First report of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in Holstein cattle in the Republic of Korea

Global warming has increased the incidence and risk of tick-borne diseases in domestic animals and humans in the Republic of Korea (ROK). In this study, we investigated the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Holstein cattle (n = 214) in the ROK using specific PCR assays. A. phagocytophilum infection was detected in only two animals (0.93%, 2/214). Our findings showed that PCR assay using the 16S rRNA gene, but not groEL, was suitable for detection of A. phagocytophilum in cattle. Phylogenetic analysis based on the16S rRNA gene showed that A. phagocytophilum was divided into two clades. Clade 1 included Korean isolates, such as those from dogs, cats, Korean water deer, and ticks, while A. phagocytophilum identified in Holstein cattle formed clade 2. Our results suggest that there is genetic variability among isolates of A. phagocytophilum circulating in the ROK. This is the first study to report A. phagocytophilum infection in Holstein cattle in the ROK. As A. phagocytophilum has zoonotic potential, additional epidemiological studies are needed to investigate the prevalence and genetic characterization of A. phagocytophilum from different regions and hosts.