevalent in various regions of Colombia. Depending on their environmental context, these cattle may encounter several parasites, including ticks, that can transmit various pathogens, such as bacteria and protozoa. For example, bacteria from the genus Anaplasma Theiler, 1910 and protozoa from the genus Trypanosoma Gruby, 1843 can cause bovine anaplasmosis and trypanosomiasis, respectively [5,6,7,8,9]. These diseases can negatively impact dairy and meat production worldwide [10,11].
The agents of bovine anaplasmosis and trypanosomiasis are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, being endemic to the Americas with varying levels of prevalence based on geographical areas [12,13]. For example, bovine anaplasmosis, primarily caused by Anaplasma marginale Theiler, 1910, poses a significant threat to livestock productivity in Latin America, with an average prevalence of 48.9% in the region [13]. In Colombia, a recent study indicated a high prevalence of 59.9% in the northeastern region [8]. A study conducted on the northern coast of Colombia found that calves typically become infected with A. marginale at an average age of 11 weeks [14]. This underscores that A. marginale is widely distributed across various regions of Colombia, posing a substantial challenge for the cattle industry.
Bovine trypanosomiasis is a widespread disease in Latin America, where cattle can become infected with Trypanosoma vivax Ziemann, 1905, Trypanosoma evansi (Steel, 1885), and Trypanosoma theileri Laveran, 1902. These parasites are usually transmitted mechanically by tabanid flies (family Tabanidae) or Stomoxys calcitrans (Linnaeus, 1758) (family Muscidae) [11,15,16,17,18,19]. In Colombia, the prevalence of these parasites varies by region and cattle breed. A study conducted on farms in central and western Colombia examined the prevalence of different Trypanosoma species in the Casanareño, Chino Santandereano, and Sanmartinero creole breeds [7]. The overall prevalence ranged from 33.3% in Sanmartinero to 75.2% in Chino Santandereano, with T. theileri being the most common species. Another trypanosomatid parasite, which is rarely reported in cattle in Latin America, is Leishmania infantum Nicolle, 1908 [20,21], the causative agent of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis. Nevertheless, little is known about cattle’s exposure to other Leishmania spp., such as Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Vianna, 1911 and Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis Lainson and Shaw, 1972, which are prevalent in this region.
Cattle grazing is expanding in several regions of Colombia, occasionally affecting traditional communities and reserves. This includes the Zenú people (or Senú), whose ancestral territory spans the valleys of the Sinú and San Jorge rivers, as well as the Caribbean coast around the Gulf of Morrosquillo, situated in the departments of Córdoba and Sucre. The Zenú reserve is undergoing significant changes due to several factors, including the growth of nearby cattle pastures and monoculture rice plantations. There is no information about the health status of cattle grazed in Zenú communities. This study investigated the molecular prevalence of trypanosomatids and Anaplasma spp. in 110 zebu cattle from various Zenú communities in Sucre.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area and Population

From March to September 2023, a total of 110 zebu cattle (23 males and 87 females; average age = 2.9 years) from seven Zenú communities were included in this study. These animals came from the municipalities of Sincelejo, Sampués, Coveñas, and Morroa in the Sucre department (Figure 1). The age, sex, and location of each animal were recorded.

2.2. Blood Sampling and DNA Extraction

After obtaining consent from the holder, each animal was physically immobilized, and a 1.5 mL sample was drawn from its jugular vein. Blood samples were placed in EDTA tubes and stored at −20 °C. Subsequently, genomic DNA was extracted using the mini-prep DNA extraction method described by Afanador et al. [22]. The extracted DNA was resuspended in 50 μL of ultrapure water and kept at −20 °C until needed.

2.3. Detection of Trypanosomatid DNA

Trypanosomatid DNA was detected using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), targeting a fragment of a variable region of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (18S rRNA) across two amplification rounds. In the first round, each 25 µL reaction comprised 5 µL of a genomic DNA sample, 2.5 µL of DNA-free water, 12.5 µL of GoTaq® Colorless Master Mix (Promega, Madison, WI, USA), and 2.5 µL of each primer at a concentration of 20 pmol/µL, including the following external primers: TRY927F (5′-GAAACAAGAAACACGGGAG-3′) and TRY927R (5′-CTACTGGGCAGCTTGGA-3′) [23]. The thermocycler settings were as follows: 30 cycles at 94 °C for 30 s, 55 °C for 60 s, and 72 °C for 90 s [23]. The products from the first amplification were diluted (1:10) in sterile deionized water. For the second round of PCR, 2 µL of this dilution served as the template. Each reaction had a final volume of 25 µL, which included 5.5 µL of DNA-free water, 12.5 µL of GoTaq® Colorless Master Mix (Promega, Madison, WI, USA), and 2.5 µL of each primer at a concentration of 20 pmol/µL of the internal primers: SSU561F (5′-TGGGATAACAAAGGAGCA-3′) and SSU561R (5′-CTGAGACTGTAACCTCAAAGC-3′) [19]. These primers amplify a fragment of approximately 556 bp [23]. The thermal cycling conditions were set as follows: denaturation at 94 °C for 3 min, followed by 30 cycles of 94 °C for 1 min, 48 °C for 120 s, 72 °C for 2 min, and a final elongation at 72 °C for 10 min. A master mix without DNA (no template control) and a DNA sample extracted from cultured promastigotes of L. infantum (positive control) were included in each assay. All thermal cycling was performed using a Veriti® 96-well thermal cycler (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA).
To further investigate the identity of a Leishmania sp. detected in this study, we employed a PCR protocol targeting a fragment of the heat-shock protein 70 (hsp70) gene of Leishmania spp., as described elsewhere [24].

