Molecular identification of ovine Babesia spp. in north of Iran

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Babesia is a blood-tissue parasite, which is transmitted by hard ticks from Ixodidae family. The parasite is the cause of babesiosis among small ruminants, cattle, human, dogs and other animals. Babesia is one of the main fatal factors among livestock in endemic regions such as Iran. The aim of this study was to identify Babesia spp infection using microscopic and molecular methods among small ruminants in Mazandaran and Golestan provinces, northern Iran, during 2011-2012. METHODS: In this study, a total of 220 sheep and goats were selected from 22 flocks in different regions of these provinces and blood samples were taken from their ears. The samples were transferred to the laboratory. Then thick and thin smears were prepared, stained with Geimsa and 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. RESULTS: From a total of 220 blood samples (160 sheep and 60 goats), 34 cases (15.4 %) showed Babesia infection using microscopic examination. Whereas, 11 cases (5%) were found positive for Babesia spp using standard PCR. Also, two positive cases were showed mixed infection with Theileria spp. In addition, two microscopic negative samples were positive by PCR assay.Using semi nested- PCR, Babesia ovis (n=10) and B. motasi (n=1) were detected. CONCLUSION: Our results shows ovine babesiosis is common in the Northern provinces of Iran. Moreover, Babesia ovis is the main causative agent of ovine babesiosis in northern Iran. The relatively high prevalence of Babesia infection in sheep and goats indicates the epizootic stability status of babesiosis in the northern part of Iran.