Nested PCR Detection of Hepatozoon spp. and Plasmodium spp. in Rattus spp. from Provinces in the Philippines

Date

2024

Degree

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

College

College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM)

Abstract

This study examined the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. and Plasmodium spp. in field rats across three provinces in the Philippines: Cotabato, Northern Samar, and Camarines Sur. A total of 125 pre-extracted DNA samples of rat spleen were tested. The samples came from six species belonging to the Rattus genus distributed throughout the study areas. Using nested PCR targeting the 18S RNA gene, the study found that Hepatozoon spp. had a total positivity rate of 40.8%. Meanwhile, nested PCR targeting the cytb gene of Plasmodium spp. only detected one positive sample (positivity rate of 0.8%). DNA sequence analysis revealed that Hepatozoon spp. isolates were highly similar with those previously reported from other countries while the detected Plasmodium spp. showed greater similarity to avian strains, indicating possible cross-species transmission. This study provided valuable information on the distribution of two blood parasites in field rat populations in the Philippines. The variations observed across provinces and species suggest that different ecological factors may have effects on the transmission and distribution of these blood parasites. More research is needed to understand hemoparasites in rat populations and elucidate their possible role in the spread to other animals and/or humans. Specifically, host-specific factors, cross-species dynamics, and other epidemiological parameters related to these parasites should be investigated.

Language

English

Location

UPLB College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM)

Notes

Awards: Best Undergraduate Thesis Award in Wildlife

Document Type

Thesis

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