2.4. Detection of Anaplasma marginale

Anaplasma marginale DNA was detected using a PCR assay that targets the major surface protein 4 (msp4) gene, employing the primers msp45 F (5′-GGGAGCTCCTATGAATTACAGAGAATTGTTTAC-3′) and msp43 R (5′-CCGGATCCTTAGCTGAACAGGAATCTTGC-3′) [20]. PCR reactions were performed in a 25 μL volume, which included 12.5 μL of Gotaq® colorless master mix (Promega, Madison, WI, USA), 5.5 μL of DNA-free water, 2.5 μL of each primer at a concentration of 20 pmol/μL, and 2 μL of DNA. These primers amplify a fragment of approximately 854 bp [25]. The thermal cycling conditions comprised an initial denaturation at 95 °C for 120 s, followed by 35 cycles of denaturation at 95 °C for 60 s, alignment at 60 °C for 60 s, and extension at 72 °C for 60 s, with a final extension at 72 °C for 5 min.

2.5. Electrophoresis, Amplicon Purification, and Sequencing

The amplification products, stained with ethidium bromide, were loaded onto a 1.5% agarose gel and visualized under UV light (L-PIX EX, Loccus, Cotia, Brazil). Amplicons of the expected size for each PCR were purified using the PureLink PCR Micro Kit (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA), following the manufacturer’s instructions. The purified products underwent Sanger sequencing on a 3500 XL genetic analyzer (Applied Biosystems) in both directions, using the same primers as those for PCR. The sequences were trimmed (Phred quality score ≥ 20) and assembled with Geneious Prime version 2025.0.3 (Dotmatics, Boston, MA, USA). The consensus sequences were compared with those available in the GenBank database using the Nucleotide Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLASTn) (https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, accessed on 8 April 2025). Representative sequences of each pathogen species identified were deposited in GenBank (accession numbers PP778348, PV361573, PV361762, PV361765, PV361766, PP777987, PV424041, and PP793891).

2.6. Phylogenetic Analysis and Haplotype Diversity

The consensus sequences generated in this study were aligned with sequences retrieved from GenBank using MAFFT multiple sequence alignment software version 7 [26] and trimmed in Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis version 12 (MEGA12) [27] to standardize the sequence lengths. The maximum likelihood (ML) method was employed to infer the evolutionary history using IQ-TREE, with 1000 ultrafast bootstrap (UFBoot) replicates [28,29]. According to the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), the best-fit models identified were TIM2e+I+G4 and TPM2+F+G4 for the 18S rRNA and msp4 phylogenetic trees, respectively. The 18S rRNA and msp4 trees were rooted using the nucleotide sequences of Leishmania amazonensis Lainson and Shaw, 1972 (GenBank accession number: JX030087) and Ehrlichia ruminantium (Cowdry 1925) (GenBank accession number: BDDN01000175), respectively. The final phylogenetic tree was edited using iTOL v.7 (https://itol.embl.de/, accessed on 1 March 2025). The number of haplotypes (H), haplotype diversity (Hd), nucleotide diversity (π), and the average number of nucleotide differences (K) were calculated using DnaSP version 6.12.03 [30].

2.7. Data Analysis

The proportion of positives and the exact 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using GraphPad QuickCalcs (http://www.graphpad.com/quickcalcs, accessed on 28 February 2025).

