Molecular epidemiology of Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis in dairy cattle (Industrial, semi-industrial and traditional) in Guilan province, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Among tick-borne diseases, bovine babesiosis is considered to be one of the
most important in ruminants worldwide, causing significant economic losses in tropical and
subtropical areas. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the risk factors that
could be associated with Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis among cattle of the Guilan
province, Iran.
Materials & Methods: A total of 162 blood samples were collected via the jugular vein
from healthy dairy cattle (Industrial, semi-industrial and traditional) randomly. DNA from
blood cells was amplified by Babesia-all primers, which amplify an approximately 400bp
DNA fragment from the region of the 18SrRNA gene from various members of the genus
Babesia. All cattle positive samples were further analyzed for the presence of B.
bigemina and B. bovis by specific semi-nested PCR.
Result: Babesia bigemina and B. bovis were identified by specific semi-nested PCR in
16.7% and 21.6% of cattle blood samples, respectively. Chi-square (χ2) tests were used to
compare molecular prevalence values relative to season, farm-type, feeding-method,
Hygienic-level, presence of ticks, application of ectoparasiticides, distance from other
farms, barn-density, breed, age, and sex. Analysis of factors associated with B.
bigemina and B. bovis infection revealed that farm type, feeding method application of
ectoparasiticides and barn density are risks in cattle in Guilan (P<0.05). Also
B. bigemina prevalence in cattle was significantly related to tick infestation and breed
(P<0.05).
Conclusion: This analysis demonstrated that B. bigemina and B. bovis infection are
widespread among cattle in the Guilan province.