An updated assessment of the molecular prevalence and risk factors of Babesia infection among crossbred cattle: a diagnostic cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Bovine babesiosis is a hemoprotozoal disease that poses a serious danger to cattle productivity in tropical and subtropical areas. The goal of the current study is to update the data regarding Babesia spp. PREVALENCE: Assessing the risk variables linked to the illness in crossbred cattle from January to December 2025 in Assiut, Egypt. METHODS: A total of 200 blood samples were obtained from crossbred cattle, including 84 apparently healthy and 116 showing clinical signs suggestive of babesiosis. Giemsa-stained blood smears were inspected microscopically, and molecular analysis that targeted the Babesia 18 S rRNA gene verified the results. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of Babesia spp. infection detected microscopically was 6% (12/200). The percentage of animals with symptoms was 8.6% higher than in apparently healthy ones. Epidemiological analysis showed higher infection rates in males (8.33%) compared to females (4.3%), and in cattle younger than one year (8.75%). There was a discernible seasonal variation in infestation rates, which peaked at 7.7% during the hot season and dropped to 4.2% over the cold season, even though age, sex, and season were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). A significant association was found between Babesia infection and hard tick infestation (OR = 21.64; 95% CI: 2.35-199.12; P = 0.001) suggesting that ticks play a critical role in the spread of disease. The presence of B. bovis and B. bigemina in crossbred cattle in Assiut Province was confirmed by molecular confirmation of a few heavily infected samples using PCR targeting the Babesia 18 S rRNA gene. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, this work uses combination microscopy and PCR to confirm the existence of two Babesia species (B. bovis and B. bigemina) in Assiut province, upper Egypt. The data indicate that the parasite is actively circulating, emphasizing the significance of good tick management and increased diagnostic surveillance in order to prevent economic losses and maintain animal health.