Molecular survey of tick-borne pathogens and other parasites associated with an anemia outbreak in llamas (Lama glama).

Abstract

The global expansion of South American camelid farming contrasts with the limited knowledge of the pathogens that can infect them. This study investigated the presence of multiple infectious agents, including Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella sp., hemotropic Mycoplasma, piroplasmids, trypanosomatids, and gastrointestinal parasites, in 10 surviving llamas sampled following an outbreak of clinical anemia. Ehrlichia sp. was molecularly detected in 1/10 animal, hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. in 4/10, and 7/10 were infected with apicomplexans, while parasitological stool analysis showed that 6/9 were infected with Strongyloides sp. Co-infections were detected in 4/10 of the positive animals. All samples tested negative for Anaplasma sp., A. marginale, Bartonella sp., and trypanosomes. Genetic sequencing indicated that the detected Ehrlichia sp. was closely related to 'Candidatus Ehrlichia regneryi', the hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. showed high identity to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemolamae', and the apicomplexans were identified as Babesia bovis and Sarcocystis masoni. These findings constitute the first report of B. bovis-like and an Ehrlichia species molecularly detected in llamas, highlighting the diverse range of agents that can circulate in these animals and underscoring the need for a greater understanding of pathogen epidemiology in camelid production.