Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Goats in Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, and Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Authors

  • Pisiththa Promkhan Sixth year student, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road Salaya, Phutthamonthon Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
  • Praewa Leelakajornkiat Sixth year student, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road Salaya, Phutthamonthon Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
  • Warissara Janjaroen Sixth year student, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road Salaya, Phutthamonthon Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
  • Ruenruetai Udonsom Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
  • Aongart Mahittikorn Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
  • Charoonluk Jirapattharasate Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road Salaya, Phutthamonthon Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand

Keywords:

Tick-borne pathogens, Theileria luwenshuni, Goats, Molecular detection, Phylogenetic analysis, Thailand

Abstract

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are a major health concern for small ruminants, leading to economic losses through reduced productivity and increased mortality. This study aimed to investigate the presence and genetic characteristics of TBPs in goats from three provinces in Thailand: Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, and Chaiyaphum, using PCR-based molecular methods. A total of 258 goat blood samples were tested for Theileria spp., Theileria ovis, Theileria orientalis, Babesia ovis, Anaplasma ovis, and Anaplasma marginale. Only Theileria spp. (8/258; 3.10%) were detected, while the other pathogens were not found. Positive samples were sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA gene fragments revealed that the isolates clustered with Theileria luwenshuni previously reported from Thailand, China, and Myanmar. These findings confirm the presence of T. luwenshuni in goats in these regions and provide insights into its genetic relatedness to regional strains. Continued surveillance and molecular monitoring are recommended to better understand the epidemiology of TBPs in Thailand's goat population.

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Published

2025-06-01

How to Cite

Promkhan, P., Leelakajornkiat, P., Janjaroen, W., Udonsom, R., Mahittikorn, A., & Jirapattharasate, C. (2025). Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Goats in Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, and Chaiyaphum, Thailand. Journal of Applied Animal Science, 18(1), 31–40. retrieved from https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jaas_muvs/article/view/274768

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2025): January-June

Section

Research Articles

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