Genetic characterization and molecular survey of Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina and Babesia ovata in cattle, dairy cattle and yaks in China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Babesiosis is an important haemoparasitic disease, caused by the infection and subsequent intra-erythrocytic multiplication of protozoa of the genus Babesia that impacts the livestock industry and animal health. The distribution, epidemiology and genetic characterization of B. bigemina, B. bovis, and B. ovata in cattle in China as well as the prevalence of these protozoan agents were assessed.

Methods

A total of 646 blood specimens from cattle, dairy cattle and yaks from 14 provinces were collected and tested for the presence of the three Babesia species via a specific nested PCR assay based on the rap-1 and ama-1 genes. The PCR results were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Gene sequences and the genetic characterization were determined for selected positive samples f

SUBMITTER: Niu Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4600270 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature