Abstract
The instrumentation of the in vitro culture system has allowed researchers to learn more about the metabolic and growth behavior of Babesia spp. The various applications for in vitro cultivation of Babesia include obtaining attenuated strains for vaccination or pre-munition, the selection of pure lines with different degrees of virulence, studies on biological cloning, ultrastructure, antigen production for diagnostics, drug sensitivity assessments, and different aspects of parasite biology. Although there are different types of vaccines that have been tested against bovine babesiosis, so far, the only procedure that has offered favorable results in terms of protection and safety has been the use of live attenuated vaccines. In countries, such as Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Israel, this type of vaccine has been produced and used. The alternative to live vaccines other than splenectomized calf-derived biological material, has been the in vitro cultivation of Babesia bovis and B. bigemina. The development of in vitro culture of Babesia spp. strains in a defined medium has been the basis for the initiation of a source of parasites and exoantigens for a variety of studies on the biochemistry and immunology of babesiosis. The use of live immunogens from attenuated strains derived from in vitro culture is highlighted, which has been proposed as an alternative to control bovine babesiosis. In several studies performed in Mexico, this type of immunogen applied to susceptible cattle has shown the induction of protection against the experimental heterologous strain challenge with both, Babesia-infected blood and animal exposure to confrontations on tick vector-infested farms. The combination of transfection technologies and the in vitro culture system as integrated methodologies would eventually give rise to the generation of genetically modified live vaccines. However, a greater challenge faced now by researchers is the large-scale cultivation of Babesia parasites for mass production and vaccine distribution.
Highlights
Bovine babesiosis, known as Texas fever, “tristeza,” tick fever or red water, is caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa of the genus Babesia that are transmitted by ticks
Babesia is distributed in countries located between 30◦S and 40◦N of the equator an area that corresponds to the presence of its arthropod vector, R. microplus, R. annulatus, and R. decoloratus [16]
Bovine babesiosis is a serious problem for livestock, especially in developing countries, as they limit the introduction of European type livestock specialized in meat and milk production to tropical regions
Summary
Known as Texas fever, “tristeza,” tick fever or red water, is caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa of the genus Babesia that are transmitted by ticks. They can produce an acute disease with clinical findings characterized by fever, hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinuria and death; but abortion can be caused in pregnant females after the first third of pregnancy [1, 2]. For the control of the disease there are different strategies such as the use of ixodicides for vector control, controlled translocation of cattle, chemotherapy, chemoprophylaxis and selection of tick-resistant cattle These procedures are effective only if they are included in an integrated control program, which can be costly and impractical [8]. Immunization of cattle is currently considered to be the most appropriate procedure for prevention and control of bovine babesiosis; This has been demonstrated with favorable results in terms of protection and safety [9]
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