Molecular survey and phylogenetic analysis of Borrelia theileri, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Mycoplasma ovis, and Mycoplasma wenyonii in sheep and goats from southern Egypt

Abstract

Abstract Sheep and goats constitute a critical component of the Egyptian agricultural economy, serving as primary sources of milk, meat, and wool for rural populations. This study was conducted to detect and characterize infections caused by Borrelia theileri , Rickettsia aeschlimannii , Mycoplasma ovis , and Mycoplasma wenyonii in small ruminants from southern Egypt using molecular methods. The identification of these pathogens underscores potential threats to livestock productivity and raises public health concerns, particularly due to the zoonotic nature of Rickettsia aeschlimannii . The detection of these pathogens was performed using polymerase chain reaction assays targeting the flaB, gltA , and 16S rRNA genes, enabling precise identification and genetic characterization of the infectious agents. Confirmation and genotyping were achieved through bidirectional sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Blood samples were collected from 300 sheep and 300 goats across two governorates in southern Egypt. The overall infection rate of Borrelia theileri was 2.34% in sheep and 1.00% in goats. For Rickettsia aeschlimannii , the infection rates were 2.00% in sheep and 1.33% in goats. Mycoplasma ovis was detected in 1.33% of sheep and 1.00% of goats, while Mycoplasma wenyonii was present in 1.33% of sheep but not detected in goats. Genetic analysis indicated that the Rickettsia aeschlimannii gltA gene and the Borrelia theileri flaB genes were identical to those found in dogs, camels, and ticks in southern Egypt. The Mycoplasma wenyonii 16S rRNA gene matched cattle samples from the same region, and the Mycoplasma ovis 16S rRNA gene was identical to the one found in camels. Beyond confirming the presence of tick-borne diseases in small ruminants, these results show that tick-borne diseases are genetically related to other hosts present in the area. These findings highlight the need for integrated vector surveillance and host health assessments to evaluate zoonotic risk and subclinical impacts.