Epidemiology and molecular detection of Babesiosis in household dairies in districts Kohat and Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Abstract

Back ground; Babesiosis is economically important disease which causing huge mortality and morbidity to the livestock sector particularly in the under developed countries including Pakistan. Result; A total of 2400 Cattle blood samples (1200 Calves and 1200 Cows) were examined through PCR and microscopy in karak and kohat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The overall prevalence of Babesiosis in cattle was found 9.875% (237/2400) by microscopic technique which were followed by district Karak 9.25 % (111/1200) and district Kohat 10.5 % (126/1200).The highest seasonal prevalence of Babesiosis was recorded in the summer 20.375% (163/800) followed by spring 9% (36/400), autumn 7.25% (29/400) and the lowest was seen in the winter 1.125% (9/800). In the present study, female cattle showed high prevalence 11.22% (184/1639) rate of Babesiosis as compare to male cattle 6.96% (53/761). The PCR based Prevalence rate of Babesiosis was found 27.5% (165/600) among this 24% (72/300) prevalence rate was noted in district Karak and 31% (93/300) in district Kohat. Babesia bovis 541bp and Babesia bigemina 1124bp amplified DNAs were visualized through gel electrophoresis. Conclusion; It is revealed from the present study that PCR was more sensitive than microscopy in diagnosis of the Babesiosis in House hold dairy cattle.