3. Results

Out of the 110 cattle examined, 56 (50.9%; 95% CI: 41.2–60.6%) tested positive for trypanosomatids, and 41 consensus sequences were successfully generated. BLASTn searches revealed that 40 sequences (sizes ranging from 432 to 542 bp) exhibited identities ranging from 99.4% to 100% (100% query coverage) with T. theileri sequences from various countries (GenBank accession numbers: ON063536, LC385952, KJ195881, KJ397592, ON063535, ON063534, JX178182, AJ009163, KF924255, KF924256). The remaining sequence (542 bp), obtained from a cow in the La Gallera community (municipality of Sincelejo), showed 99.5–99.6% identity with L. (V.) braziliensis (accession numbers: OY748421, OY748513, GQ332355, JX030135), 99.6% with L. (V.) panamensis (accession number: JN003595), following by 99.1% with both L. (V.) guyanensis (accession number: X53913) and L. (L.) amazonensis (accession numbers: JX030083, PP718781, PP718783). Our attempt to amplify a fragment of the hsp70 gene of Leishmania spp. for species identification was unsuccessful. In total, 36.4% (95% CI: 27.4–46.1%) of the animals were positive for T. theileri, and 0.9% (95% CI: 0.0002–5.0%) for Leishmania (Viannia) sp. Detailed information about single and double infections is provided in Table 1.
We identified five haplotypes (Hd = 0.603, π = 0.00726, K = 3.035) among our 40 T. theileri sequences: H1 (24 sequences), H2 (two sequences), H3 (seven sequences), H4 (five sequences), and H5 (one sequence). Table 2 shows the percentage identities between these haplotypes and closely related species.
In the phylogenetic analysis, our T. theileri sequences were accurately placed within the T. theileri clade, with strong branch support (Figure 2).
Regarding Anaplasma spp., 87.3% (96/110) of the tested bovine samples were positive, from which 14 sequences were generated (sizes ranging from 238 to 801 bp), including representatives from the various cattle communities studied. These sequences exhibited identities from 99.1% to 100% (with 100% query coverage) when compared to A. marginale sequences from different countries (accession numbers: MK809382, KX989519, KX989516, MK809387, CP023731, MH172467, MK140740, and MK809379). Considering our five longest msp4 gene sequences (801 bp), we identified two haplotypes, H1 and H2 (Hd = 0.600, π = 0.00150, and K = 1.200), with two sequences belonging to H1 and one to H2. Based on phylogenetic analysis, our sequences were grouped with A. marginale sequences from various countries, separated from other Anaplasma spp. (Figure 3).
Anaplasma marginale and T. theileri were prevalent in cattle across all studied communities, with 31.8% of the animals being coinfected.

4. Discussion

We assessed the presence of trypanosomatids and Anaplasma spp. in bovines from Zenú communities on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Surprisingly, one of the cattle tested positive for a Leishmania species from the subgenus Viannia, which includes several causative agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Americas [31]. Detecting Leishmania spp. in cattle is relatively rare, although it has been reported in other countries, including L. infantum in Brazil [20,21,32,33]. To our knowledge, this is the first worldwide report of a Leishmania (Viannia) sp. in a cow. The sequence generated in this study showed 99.6% identity with L. (V.) braziliensis and L. (V.) panamensis, both known causative agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans in Colombia [34]. The 18S rRNA sequence obtained in this study is highly conserved and cannot distinguish between these species. Our attempts to sequence more definitive genetic markers, such as the hsp70 gene, were unsuccessful. A study conducted in the department of Sucre, where our current research was carried out, characterized the isolates from eight patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis [34]. Using the cytochrome b (cytb) gene as a marker, six isolates were identified as L. (V.) braziliensis, one as L. (V.) guyanensis, and another as L. (V.) panamensis. Therefore, it is reasonable to speculate that the Leishmania (Viannia) sp. infecting one of the cows from the Zenú communities investigated here could belong to one of these three species, likely L. (V.) braziliensis, which is the most prevalent in the region.
Additionally, L. (V.) braziliensis has been reported in horses in Brazil [35]. Both cattle and horses are common blood sources for phlebotomine sand flies in leishmaniasis-endemic areas [36,37,38,39], which may explain their occasional exposure to Leishmania spp. Nonetheless, there is no evidence indicating that horses or cattle are involved in the zoonotic transmission cycle of Leishmania (Viannia) spp., such as L. (V.) braziliensis, whose primary reservoirs are small mammals, including wild rodents [40,41]. In this context, Bern et al. [42] found that higher numbers of cattle per 1000 m2 were associated with a lower risk of visceral leishmaniasis caused by L. (L.) donovani in Bangladesh. This suggests that cattle may have a protective effect on human exposure to phlebotomine sand fly vectors [43]. However, this hypothesis may not apply to all epidemiological scenarios and requires further research.
As anticipated from previous studies conducted across various regions of Colombia [5,6,7], T. theileri was prevalent in the Zenú communities studied. The positivity observed here was comparable to that reported in other areas of Colombia, with prevalence varying from 24.0% to 59.6% [5,6,7]. This variation may be related to local factors, though comparing these studies is challenging due to methodological differences. Although T. theileri is generally considered to have low pathogenicity in cattle [19], some animals may exhibit signs such as fever, anemia, swollen lymph nodes, and decreased hemoglobin concentration [44,45,46,47]. Additionally, a study in Colombia found that T. theileri was more frequently detected in cattle with anemia than those with normal packed cell volume [5].
Furthermore, we identified five haplotypes in this study, suggesting moderate genetic diversity among T. theileri 18S rRNA gene sequences from Colombia. A previous study in Colombia identified the genotypes IA and IIB [6], which are found globally [6]. A more recent study in Ecuador reported genotypes closely related to IC, IB, and IIB, which are present in countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia [19]. Additional genetic markers (e.g., cathepsin L-like gene and internal transcribed spacer) would be needed to explore the genotypes and lineages of T. theileri circulating in cattle from the Zenú communities studied.
Anaplasma marginale was found in over 80% of the cattle in the Zenú communities studied. This bacterium can be transmitted to cattle through tick bites and mechanically by biting flies or blood-contaminated surfaces [48]. For example, reusing syringes—a common practice in many cattle herds—poses a risk for A. marginale transmission among cattle [49,50]. Syringes are frequently shared while administering vitamins to the cattle in the Zenú communities. This practice can perpetuate the high infection rates of A. marginale and hinder the livestock development of these communities. Among our longest msp4 gene sequences, we identified two haplotypes that have been identified worldwide, including in other Latin American countries [49,50].
The high positivity rates for both T. theileri and A. marginale indicate that co-infections may be common in cattle from the studied Zenú communities. In fact, 31.8% of the animals were co-infected, which is similar to findings in the Colombian departments of Antioquia and Arauca, where 20.8% and 34.0% of the cattle were co-infected, respectively [5]. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of co-infections in cattle living in Zenú communities.

