Molecular identification of ovine Babesia spp. in north of Iran

Babesia is blood-tissue parasite, which are transmitted by hard ticks from Ixodidae family. The parasite is the cause of Babesiosis among ruminants. Babesia is as one of main fatal factors among livestock in endemic regions such as Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate Babesia spp infection using microscopic and molecular methods among small ruminants in Mazandaran and Golestan provinces, northern Iran, in 2011-2012. In this cross-sectional study, 22 flocks of total 220 sheep and goats were selected from different regions of these provinces. Subsequently, ten suspected animals were selected randomly and blood sample were taken from their ear. To diagnose thick and thin smears were prepared and stained with Geimsa stain and then examined under light microscope. Standard PCR and Semi nested PCR was performed to differentiate genus of Theileria and Babesia, also identify the species of Babesia. A total of 220 blood samples (160 sheep and 60 goats), 34 cases (15.4 %) had Babesia infection using microscopic. Whereas, 11 cases (5%) were found positive through Babesia spp using standard PCR and also among them, two cases were found mixed infection through Theileria spp. In addition, two microscopic negative were positive by PCR assay. Totally, using semi-nested PCR, Babesia ovis (n=10) and Babesia motasi (n=1) were detected. Our results showed ovine Babesiosis was common in the Iranian Northern provinces. Moreover, Babesia ovis is the main causative agent of ovine Babesiosis in this areas. The relatively high prevalence of Babesia infection in livestock indicates the epizootic stability status of babesiosis in the northern part of Iran.