Retrospective study of anaplasmosis in countries of North Africa and the Middle East.

Abstract

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by bacteria of the genus Anaplasma, which consists of six species affecting livestock and wild animals, and humans, worldwide. Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are the most important species for veterinary and human health. Infections of livestock have a noticeable economic impact due to reduced growth or loss of animals. This study provides information on anaplasmosis in animal populations of countries in North Africa and the Middle East. Relevant national and international scientific publications were evaluated for studies of the epidemiology of anaplasmosis between 1959 and 2019. The serological assay results showed a prevalence of 13.5%-89.7% in cattle in North Africa, and 35%-36% in cattle, 44.7%-94% in small ruminants and 10.83% in camels in Middle Eastern countries. Sample positivity for Anaplasma species by molecular assays revealed a range of 3.5%-69.3% in cattle, 2.5%-95% in small ruminants and 17.7%-88.89% in camels in North African countries and 95% of cattle, 15.5%-66.7% of small ruminants and 28%-95.5% of camels in the Middle East. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of all six Anaplasma species in North Africa and of Anaplasma ovis and A. phagocytophilum in the Middle East was reported in livestock. This review shows that anaplasmosis is endemic in North Africa and the Middle East and represents a threat not only to the economies of these countries but also to public health. Thus, surveillance and implementation of control measures are important tools to optimise future strategic control programmes and prevent spread to neighbouring countries.