5. Conclusions

We report the first detection of Leishmania (Viannia) sp. in a cow, highlighting the need for further research to investigate the clinical significance of this infection in cattle and to characterize the species involved accurately. Additionally, we detected a high frequency of infection by A. marginale and T. theileri, with over 30% of the animals being co-infected. Our findings demonstrate that A. marginale and T. theileri are prevalent in cattle from Zenú communities, emphasizing the necessity of implementing preventive measures to reduce the infection burden and its potential implications for cattle production in these communities.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, D.G.-V., L.E.P.T. and F.D.-T.; Formal analysis, D.G.-V., L.L.N.B., K.G.d.S.S., R.L.N.d.L. and F.D.-T.; Investigation, D.G.-V., L.L.N.B., K.G.d.S.S., R.L.N.d.L. and F.D.-T.; Methodology, D.G.-V., L.E.P.T. and F.D.-T.; Resources, L.E.P.T. and F.D.-T.; Supervision, L.E.P.T. and F.D.-T.; Visualization, D.G.-V. and F.D.-T.; Writing—original draft, D.G.-V. and F.D.-T.; Writing—review and editing, D.G.-V., L.L.N.B., K.G.d.S.S., R.L.N.d.L., L.E.P.T. and F.D.-T. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

All procedures adhered to good animal practices as defined by the Colombian code of practice for the care and use of animals in scientific research, by Law 84 of 1989 and Law 576 of 2000 (code of ethics for the professional practice of veterinary medicine). The Central Bioethics Committee of the Universidad de Córdoba, Colombia, approved the study on 14 August 2023.

Informed Consent Statement

Blood collection was conducted after obtaining verbal consent from the animal owners.

Data Availability Statement

All data supporting the conclusions of this study are in the manuscript. The 18S rRNA and msp4 gene representative sequences generated herein have been deposited in GenBank (accession numbers: PP778348, PV361573, PV361762, PV361765, PV361766, PP777987, PV424041, and PP793891).

Acknowledgments

We sincerely thank the local Zenú people for their support during sample collection.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used in this manuscript:
A.Anaplasma (genus)
BLASTnNucleotide Basic Local Alignment Search Tool
L.Leishmania (genus)
LDLinear dichroism
msp4Major surface protein 4
rRNARibosomal ribonucleic acid
T.Typanosoma (genus)
V.Viannia (subgenus)

