THEILERIA SP. DAMA GAZELLE FOUND IN PERSIAN GOITERED GAZELLES (GAZELLA SUBGUTTUROSA SUBGUTTUROSA) AT A ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTION IN GERMANY WITH EVIDENCE FOR TRANSPLACENTAL TRANSMISSION.

Wild host species can act as important pathogen reservoirs in vector-borne infectious diseases, but the knowledge regarding Theileria species infections in gazelles is limited. The aims of the study were to characterize a Theileria species in blood samples of goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa) and to evaluate potential influences on the hematological and biochemistry analytes. EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood and serum samples of 24 clinically healthy gazelles and two offspring kept in a zoological collection in Germany were submitted to a commercial veterinary laboratory as part of a general health check. Clinical chemistry and hematology were measured, and blood smears were examined microscopically. Theileria-like piroplasms were detected microscopically in blood smears from seven out of 24 adult gazelles (29%) and Theileria DNA was detected by PCR in blood from all of them (100%). Testing for Anaplasma (A.) phagocytophilum, A. ovis, and Mycoplasma ovis was negative in all animals. Sequencing showed that the detected parasites had 100% identity to Theileria species Dama gazelle. The clinical chemistry and hematology analytes of all 24 adult gazelles showed no significant abnormalities when compared to published reference intervals. Two offspring also tested positive by PCR to Theileria, despite regular handling and no evidence of ticks. Gazelles of the species Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa are susceptible to infection with Theileria species and may act as important pathogen reservoirs. In addition to infection via vectors, transplacental transmission also appears to play a role.