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Prevalence and diversity of Babesia, Hepatozoon, Ehrlichia, and Bartonella in wild and domestic carnivores from Zambia, Africa

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Abstract

A molecular survey was conducted for several hemoparasites of domestic dogs and three species of wild carnivores from two sites in Zambia. Three Babesia spp. were detected including Babesia felis and Babesia leo in lions (Panthera leo) and a Babesia sp. (similar to Babesia lengau) in spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) and a single lion. All wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and domestic dogs were negative for Babesia. High prevalences for Hepatozoon were noted in all three wild carnivores (38–61 %) and in domestic dogs (13 %). Significantly higher prevalences were noted in hyenas and wild dogs compared with domestic dogs and lions. All carnivores were PCR negative for Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Bartonella spp. Overall, high prevalences and diversity of Babesia and Hepatozoon were noted in wild carnivores from Zambia. This study is the first molecular characterization of Babesia from any hyena species and is the first report of a Babesia sp. closely related to B. lengau, a parasite previously only reported from cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), in lions and hyenas. Although usually benign in wild carnivores, these hemoparasites can be pathogenic under certain circumstances. Importantly, data on vectors for these parasites are lacking, so studies are needed to identify vectors as well as determine transmission routes, infection dynamics, and host specificity of these hemoparasites in wildlife in Africa and also the risk of transmission between domestic animals and wildlife.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for SLNP and LP work was provided from Worldwide Fund for Nature—Netherlands, African Parks Network, Painted Dog Conservation Inc., and the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Additional support was provided to SCWDS by the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Act (50 Stat. 917) and through sponsorship from member fish and wildlife agencies. The authors thank the Zambia Wildlife Authority and Department of Veterinary and Livestock Development for their permission and collaboration in this research and C. Mulipukwa for field assistance.

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The authors have no knowledge of a conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E Green Street, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Brianna M. Williams, Barbara C. Shock & Michael J. Yabsley

  2. Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Dr., Wildlife Health Building, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Brianna M. Williams, Barbara C. Shock, Maria Teixiera & Michael J. Yabsley

  3. USDA/APHIS/WS/National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA

    Are Berentsen & Michael R. Dunbar

  4. Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil

    Maria Teixiera

  5. Zambian Carnivore Programme, Zambia and Department of Ecology, Montana State University, PO Box 80, Mfuwe, Eastern Province, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA

    Matthew S. Becker

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  1. Brianna M. Williams
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Correspondence to Michael J. Yabsley.

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Williams, B.M., Berentsen, A., Shock, B.C. et al. Prevalence and diversity of Babesia, Hepatozoon, Ehrlichia, and Bartonella in wild and domestic carnivores from Zambia, Africa. Parasitol Res 113, 911–918 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-013-3722-7

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