Molecular characterization of tick-borne piroplasms in captive megaherbivores in Thailand.

ABSTRACT: Theileria and Babesia are emerging threats to wildlife health but remain underreported in captive large herbivores. This study aimed to investigate the presence and genetic identity of Theileria and Babesia in large captive herbivores in Thailand using PCR targeting the 18 S rRNA gene. Blood samples were collected from 31 individuals representing five herbivore species: Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus), white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum), pygmy hippopotamuses (Choeropsis liberiensis), bantengs (Bos javanicus), and gaurs (Bos gaurus) across five zoological parks in central Thailand. A total of 16 positive samples were identified, including one coinfection, resulting in an overall infection rate of 51.6% (16/31; 95% CI: 33.1-69.9). Theileria equi-like was detected in 37.5% (3/8; 95% CI

SUBMITTER: Mongkolphan C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12769580 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature