First detection and molecular characterization of Mycoplasma species in camels, cattle, buffalo, and their associated ticks from southern Egypt

Abstract

Mycoplasma species are wall-less bacteria that infect multiple mammalian orders, including livestock, and are associated with economically significant diseases. In Egypt, molecular data on the presence and diversity of Mycoplasma spp. in camels, cattle, buffalo, and their associated ticks remain limited, despite their potential impact on livestock health and productivity. This study aimed to detect and genetically characterize Mycoplasma spp. in cattle, buffalo, camels, and their associated ticks in southern Egypt. A total of 571 samples (384 ticks, 50 buffalo, 68 cattle, and 69 camels) were screened using PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene, followed by phylogenetic analysis of representative amplicons. Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma marginatum, and Rhipicephalus annulatus were the tick species collected. Overall, Mycoplasma DNA was detected in 10.3 % of the samples. Mycoplasma ovis-like was identified in 2.9 % of camel blood, 9.4 % of H. dromedarii, 75 % of H. marginatum, and 13.8 % of R. annulatus ticks. Candidatus Mycoplasma haematovis was found in 0.4 % of H. dromedarii, and Mycoplasma wenyonii-like in 13.2 % of cattle and 4 % of buffalo blood. Remarkably, this is the first global detection of M. ovis in camel blood, as well as the detection of M. ovis-like and Ca. M. haematovis in ticks circulating on camels. This study also reports the first detection of M. wenyonii-like in bovines in Egypt and documents M. ovis-like in three tick species parasitizing cattle. The genetic similarities of Mycoplasma sequences from ticks and livestock suggest that these arthropods may serve as potential vectors. These findings highlight the need for additional studies on the zoonotic potential, infectivity, and vector competence of Mycoplasma spp. in Egypt.