Quest for the piroplasms in camels: identification of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in Jordanian dromedaries by PCR

DNA of two species of piroplasmids was detected in dromedaries during a survey of blood protozoans in Jordan between 2007 and 2009. Ten clinically healthy camels (10%) originating from three Jordanian districts were found, using a PCR assay, to harbor Theileria or Babesia species in their blood and no mix infection was determined. Analysis of the partial 18S rRNA gene sequences of these parasites allowed their unambiguous identification as equine piroplasmids Babesia caballi (n=6) and Theileria equi (n=4). In case of latter species, a novel genotype was found in horses. This first molecular-based species determination of piroplasmids from camels further contributes to the growing evidence of low host specificity of piroplasmids.