First molecular survey and identification ofAnaplasmaspp. in white yaks (Bos grunniens) in China
SUMMARYAnaplasmosis is caused by a group of obligate intracellular bacteria in the genusAnaplasma, which are transmitted by ticks and infect humans, domestic animals and wildlife. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and molecular characterization ofAnaplasmaspp. in semi-wild white yaks sampled in Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, northwest China. Out of 332 samples tested, 35 (10·9%) were positive forAnaplasmaspp. The positive rates were 6·2% (20/322) and 5·3% (17/322) forAnaplasma bovisandAnaplasma phagocytophilumin white yaks, respectively. None of the sample was positive forAnaplasma marginale. Two (0·6%) samples were simultaneously positive toA. bovisandA. phagocytophilum. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed two genotypes (ApG1 and ApG2) ofA. phagocytophilumand two sequence types (ST1 and ST2) ofA. bovisin white yaks. This study is the first to document the presence ofAnaplasmain white yaks. Our findings extend the host range forAnaplasmaspecies and provide more valuable information for the control and management of anaplasmosis in white yaks.