Genome-based identification and molecular detection of an emerging Anaplasma species in Goats, China

Authors:
  • HYHui-Jun Yu
    Hui-Jun Yu
  • LDLi-Feng Du
    Li-Feng Du
  • MZMing-Zhu Zhang
    Ming-Zhu Zhang
  • ZLZhe-Tao Lin
    Zhe-Tao Lin
  • BWBai-Hui Wang
    Bai-Hui Wang
  • XHXiao-Yu Han
    Xiao-Yu Han
  • NWNing Wang
    Ning Wang
  • WGWan-Ying Gao
    Wan-Ying Gao
  • RYRunze Ye
    Runze Ye
  • JLJin-Yue Liu
    Jin-Yue Liu
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Abstract
We report genomic characterization and molecular detection of a previously unrecognized Anaplasma species, provisionally named Candidatus Anaplasma cheelooensis, in goats and ticks in Shandong Province, China. During 2021–2022, metagenomic sequencing of blood from a sick goat kid yielded a 1.13-Mb Anaplasma genome with 45.3% G+C content and only 77.0%–77.6% nucleotide identity to recognized Anaplasma species. Whole-genome and gltA-based phylogenies placed the organism in a distinct lineage related to A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, and A. bovis. Specific PCR detected the organism in 37/53 goat blood samples and 7/145 Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks from the same region; gltA sequences shared 97.9%–100% identity. These findings provide genome-level evidence for a candidate novel Anaplasma species circulating in small ruminants and ticks. Its pathogenicity, vector competence, host range, and zoonotic potential require further investigation.