Molecular Detection of Natural Babesia bovis Infection from Clinically Infected and Apparently Healthy Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and Crossbred Cattle

Abstract

Babesia bovis (B. bovis) is a major causative agent of bovine babesiosis, with a considerable worldwide impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of PCR assay and microscopical examination (ME) for detection of B. bovis in naturally infected and apparently healthy water buffaloes and crossbred cattle under field circumstances from Sharkia province of Egypt. A total 34 animals (20 crossbred cattle and 14 buffaloes) were clinically and laboratory investigated during the period from March to August 2008. Fifteen animals showed symptoms of bovine babesiosis while 19 animals were apparently healthy. Two blood samples were collected from each animal; one was used for preparation of Giemsa-stained smears for ME while the other sample was used for DNA extraction and PCR testing. Out of 34 cattle and buffaloes, ME identified 13 animals (38.2%) as infected by B. bovis whereas PCR identified 29 (85.3%). B. bovis infected animals showed high fever, anaemia, jaundice, haemoglobinuria, and accelerated heart and respiratory rates. Out of 15 animals clinically infected, PCR identified 14 animals (93.3%) as infected while ME identified only, 8 animals (53.3%). Out of 19 animals apparently healthy, 5 animals (26.3%) were identified as infected by ME meanwhile 15 animals (78.9%) were identified by PCR. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that water buffalos are likely to have a natural tolerance to B. bovis pathogen and/or more likely to be persistent carriers which were not picked up by microscopy. The severity of clinical symptoms of B. bovis infection on water buffaloes was less than the severity of clinical symptoms appeared on cattle. PCR assay is more sensitive technique than microscopical examination for detection of B. bovis in both clinically infected and apparently health cattle and water buffaloes which suggests its use as a routine technique for diagnosis of bovine babesiosis.

An epidemiological survey of bovine Babesia and Theileria parasites in cattle, buffaloes, and sheep in Egypt

“…Although clinical cases of T. annulata are common in Egyptian bred cattle and water buffaloes [24][25][26]38), there are no studies detailing the detection of T. annulata from infected carrier animals. Therefore, our study should provide useful preliminary data to the policy makers associated with animal production in Egypt that could allow them to adapt better informed control strategies against this potentially harmful pathogen.…”

“…In Egypt, cattle, buffalo, and sheep are the main source of meat, milk, and their related products. Clinical diseases caused by Theileria and Babesia species are common among the cattle and buffaloes in this country [24][25][26]. Disease outbreaks often lead to economic losses from reduced productivity, require costly veterinary treatment, and can result in the death of affected animals.…”

Serological and molecular diagnostic surveys combined with examining hematological profiles suggests increased levels of infection and hematological response of cattle to babesiosis infections compared to native buffaloes in Egypt

“…Previous studies suggest that there are large numbers of cattle in Egypt infected with subclinical babesiosis [ 5 ]. In addition, although clinical evidence suggests that buffaloes are likely more tolerant to Babesia infections [ 10 ], the hematological response of buffaloes to Babesia infection in Egypt remains poorly investigated [ 10 , 11 ].…”

Identification of Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina resistance alleles in Crioulo Lageano cattle using PCR-SBT and BoLA-DRB3 gene sequencing

“…Anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma marginale , is among the most prevalent diseases in cattle and causes enormous economic losses due to the high morbidity and mortality and costs of its control ( 3 ). Similarly, babesiosis, caused by Babesia sp., leads to high morbidity and mortality when clinically manifested, as well as loss of productive efficiency, generating great economic losses ( 4 ). It is estimated that in Brazil these two diseases caused by Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini, 1888) ticks causes losses of around 3.24 million dollars ( 5 ).…”