Molecular Detection of Natural Babesia bovis Infection from Clinically Infected and Apparently Healthy Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and Crossbred Cattle
Journal Title: Journal of Buffalo Science - Year 2012, Vol 1, Issue 1
Abstract
Babesia bovis (B. bovis) is a major causative agent of bovine babesiosis, with a considerable worldwide impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of PCR assay and microscopical examination (ME) for detection of B. bovis in naturally infected and apparently healthy water buffaloes and crossbred cattle under field circumstances from Sharkia province of Egypt. A total 34 animals (20 crossbred cattle and 14 buffaloes) were clinically and laboratory investigated during the period from March to August 2008. Fifteen animals showed symptoms of bovine babesiosis while 19 animals were apparently healthy. Two blood samples were collected from each animal; one was used for preparation of Giemsa-stained smears for ME while the other sample was used for DNA extraction and PCR testing. Out of 34 cattle and buffaloes, ME identified 13 animals (38.2%) as infected by B. bovis whereas PCR identified 29 (85.3%). B. bovis infected animals showed high fever, anaemia, jaundice, haemoglobinuria, and accelerated heart and respiratory rates. Out of 15 animals clinically infected, PCR identified 14 animals (93.3%) as infected while ME identified only, 8 animals (53.3%). Out of 19 animals apparently healthy, 5 animals (26.3%) were identified as infected by ME meanwhile 15 animals (78.9%) were identified by PCR. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that water buffalos are likely to have a natural tolerance to B. bovis pathogen and/or more likely to be persistent carriers which were not picked up by microscopy. The severity of clinical symptoms of B. bovis infection on water buffaloes was less than the severity of clinical symptoms appeared on cattle. PCR assay is more sensitive technique than microscopical examination for detection of B. bovis in both clinically infected and apparently health cattle and water buffaloes which suggests its use as a routine technique for diagnosis of bovine babesiosis.
Authors and Affiliations
Yasser S. Mahmmod
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP33526
- DOI -
- Views 382
- Downloads 0
Genomic Structure and Promoter Analysis of the Bubalus Bubalis Leptin Gene
The buffalo is an animal ever-growing in our hemisphere, one of the major problems for the genetic improvement of this species, concerns two reproductive aspects: the difficult heat detection and the seasonality of the...
Effect of Year, Season and Parity on Milk Production Traits in Murrah Buffaloes
The objective of this study was to find out the effects of year, season and parity on milk production traits i.e. total lactation milk yield (TLMY), 305 day milk yield (305d MY) and average fat percentage etc. in Murrah...
Productive and Reproductive Performances of Indigenous Lime and Parkote Buffaloes in the Western hills of Nepal
Livestock is an integral part for the most rural livelihoods in Nepal. A very high proportion of poor and marginalized farmers depend on livestock as main or supplemental resources for their income. Cattle and buffalo...
Effect of Incorporation of whey Protein Concentrate on Quality Characteristic of Buffalo Meat Emulsion Sausage
Incorporation of whey protein concentrate (WPC) at a level of 1, 2, 3 and 4% in buffalo meat was investigated for production, quality characteristic of emulsion sausage (ES). Quality of emulsion sausage was evaluated in...
Prediction of Body Weight from Linear Body Measurements in NiliRavi Buffalo Calves
Using 24 Nili-Ravi male buffalo calves, an experiment was carried out to find out the correlation of body weight with linear body measurements and to test the accuracy and precision of regression equations to estimate b...