References

  1. Parodi, A.; Valencia-Salazar, S.; Loboguerrero, A.M.; Martínez-Barón, D.; Murgueitio, E.; Vázquez-Rowe, I. The sustainable transformation of the Colombian cattle sector: Assessing its circularity. PLoS Clim. 2022, 1, e0000074. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  2. Hurtado, O.; Arias Hoyos, A.; Anacona Piamba, J.O. La actividad ganadera colombiana en la perspectiva de lograr los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible. Eur. Public Soc. Innov. Rev. 2024, 9, 1–19. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  3. Escobar, C.H.; Ángel, M.O.; Alfonso, H.O.; Guerra, M.T. Genetic variability of the zebu cattle breed (Bos indicus) in the departament of Huila, Colombia using microsatellite molecular markers. Acta Biol. Colomb. 2009, 14, 173–180. [Google Scholar]
  4. Martinez, R.; Bejarano, D.; Ramírez, J.; Ocampo, R.; Polanco, N.; Perez, J.E.; Onofre, H.G.; Rocha, J.F. Genomic variability and population structure of six Colombian cattle breeds. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 2023, 55, 185. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Jaimes-Dueñez, J.; Triana-Chávez, O.; Mejía-Jaramillo, A.M. Parasitological and molecular surveys reveal high rates of infection with vector-borne pathogens and clinical anemia signs associated with infection in cattle from two important livestock areas in Colombia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2017, 8, 290–299. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  6. Jaimes-Dueñez, J.; Triana-Chávez, O.; Mejía-Jaramillo, A.M. Spatial-temporal and phylogeographic characterization of Trypanosoma spp. in cattle (Bos taurus) and buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) reveals transmission dynamics of these parasites in Colombia. Vet. Parasitol. 2018, 249, 30–42. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  7. Jaimes-Dueñez, J.; Mogollón-Waltero, E.; Árias-Landazabal, N.; Rangel-Pachon, D.; Jimenez-Leaño, A.; Mejia-Jaramillo, A.; Triana-Chávez, O. Molecular surveillance of Trypanosoma spp. reveals different clinical and epidemiological characteristics associated with the infection in three creole cattle breeds from Colombia. Prev. Vet. Med. 2021, 193, 105414. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Jaimes-Dueñez, J.; Tique-Oviedo, M.; Arias-Vega, L.; Castiblanco-Diaz, E.; Rivero-Rodriguez, L.; Marin-Cossio, L.; Gongora-Orjuela, A.; Jimenez-Leaño, A. Epidemiological assessment of Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, and Babesia bovis infections in Colombian creole cattle breeds: A molecular survey in northeastern Colombia. Vet. Parasitol. Reg. Stud. Rep. 2024, 50, 101011. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Segura, J.A.; Dibernardo, A.; Manguiat, K.; Waitt, B.; Rueda, Z.V.; Keynan, Y.; Wood, H.; Gutiérrez, L.A. Molecular surveillance of microbial agents from cattle-attached and questing ticks from livestock agroecosystems of Antioquia, Colombia. Comp. Immunol. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 2024, 105, 102113. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Aubry, P.; Geale, D.W. A review of bovine anaplasmosis. Transbound. Emerg. Dis. 2011, 58, 1–30. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Kaufer, A.; Ellis, J.; Stark, D.; Barratt, J. The evolution of trypanosomatid taxonomy. Parasit. Vectors 2017, 10, 287. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  12. Auty, H.; Torr, S.J.; Michoel, T.; Jayaraman, S.; Morrison, L.J. Cattle trypanosomosis: The diversity of trypanosomes and implications for disease epidemiology and control. Rev. Sci. Tech. 2015, 34, 587–598. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  13. Ferreira, G.C.M.; Canozzi, M.E.A.; Peripolli, V.; Moura, G.P.; Sánchez, J.; Martins, C.E.N. Prevalence of bovine Babesia spp., Anaplasma marginale, and their co-infections in Latin America: Systematic review-meta-analysis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2022, 13, 101967. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  14. Corrier, D.E.; Guzman, S. The effect of natural exposure to Anaplasma and Babesia infections on native calves in an endemic area of Colombia. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 1977, 9, 47–51. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Zapata Salas, R.; Cardona Zuluaga, E.A.; Reyes Vélez, J.; Triana Chávez, O.; Peña García, V.H.; Ríos Osorio, L.A.; Barahona Rosales, R.; Polanco Echeverry, D. Tripanosomiasis bovina en ganadería lechera de trópico alto: Primer informe de Haematobia irritans como principal vector de T. vivax y T. evansi en Colombia. Rev. Med. Vet. 2017, 33, 21–34. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Aregawi, W.G.; Agga, G.E.; Abdi, R.D.; Büscher, P. Systematic review and meta-analysis on the global distribution, host range, and prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi. Parasit. Vectors 2019, 12, 67. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  17. Fetene, E.; Leta, S.; Regassa, F.; Büscher, P. Global distribution, host range and prevalence of Trypanosoma vivax: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit. Vectors 2021, 14, 80. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Kostygov, A.Y.; Frolov, A.O.; Malysheva, M.N.; Ganyukova, A.I.; Drachko, D.; Yurchenko, V.; Agasoi, V.V. Development of two species of the Trypanosoma theileri complex in tabanids. Parasit. Vectors 2022, 15, 95. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Chávez-Larrea, M.A.; Cholota-Iza, C.; Cueva-Villavicencio, J.; Yugcha-Díaz, M.; Ron-Román, J.W.; Rodríguez-Cabezas, A.; Saegerman, C.; Reyna-Bello, A. Molecular identification of Trypanosoma theileri (Laveran, 1902) in cattle from two slaughterhouses in Ecuador and its relation with other haemotropic agents. Front. Vet. Sci. 2023, 10, 1153069. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Paixão-Marques, M.D.S.; Alves-Martin, M.F.; Guiraldi, L.M.; Dos Santos, W.J.; de Lemos, F.A.; Sánchez, G.P.; Richini-Pereira, V.B.; Lucheis, S.B. First isolation of Leishmania infantum by blood culture in bovines from endemic area for canine visceral leishmaniasis. Parasitology 2019, 146, 911–913. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Vioti, G.; Leonel, J.A.F.; Lemes, K.M.; Pereira, V.F.; Ferreira, H.L.; Keid, L.B.; Madureira, E.H.; Soares, R.M.; Benassi, J.C.; Oliveira, T.M.F.S. Molecular detection of Leishmania spp. in cattle from Brazil by means of PCR using internal transcribed spacer 1. Rev. Bras. Parasitol. Vet. 2019, 28, 303–305. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  22. Afanador, L.; Haley, S.; Kelly, J.D. Adoption of a “mini-prep” DNA extraction method for RAPD’s marker analysis in common bean Phaseolus vulgaris. Bean Imp. Coop. 1993, 36, 10–11. [Google Scholar]
