Molecular epidemiology of Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis in dairy cattle (Industrial, semi-industrial and traditional) in Guilan province, Iran

Among tick-borne diseases, bovine babesiosis is considered to be one of the most important in ruminants worldwide, causing significant economic losses in tropical and subtropical areas. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the risk factors that could be associated with Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis among cattle of the Guilan province, Iran. A total of 162 blood samples were collected via the jugular vein from healthy dairy cattle (Industrial, semi-industrial and traditional) randomly. DNA from blood cells was amplified by Babesia-all primers, which amplify an approximately 400bp DNA fragment from the region of the 18SrRNA gene from various members of the genus Babesia. All cattle positive samples were further analyzed for the presence of B. bigemina and B. bovis by specific semi-nested PCR. Babesia bigemina and B. bovis were identified by specific semi-nested PCR in 16.7% and 21.6% of cattle blood samples, respectively. Chi-square (χ2) tests were used to compare molecular prevalence values relative to season, farm-type, feeding-method, Hygienic-level, presence of ticks, application of ectoparasiticides, distance from other farms, barn-density, breed, age, and sex. Analysis of factors associated with B. bigemina and B. bovis infection revealed that farm type, feeding method application of ectoparasiticides and barn density are risks in cattle in Guilan (P<0.05). Also B. bigemina prevalence in cattle was significantly related to tick infestation and breed (P<0.05). This analysis demonstrated that B. bigemina and B. bovis infection are widespread among cattle in the Guilan province.