Molecular epidemiology and risk factors associated with Babesia spp infections in cattle in Imbo region, Burundi

Abstract Bovine Babesiosis is one of the tick-borne diseases (TBD) caused by Babesia spp and is transmitted by tick vectors of the genus Rhipicephalus microplus . The disease causes significant economic loses to livestock farmers and it has been reported to be endemic in many countries of East African region including Burundi. A recent study conducted in Burundi showed that the vectors of the disease are present in different agro-ecological zones. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Imbo region to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine babesiosis. A total of 400 blood samples drawn from cattle were collected from either jugular or coccinea vein. Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nPCR) assay based on rhoptry associated protein-1a ( Rap-1a) , and spherical body protein-4 ( SBP-4) was used for pathogen detection and the resulting data was used to determine the risk factors using the R statistical software. Gene sequences and the genetic characterization were determined for selected positive samples. Out of a total of 400 samples, 5.50% (3.3–7.8, 95% CI) were found to be infected with Babesia spp where 4.25% (2.3–6.2, 95% CI) and 1.25% (0.2–2.3, 95% CI) were infected with B. bigemina and B. bovis respectively. Age, sex, tick infestation, grazing system, and origin (commune) were found to be significantly associated with bovine babesiosis ( P value < 0.05). The sequence analysis revealed that different genotypes of B. bigemina and B. bovis are present in the Imbo region and these results will help the competent authorities to design an effective strategy for the control of tick-borne diseases to reduce the economic losses causes by the diseases.