Molecular detection of Theileria spp. and Babesia ovis Infection in Sheep in Baneh, Iran

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the <em>Theileria</em> and <em>Babesia</em> infection in sheep using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in Baneh, Iran. <em>Theileria</em> and <em>Babesia</em> are apicomplexan parasites that have both vertebral and invertebrate hosts. These protozoa, which are transmitted by tick vectors, are considered to be the most important causes of parasitic diseases in Iran.The detection methods of<em> Babesia </em>and<em> Theileria</em> spp. are morphological examination, serology tests, and more recently, molecular assays, such as PCR. In this study, a total of 66 blood samples were collected and analyzed using specific primers for <em>Theileria annulata</em>, <em>T. ovis</em>, <em>T. lestoquardi,</em> and <em>Babesia ovis</em>. Two PCR methods were used, namely semi-nested PCR and competitive PCR. Based on the results of the PCR assay of 66 sheep blood samples, <em>B. ovis, T.</em> <em>ovis,</em> <em>T. lestoquardi,</em> and <em>T. annulata</em> were detected in 57 (86.4%), 28 (42.4%), 0, and 16 (24%) cases, respectively. Detection of low levels of protozoan infection with high morbidity in the tested animals shows their status as a carrier that keeps the infection in the region and extends the protozoan life cycle. Another important factor is the geographical situation of Baneh as a border city since the hemoprotozoan infection is present in this region. Moreover, piroplasmida infection was found in Iraq and other neighboring provinces. Therefore, animal husbandry in Baneh is at the risk of infection with<em> Babesia</em> and <em>Theileria</em>. The collected data in this study are useful for reaching a better understanding of the epizootiology of theileriosis and babesiosis, in order to control and prevent the diseases in this region.