Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Animal Disease Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #242565
Title: First survey for Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina infection in cattle from Central and Southern regions of Portugal using serological and DNA detection methods

Author
item SILVA, MARTA - Instituto De Biologia
item HENRIQUES, GISELA - Instituto De Biologia
item SANCHEZ, CLUADIA - Instituto De Biologia
item MARQUES, PATRICIA - Instituto De Biologia
item Suarez, Carlos
item OLIVA, ABEL - Instituto De Biologia

Submitted to: Veterinary Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/15/2009
Publication Date: 12/3/2009
Citation: Silva, M., Henriques, G., Sanchez, C., Marques, P.X., Suarez, C.E., Oliva, A. 2009. First survey for Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina infection in cattle from Central and Southern regions of Portugal using serological and DNA detection methods. Veterinary Parasitology. 166(1-2):66-72.

Interpretive Summary: Incidence of bovine babesiosis in Portugal is currently unknown. In this study, a first survey of Babesia bovis and B. bigemina infection in cattle was carried out using blood samples from 406 clinically healthy individuals from different districts from Central and Southern regions of Portugal and analyzed by serological (iELISA) and molecular (nested PCR) methods. Overall, serological testing revealed that 79% and 52% of cattle were positive for B. bovis and B. bigemina antibodies, respectively, whereas nPCR testing detected 71% and 34% cattle infected with B. bovis and B. bigemina protozoan, respectively. This is the first report of the prevalence of B. bovis and B. bigemina in cattle obtained by serological and DNA analysis studies in Central and Southern regions of Portugal. These data suggests high incidence of Babesia sp infection in Portugal and can be used for designing adequate control programs.

Technical Abstract: Incidence of bovine babesiosis in Portugal is currently unknown. In this study, a first survey of Babesia bovis and B. bigemina infection in cattle was carried out using blood samples from 406 clinically healthy individuals from different districts from Central and Southern regions of Portugal and analyzed by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). Overall, serological testing revealed that 79% and 52% of cattle were positive for B. bovis and B. bigemina antibodies, respectively, whereas nPCR testing detected 71% and 34% cattle infected with B. bovis and B. bigemina protozoan, respectively. This is the first report of the prevalence of B. bovis and B. bigemina in cattle obtained by serological and DNA analysis studies in Central and Southern regions of Portugal. These data suggests high incidence of Babesia sp infection in Portugal and can be used for designing adequate control programs.