  23. Noyes, H.A.; Stevens, J.R.; Teixeira, M.; Phelan, J.; Holz, P. A nested PCR for the ssrRNA gene detects Trypanosoma binneyi in the platypus and Trypanosoma sp. in wombats and kangaroos in Australia. Int. J. Parasitol. 1999, 29, 331–339. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  24. Graça, G.C.; Volpini, A.C.; Romero, G.A.; Oliveira Neto, M.P.; Hueb, M.; Porrozzi, R.; Boité, M.C.; Cupolillo, E. Development and validation of PCR-based assays for diagnosis of American cutaneous leishmaniasis and identification of the parasite species. Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz. 2012, 107, 664–674. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. de la Fuente, J.; Van Den Bussche, R.A.; Garcia-Garcia, J.C.; Rodríguez, S.D.; García, M.A.; Guglielmone, A.A.; Mangold, A.J.; Friche Passos, L.M.; Barbosa Ribeiro, M.F.; Blouin, E.F.; et al. Phylogeography of New World isolates of Anaplasma marginale based on major surface protein sequences. Vet. Microbiol. 2002, 88, 275–285. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  26. Katoh, K.; Standley, D.M. MAFFT multiple sequence alignment software version 7: Improvements in performance and usability. Mol. Biol. Evol. 2013, 30, 772–780. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. Kumar, S.; Stecher, G.; Suleski, M.; Sanderford, M.; Sharma, S.; Tamura, K. MEGA12: Molecular Evolutionary Genetic Analysis version 12 for adaptive and green computing. Mol. Biol. Evol. 2024, 41, msae263. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. Hoang, D.T.; Chernomor, O.; von Haeseler, A.; Minh, B.Q.; Vinh, L.S. UFBoot2: Improving the Ultrafast Bootstrap Approximation. Mol. Biol. Evol. 2018, 35, 518–522. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  29. Minh, B.Q.; Nguyen, M.A.; von Haeseler, A. Ultrafast approximation for phylogenetic bootstrap. Mol. Biol. Evol. 2013, 30, 1188–1195. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  30. Rozas, J.; Ferrer-Mata, A.; Sánchez-DelBarrio, J.C.; Guirao-Rico, S.; Librado, P.; Ramos-Onsins, S.E.; Sánchez-Gracia, A. DnaSP 6: DNA sequence polymorphism analysis of large data sets. Mol. Biol. Evol. 2017, 34, 3299–3302. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  31. Dantas-Torres, F. Canine leishmaniasis in the Americas: Etiology, distribution, and clinical and zoonotic importance. Parasit. Vectors 2024, 17, 198. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  32. Bhattarai, N.R.; Van der Auwera, G.; Rijal, S.; Picado, A.; Speybroeck, N.; Khanal, B.; De Doncker, S.; Das, M.L.; Ostyn, B.; Davies, C.; et al. Domestic animals and epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis, Nepal. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 2010, 16, 231–237. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  33. Rezaei, Z.; Pourabbas, B.; Asaei, S.; Sepehrpour, S.; Ahmadnia Motlagh, S.; Pourabbas, P.; Abdolahi Khasibi, S.; Alborzi, A. Livestock infected with Leishmania spp. in southern Iran. Parasit. Vectors 2022, 15, 215. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  34. Martínez, L.P.; Rebollo, J.A.; Luna, A.L.; Cochero, S.; Bejarano, E.E. Molecular identification of the parasites causing cutaneous leishmaniasis on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Parasitol. Res. 2010, 106, 647–652. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  35. Soares, I.R.; Silva, S.O.; Moreira, F.M.; Prado, L.G.; Fantini, P.; Maranhão, R.P.; da Silva Filho, J.M.; Melo, M.N.; Palhares, M.S. First evidence of autochthonous cases of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in horse (Equus caballus) in the Americas and mixed infection of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Vet. Parasitol. 2013, 197, 665–669. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  36. Paternina, L.E.; Verbel-Vergara, D.; Romero-Ricardo, L.; Pérez-Doria, A.; Paternina-Gómez, M.; Martínez, L.; Bejarano, E.E. Evidence for anthropophily in five species of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from northern Colombia, revealed by molecular identification of bloodmeals. Acta Trop. 2016, 153, 86–92. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  37. Sales, K.G.; Costa, P.L.; de Morais, R.C.; Otranto, D.; Brandão-Filho, S.P.; Cavalcanti, M.P.; Dantas-Torres, F. Identification of phlebotomine sand fly blood meals by real-time PCR. Parasit. Vectors 2015, 8, 230. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  38. Alemán-Santos, M.; Martínez-Pérez, L.; Rivero-Rodríguez, M.; Cortes-Alemán, L.; Pérez-Doria, A.; Bejarano-Martínez, E. Detection of Leishmania spp. (Trypanosomatidae) and bloodmeal identification in sandflies from a new focus of leishmaniasis in the Colombian Caribbean. Cienc. Innov. Salud. 2021, e142, 311–324. [Google Scholar]
  39. Cera-Vallejo, Y.; Ardila, M.M.; Herrera, L.; Martínez, L.; Pérez-Doria, A. Phlebotomine (Diptera: Psychodidae) species and their blood meal sources in a new leishmaniasis focus in Los Montes de María, Bolívar, in northern Colombia. Biomedic 2024, 44, 248–257. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  40. Lima, B.S.; Dantas-Torres, F.; de Carvalho, M.R.; Marinho-Junior, J.F.; de Almeida, E.L.; Brito, M.E.; Gomes, F.; Brandão-Filho, S.P. Small mammals as hosts of Leishmania spp. in a highly endemic area for zoonotic leishmaniasis in North-Eastern Brazil. Trans. R. Soc. Trop. Med. Hyg. 2013, 107, 592–597. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  41. Shaw, J.J.; Marinho-Júnior, J.F.; Courtenay, O.; Brandão-Filho, S.P. Assessing reservoir host status in leishmaniasis with special reference to the infectiousness of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis infections in wild rodents. Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop. 2023, 56, 0503. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  42. Bern, C.; Hightower, A.W.; Chowdhury, R.; Ali, M.; Amann, J.; Wagatsuma, Y.; Haque, R.; Kurkjian, K.; Vaz, L.E.; Begum, M.; et al. Risk factors for kala-azar in Bangladesh. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 2005, 11, 655–662. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  43. Chakraborty, S.; Gao, S.; Allan, B.F.; Smith, R.L. Effects of cattle on vector-borne disease risk to humans: A systematic review. PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis. 2023, 17, e0011152. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  44. Doherty, M.L.; Windle, H.; Voorheis, H.P.; Larkin, H.; Casey, M.; Clery, D.; Murray, M. Clinical disease associated with Trypanosoma theileri infection in a calf in Ireland. Vet. Rec. 1993, 132, 653–656. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  45. Seifi, H.A. Clinical trypanosomosis due to Trypanosoma theileri in a cow in Iran. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 1995, 27, 93–94. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  46. Amato, B.; Mira, F.; Di Marco Lo Presti, V.; Guercio, A.; Russotto, L.; Gucciardi, F.; Vitale, M.; Lena, A.; Loria, G.R.; Puleio, R.; et al. A case of bovine trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma theileri in Sicily, Italy. Parasitol. Res. 2019, 118, 2723–2727. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  47. Hajihassani, A.; Maroufi, S.; Esmaeilnejad, B.; Khorram, H.; Tavassoli, M.; Dalir-Naghadeh, B.; Samiei, A. Hemolytic anemia associated with Trypanosoma theileri in a cow from Kurdistan province, West of Iran. Vet. Res. Forum. 2020, 11, 191–193. [Google Scholar]
