Prevalence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Babesia ovis Isolated from Sheep and Goats in Erbil Province, Kurdistan Region- Iraq

Abstract

A total of 143 blood smears were obtained from sheep and goats (n = 98) and (n = 45), respectively, by jugular venipuncture between February 2019 and December 2019. Samples were examined for parasite occurrences. Results reveal that the prevalence of infection by the parasite was 12.24% and 11.11%, respectively (microscopically), while 20.41% sheep and 17.78% goats (molecular-based identification using 18S SSU rRNA sequence). Both methods revealed the specificity and sensitivity of the diagnostic assays. Phylogenetic analysis of Babesia ovis (MN309736-MN309745) displays that the pathogens identified in this study are clustered together, which indicating similar molecular characteristics. Overall, these results provide a better understanding that Babesiosis is highly prevalent in the study area and continuous monitoring of tick-borne pathogen in sheep and goats are essentially required in Erbil Province

Keywords

• 18s ssu rrna;
• babesiosis;
• erbil province;
• phylogeny;
• tick-borne