Evaluation of the efficacy of ivermectin against Theileria orientalis infection in grazing cattle

Abstract

Background Raising cattle on pastures is known to be beneficial for animal welfare and cost reduction. However, grazing is associated with the risk of contracting tick-borne diseases, such as theileriosis. Here, the efficacy of ivermectin against these diseases and associated clinical symptoms were evaluated. Results A total of 68 cattle from a grazing cattle farm were selected and divided into two groups: the control group (17 cattle) with no preventive treatment and the ivermectin-treated group (51 cattle) in which cattle were treated with pour-on ivermectin prior to grazing. The infection rates of Theileria orientalis and the red blood cell (RBC) profile (e.g., RBC count, hematocrit value, and hemoglobin concentration) were compared in the spring (before grazing) and summer (during grazing) between the two groups. Based on PCR amplification of the major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene, 12 cattle were positive for T. orientalis infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates identified in this study consisted of three MPSP types (1, 2, and 7). The T. orientalis infection rate in the control group during grazing was 3-fold higher than that in the ivermectin-treated group. Moreover, differences in RBC parameters during grazing were greater in the control group than in the ivermectin-treated group. In particular, the hematocrit value was significantly reduced in the control group. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrated that ivermectin had protective effects against T. orientalis infection and RBC hemolysis in grazing cattle.

Genetic Diversity of Bovine Hemoprotozoa in South Korea

“…Of the five MPSP genotypes identified, type 1 (33.3%, 3/9) was the most commonly identified genotype in ticks. In previous studies in South Korea, type 1 in cattle [10], type 2 in cattle [9], types 1 and 2 in ticks infesting cattle [15], and types 2 and 4 in ticks infesting cattle [19] were also prominent. These results suggest that types 1 and 2 are distributed nationwide and maybe related to a potential risk of theileriosis in South Korea.…”

“…Recently, genotype studies in South Korea have detected Theileria MPSP genotypes 1, 2, 4, and 8 in ticks (2.7%, 15/556) from grazing cattle [19]; types 1-4 and 7 (5.0%, 29/576) in ticks from cattle [15]; types 1, 2, and 7 (17.7%, 12/68) in cattle [10]; and types 1-3 and 7 (41.3%, 57/138) in cattle [9]. In China, types 1-5, 7, N3, and novel N4 of the Theileria MPSP gene (4.5%, 67/1488) were detected in ticks [20] and types 1-5, 7, N1, and N2 of the Theileria MPSP gene (36.5%, 95/260) were detected in cattle [21].…”

“…T. orientalis belongs to a comparatively benign group of Theileria with universal existence. It causes little pathogenicity in bovine compared with T. parva and T. annulata; however, it has caused considerable economic loss in China [ 7 ], South Korea [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ], Japan [ 12 ], Australia [ 6 ], and Vietnam [ 13 ] due to decreased production of meat, milk, and other by-products.…”

Molecular and serological surveillance of equine piroplasmosis in the Republic of Korea between 2016 and 2017

“…in Korea. Meanwhile, T. luwenshuni and T. orientalishave been reported in infected water deer and cattle in the ROK, respectively (Han et al, 2017;Park et al, 2019). Two horses confirmed with the infection of Theileria spp.…”

First molecular identification of multiple tick-borne pathogens in livestock within Kassena-Nankana, Ghana

“…From interactions with livestock owners in the Kassena-Nankana Districts, it was observed that Ivermectin is typically used to treat their cattle. According to a study, Ivermectin protects against T. orientalis infection in cattle (Park et al, 2019). The use of Ivermectin may explain why the studied cattle did not have any T. orientalis infections.…”