  48. Kocan, K.M.; de la Fuente, J.; Blouin, E.F.; Coetzee, J.F.; Ewing, S.A. The natural history of Anaplasma marginale. Vet. Parasitol. 2010, 167, 95–107. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  49. Leal, L.L.L.L.; Cavalcante, A.S.A.; de Moraes, I.M.L.; Salvador, V.; Couto, L.F.M.; Heller, L.M.; Zapa, D.M.B.; Paula, W.V.F.; Sales, K.G.D.S.; Lima, E.; et al. Anaplasmosis outbreaks in taurine and zebu cattle in Brazil: Causes, treatments, and Anaplasma marginale genetic diversity. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 2024, 56, 154. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  50. Cavalcante, A.S.A.; Ribeiro, N.B.; Paula, W.V.F.; Sales, K.G.D.S.; Machado, R.Z.; André, M.R.; Calchi, A.C.; Krawczak, F.D.S.; Ferreira, L.L.; Bastos, C.V.; et al. Tick fever agents in dairy cattle from a tropical region subjected to different breeding systems: Parasitological, clinical, serological aspects and genetic diversity of Anaplasma marginale. Res. Vet. Sci. 2025, 189, 105617. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Pathogens 14 00382 g001
Figure 1. Map of Sucre, northern Colombia, showing the Zenú communities’ location. This map was created using QGIS version 3.34.15 (https://qgis.org, accessed on 12 February 2025).
Figure 1. Map of Sucre, northern Colombia, showing the Zenú communities’ location. This map was created using QGIS version 3.34.15 (https://qgis.org, accessed on 12 February 2025).
Pathogens 14 00382 g001
Pathogens 14 00382 g002
Figure 2. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus Trypanosoma based on partial 18S rRNA gene sequences obtained in this study (in bold) and from GenBank. The dataset included 51 sequences and 2755 nucleotide sites. The tree was inferred using maximum likelihood with the TIM2e+I+G4 model. Bootstrap values <80% were omitted. Leishmania amazonensis served as the outgroup. The Trypanosoma theileri clade is highlighted in blue. Haplotypes (H) are indicated in parentheses.
Figure 2. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus Trypanosoma based on partial 18S rRNA gene sequences obtained in this study (in bold) and from GenBank. The dataset included 51 sequences and 2755 nucleotide sites. The tree was inferred using maximum likelihood with the TIM2e+I+G4 model. Bootstrap values <80% were omitted. Leishmania amazonensis served as the outgroup. The Trypanosoma theileri clade is highlighted in blue. Haplotypes (H) are indicated in parentheses.
Pathogens 14 00382 g002
Pathogens 14 00382 g003
Figure 3. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus Anaplasma based on partial msp4 gene sequences obtained in this study (in bold) and from GenBank. The dataset comprised 35 sequences and 3277 nucleotide sites. The tree was inferred using maximum likelihood with the TPM2+F+G4 evolutionary model. Bootstrap values < 80% were omitted. Ehrlichia ruminantium served as the outgroup. Haplotypes (H) are indicated in parentheses.
Figure 3. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus Anaplasma based on partial msp4 gene sequences obtained in this study (in bold) and from GenBank. The dataset comprised 35 sequences and 3277 nucleotide sites. The tree was inferred using maximum likelihood with the TPM2+F+G4 evolutionary model. Bootstrap values < 80% were omitted. Ehrlichia ruminantium served as the outgroup. Haplotypes (H) are indicated in parentheses.
Pathogens 14 00382 g003
Table 1. Positivity for different pathogens in zebu cattle from Zenú communities.
Table 1. Positivity for different pathogens in zebu cattle from Zenú communities.
MunicipalityCommunitynT. theileri 1Leishmania (Viannia) sp.Anaplasma marginale  2T. theileri + A. marginaleA. marginale + Leishmania (V.) sp.Non-Infected
SincelejoLa Gallera9004212
San Martin19109603
SampuésBossa Navarro201011701
Siloe10104500
Escobar Arriba3001101
CoveñasBellavista2710151001
MorroaMorroy221016401
Total (%)1105 (4.5%)0 (0%)60 (54.5%)35 (31.8%)1 (0.9%)9 (8.2%)
1 Considering that different Trypanosoma species have been reported in cattle in Colombia, we have included only the 40 Trypanosoma PCR-positive samples confirmed by sequencing. 2 Only 14 A. marginale msp4 gene sequences were generated, but we assume all Anaplasma PCR-positive samples were positive for the species A. marginale.
Table 2. Percentage identity among 18S rRNA haplotypes identified in this study and closely related species.
Table 2. Percentage identity among 18S rRNA haplotypes identified in this study and closely related species.
Haplotypes (GenBank Accession Numbers)Percentage Identity with T. theileri and Related Species, as Determined by BLASTn
H1 (PV361573)100% with of T. theileri (KF924257, JX853185, JX178185), 99.4% with T. minasense (PQ490351), and 98.3% with T. melophagium (OR921420)
H2 (PP778348)100% with of T. theileri (JX178181, PP778348, KF924254), 99.4% with T. melophagium (OR921420, PP124575), 99.3% with T. trinaperronei (MN752212)
H3 (PV361762)99.8% with T. theileri (ON063535), 99.1% with T. melophagium (OR921420, PP124575), and 99.1% with T. trinaperronei (MN752212)
H4 (PV361765)100% with Trypanosoma sp. (clade ThI, OL856000, OL855998, MK156791), 99.8% with T. theileri (JX178181), 99.6% with T. melophagium (OR921420, PP124575), and 99.4% with T. trinaperronei (MN752212)
H5 (PV361766)99.8–100% with T. theileri (ON063535, JX178181, KF924254, JX178182), 99.3% with both T. melophagium (OR921420, PP124575) and T. trinaperronei (MN752212)
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Guzmán-Vásquez, D.; Bonifácio, L.L.N.; Sales, K.G.d.S.; Luna, R.L.N.d.; Tuiran, L.E.P.; Dantas-Torres, F. First Record of Leishmania (Viannia) sp. and High Prevalence of Anaplasma marginale and Trypanosoma theileri in Zebu Cattle from Zenú Communities in Northern Colombia. Pathogens 2025, 14, 382. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14040382

