M. Haque

A comparative study on cypermethrin resistance in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum from Punjab (India)

A study to evaluate cypermethrin resistance in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum collected from Muktsar and Mansa districts of Punjab state, India, was conducted by using adult immersion test (AIT). The regression graphs of probit mortality of ticks plotted against log values of concentrations of cypermethrin was utilized for the determination of slope of mortality, lethal concentration for 50% (LC50), and the resistance factor (RF). On the basis of the data generated on variables (mortality, egg mass weight, reproductive index, and percentage inhibition of oviposition), the resistance levels were categorized. Resistance to cypermethrin was categorized as level II and I in R. (B.) microplus collected from Muktsar and Mansa districts, respectively, whereas, H. anatolicum from both locations showed a susceptible status. The RF values of Muktsar and Mansa field samples of engorged R. (B.) microplus (5.48 and 2.18, respectively) were much higher as those of engorged H. anatolicum (1.12 and 0.82, respectively) indicating a lower level and slower rate of development of cypermethrin resistance in multi-host ticks. The data generated in the current study might be of immense help in formulating suitable control measures against ticks and tick-borne diseases of animals.

Molecular detection of Anaplasma marginale infection in carrier cattle

Anaplasma marginale infections are responsible for widespread morbidity and mortality particularly in crossbred and exotic breeds of cattle in the tropics and subtropics. In the present study, a semi-nested PCR assay was utilized for the detection of A. marginale infection in carrier cattle from different areas of Punjab state, India. An amplicon of 458 bp specific for msp5 of A. marginale was detected in 45.2% of blood samples when subjected to primary PCR assay against the routine blood smear examination, which revealed inclusion bodies in only 12.5% of samples. Semi-nested PCR employing product of samples negative by primary PCR produced the amplicons of desired size (345 bp) in 51% (29/57) of samples indicating that nested PCR, when coupled with primary PCR, resulted in increased sensitivity in detection of A. marginale infection in carrier cattle from 45.2 to 73.1%. These results suggest higher threshold detection limits of the nested PCR over the conventional technique used for diagnosis of anaplasmosis which is ideally suited for diagnosis of carrier cases which act as nidus for the spread of the infection to the susceptible stock in endemic areas.

Prevalence of Theileria annulata infection in Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum in Punjab state, India

The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Theileria infection in tick vectors collected from healthy animals to record the natural infection level of theilerial parasite in the field condition. A total of 156 male and 110 semi-engorged female of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum were collected from cattle and buffaloes of two different agro climatic zones of Punjab, dissected and their salivary glands were stained with Methyl Green Pyronin (MGP) stain. The prevalence, intensity and abundance of Theileria annulata infection were higher in female ticks (15.45%, 5.08 and 32.88, respectively) than male ticks (8.97%, 1.69 and 18.86, respectively). The ticks collected from cattle had a higher prevalence, abundance and intensity (15.15%, 5.38 and 35.53, respectively) of T. annulata infection than the ticks collected from buffaloes (9.58%, 1.74 and 18.13, respectively). Hot and dry climate favored the development of T. annulata sporozoites in H. a. anatolicum ticks as the prevalence, abundance and intensity of T. annulata infection were higher in ticks collected from Western semi arid zone of Punjab as compared to those collected from the central plain zone with hot and humid climate.

Prevalence of Parasitic Infections in Buffaloes in and around Ludhiana District, Punjab, India: A Preliminary Study

A total of 598 buffaloes were sampled for both coprological (210) and haematological (388) investigations at the Large Animal Clinics, GADVASU, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Coprological examination revealed that the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections was 23.33% (49/210). Among the revealed parasites, amphistomes, Fasciola spp., Eimeria spp., Balantidium coli and strongyles were in 4.29, 3.33, 0.95, 2.86 and 15.71% of the examined buffaloes. Except coccidiosis, there was no significant variation of GI infections in relation to sex. Eimeria spp. was significantly higher in males. The present work emphasized that strongyles were the most prevalent gastrointestinal parasites found during coprological examination of buffaloes in Punjab, India. Examination of Giemsa- stained peripheral blood smears exhibited that 4.9% (19/388) of buffaloes were infected with haemoparasites comprising Theileria annulata (2.32%), Trypanosoma evansi (1.8%), Babesia bigemina (0.26%) and Anaplasma marginale (0.77%). Mixed infection appeared in one (0.26%) animal. Trypanosomosis was predominant in elder animals with no infection recorded in males.