Animal Health and Infectious Diseases

Animal Health and Infectious Diseases

Anaplasmosis disease in cattle - a review article

Document Type : Review

Author
Sima Alempour Rajabi
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
10.22034/jahid.2025.2020175.1020
Abstract
Anaplasma belongs to Gram-negative obligate intracellular microorganisms that live in the blood cells of mammals. Vertebrates can be their only reservoir, that is, an environment where the pathogen can live and reproduce for years. However, many species of the genus Anaplasma cause disease in domestic animals and humans. Bovine anaplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma marginale, which is characterized by clinical symptoms including fever, anemia, anorexia, and as a result, reduced meat and milk production. Clinical symptoms are not always evident, but in the acute stage, it may cause high mortality in adult cattle. Recovered cows and infected calves remain carriers of this disease for life. The biological transmission of this bacterium is through ticks, so this disease is considered one of the most common and important diseases transmitted through vectors in cattle. The life cycle of Anaplasma includes vertebrates and Ixodidea ticks, in both of which the reproduction of bacteria takes place. Vertebrate hosts are considered reservoirs of these bacteria because they can cause persistent infections and act as a source of infection for tick vectors. Clinical diagnosis is based on the history, clinical symptoms, presence of vectors, methods of cattle breeding management, season, and clinical history of the disease. Early detection of bovine anaplasmosis allows better control and reduction of economic losses. Although a universal vaccine is not commercially available, there are many approaches worldwide to develop effective immunogens. Much research is still needed to develop better control strategies to improve cattle, human, and environmental health.
Keywords
Anaplasma marginale
anaplasmosis
bovine
Subjects
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Animal Health and Infectious Diseases
Volume 2, Issue 2 - Serial Number 3
December 2025
Pages 71-81

  • Receive Date 30 September 2025
  • Revise Date 19 November 2025
  • Accept Date 06 December 2025
  • First Publish Date 06 December 2025
  • Publish Date 22 December 2025