AMA Style

Guzmán-Vásquez D, Bonifácio LLN, Sales KGdS, Luna RLNd, Tuiran LEP, Dantas-Torres F. First Record of Leishmania (Viannia) sp. and High Prevalence of Anaplasma marginale and Trypanosoma theileri in Zebu Cattle from Zenú Communities in Northern Colombia. Pathogens. 2025; 14(4):382. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14040382

Chicago/Turabian Style

Guzmán-Vásquez, Daniel, Lucas Lisboa Nunes Bonifácio, Kamila Gaudêncio da Silva Sales, Rafaela Lira Nogueira de Luna, Luis Enrique Paternina Tuiran, and Filipe Dantas-Torres. 2025. "First Record of Leishmania (Viannia) sp. and High Prevalence of Anaplasma marginale and Trypanosoma theileri in Zebu Cattle from Zenú Communities in Northern Colombia" Pathogens 14, no. 4: 382. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14040382

APA Style

Guzmán-Vásquez, D., Bonifácio, L. L. N., Sales, K. G. d. S., Luna, R. L. N. d., Tuiran, L. E. P., & Dantas-Torres, F. (2025). First Record of Leishmania (Viannia) sp. and High Prevalence of Anaplasma marginale and Trypanosoma theileri in Zebu Cattle from Zenú Communities in Northern Colombia. Pathogens, 14(4), 382. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14040382

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop