PCR Based Approach for Detection of Bovine Babesiosis in Suspected Carrier Cattle and Vector Ticks in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Purpose : Cattle recoveredfram clinical babesiosis become carriersfor a certain period paling a threat of transmitting the disease to the entire hent Diagnosis of carrier cattle is important for preventing outbreaks of babesiosis. The objective of the present study therefore. was to establish a sensitive rapid detection methodfbr bovine babesiosic in suspected carder cattle using nested PCR (nPCR). Research Method : Accordingly. 30 blood samples and ticks were collected from suspected canter cattle representing two No•climatic zones of Sri Lanka. Blood samples were analysed by both microscopically and nested nPCR methods for detection of bovine babeciasis. Further ticks were analysed for morphological idenfication using micrscopy and for babesiosis with nPCR. Findings : 47% (14/30) among the Investigated samples became positive for the babesia infection with light miarscopu while nPCR analpis diagnosed 90% (27/30) as positive. This indicates that, 43% (13/30)of the animals which appeared to be healthy through routine light microscopical diagnosis were in fact canters posing a major threat to the healthy herd. Further: according to the results of nPCR, 22a (6/27) of the blood samples were positive only for Babesla burls infection, 11% (3/27) only for Babesia bigemina Infection and 67% (18/27) for mixed infection with both parasites. The dominant tick vector isolated from both zones was Rhiphicephalus microplus. Out of the examined ticks. 21% (5/24) were positive for Babesia bigemina infection. Research limitations : Since the sample sizefrom all sites of both climatic :ones were uneven and small, data could not be analysed jar statistical significance. OriginaliniValue : However: the resultsfrom this study indicate that nPCR provides a sensitive screening method to detect bovine babesiosis compared to the conventional microscopic analysis