The role of host genetics in susceptibility to anthrax among Burchell’s zebra (Equus burchelli) of southern Africa.

The data collected for this study were used to investigate the evolution of immune genes across equid species and among zebra populations in southern Africa, specifically to understand how pathogens mediate and drive host genetic patterns. Fecal samples were collected from plains zebra (Equus quagga) in Kruger National Park, RSA for genetic analyses and contrasted to genetic data collected from zebra of Etosha National Park, Namibia. Samples were collected from July 2007 to March 2008 from zebra in two general regions in Kruger: around Lower Sabie and Satara. GPS locations were recorded from most individuals sampled, but when not available, a description of the area is given. Associated data collected included age class, gender, and group size. DNA was extracted from the outer mucosal cells of the fecal material and individuals were genotyped at 15 microsatellite loci (Aht21, Asb23, Cor014, Hmb1, Hms7, Htg7, Htg9, Htg14, Htg15, Lex33, Lex20, Lex52, Ucdeq505, Um011, Vhl47), and sequenced at 2 Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes (ELA-DRA and DQA, exon 2), and 1 nuclear intron (β- Fibrinogen, intron 7). An individual’s microsatellite genotype is given as fragment lengths, and sequence data as haplotypes. Microsatellite genotypes derived from fecal material were confirmed by a comparative genotyping approach that required at least two replicates for each heterozygous locus and two replicates for each homozygous locus to be performed. Sequences were also confirmed through re-sequencing and cloning techniques. Haplotype sequences are provided in an additional file.