Detection and molecular characterization of Anaplasmataceae, Bartonellaceae, Mycoplasmataceae, Coxiellaceae, Babesiidae and Theileriidae agents in free-ranging tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) in Brazil

Abstract

Vector-borne diseases occur in tropical, subtropical and temperate climate regions. Since the early 20th century, tick-borne diseases have been on the rise due to increased human activities that impact the environment as well as wildlife and domestic species. The Tapirus terrestris species, popularly known as the Brazilian tapir, is part of the order Perissodactyla and family Tapiridae. Tapirs are considered as biodiversity maintaners of the flora, due its ability to disperse seeds in the territories where it lives. One of the only reports involving the detection of hemoparasites in Brazilian tapirs refers to the molecular detection of partial 18S rRNA sequence phylogenetically associated with Theileria equi in an animal from Mato Grosso do Sul State. The animal presented hyperthermia, Anemia and Leukocytosis. It is necessary to elucidate possible consequences of pathogen infections in Brazilian tapirs, considering the classification of the species as vulnerable. The purpose of the present project is to investigate, through molecular methods, the occurrence of agents from families Anaplasmataceae, Bartonellaceae, Mycoplasmataceae, Coxiellaceae, Babesiidae and Theileriidae in brazilian free-living tapirs samples. Furthermore, we aim to investigate the parasite-host and phylogenetic relationships of these infections, in order to try to answer if the proximity between wild animals, domestic animals and humans has influenced such questions. (AU)