Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Babesia bovis is a tick-borne intracellular hemoprotozoan parasite that is widespread across China. Genetic diversity is an important strategy used by parasites to escape the immune responses of their hosts. In our present study, 575 blood samples, collected from cattle in 10 provinces, were initially screened using a nested PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for detection of B. bovis infection. To perform genetic diversity analyses, positive samples were further amplified to obtain sequences of three B. bovis merozoite surface antigen genes (MSA-1, MSA-2b, MSA-2c). The results of the nested PCR approach showed that an average of 8.9% (51/575) of cattle were positive for B. bovis infection. Phylogenetic analyses of the predicted amino acid sequences revealed that unique antigen variants were formed only by Chinese isolates. Our findings provide vital information for understanding the genetic diversity of B. bovis in China.
Highlights
The phylum Apicomplexa consists of several highly pathogenic tick-borne parasites of domestic animals across the world, such as Babesia, the causative agent of bovine babesiosis
Bovine babesiosis was first documented early in 1948 in China, and these cases were caused by two Babesia species, B. bovis and B. bigemina [3,6]
Based on the published literature and data obtained in this study, systematic epidemiological investigations have been performed in 16 provinces, and the available results revealed that B. bovis was prevalent in 14 provinces [4,5,29]
Summary
The phylum Apicomplexa consists of several highly pathogenic tick-borne parasites of domestic animals across the world, such as Babesia, the causative agent of bovine babesiosis. This disease is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, caused by several distinct Babesia species (B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. ovata, B. major, B. divergens, and B. orentialis) [1,2]. B. bovis is notorious for being highly pathogenic, causing significant economic loss to the livestock industry, and has been frequently reported in different areas [3,4,5,6]. Tick control strategies and treatments for babesiosis are available, this disease has always been a dominant cause of loss to the cattle industry. The genetic diversity of the major antigenic components of the parasites may be the main reason for vaccination inefficiency [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
