Molecular detection and characterization of piroplasmids in domestic cats in the state of Minas Gerais

Abstract

Feline babesiosis and theileriosis are infections that affect wild and domestic felines and are caused by intra-erythrocyte protozoa of the genera Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Although studies have been carried out in several regions of the world, little is known about the occurrence, genetic diversity, life cycle and vectors of piroplasmids in domestic cats in Brazil. This lack of knowldge on feline piroplasmids is mainly due to the occurrence of nonspecific clinical manifestations in domestic cats affected by babesiosis and theileriosis. In Brazil, even though babesiosis has been extensively investigated in dogs, little is known about the occurrence of this disease in cats. The present study aims to investigate ahd characterize the presence and piroplasmids DNA in blood samples from domesticated cats sampled in the citys of Araguari and Uberlândia, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern region of Brazil. Between August and September 2018, blood samples were collected from 155 domestic cats (88 in Uberlândia and 67 in Araguari). The blood samples will be submitted to DNA extraction and conventional PCR assays for piroplasmids based on the 18S rRNA and cox-1 genes. Positive samples will be purified and sequenced by the Sanger method. The obtained sequences will be submitted to phylogenetic inferences aiming at positioning them among species of piroplasmids detected in Brazil and other parts of the world. The present work will contribute to the understanding of the genetic diversity of piroplasmids circulating in felines in Brazil.