Molecular detection and characterization of haemoparasites in captive tigers (Panthera tigris) from Thailand

Abstract

Haemoparasites of the genera Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Babesia, which are known tick-borne pathogens, infect a wide variety of domestic and wild animals. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive molecular detection and characterization of haemoparasites in captive tigers (Panthera tigris) at a wildlife center in Thailand. From multiplex PCR results, haemoparasites were detected in the blood of 12 out of 17 tigers (70.6%), including 4 males and 8 females. Ten tigers (58.8%) were infected with Ehrlichia canis, one (5.9%) was co-infected with Hepatozoon sp. and E. canis, and another (5.9%) was infected solely with Hepatozoon sp. No infection with Babesia spp. was found. Nucleotide sequence analyses of the VirB9 protein gene sequence of E. canis and the 18S rRNA gene sequences of Hepatozoon spp. revealed high levels of genetic similarity with GenBank reference sequences. The Hepatozoon spp. sequence from the co-infected tiger showed 98.1–99.9% similarity with Hepatozoon canis, while another sequence showed a 97.6–99.7% match with Hepatozoon felis. The detection of these parasites underscores the complex interactions and dynamics of disease transmission that exist within captive environments, highlighting the need for preventive measures. Therefore, appropriate steps should be taken to control ectoparasites and manage domestic animals within wildlife centers to minimize the risk of infection.