Molecular and serological prevalence of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) on Marajo Island, State of Para, Brazil

摘要

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in water buffaloes of the Marajo Island, State of Para, Brazil. We used an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA), with total antigen containing proteins outer surface, and polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), involving the use of SYBR Green based on amplification of a small fragment of the cytochrome b gene. The prevalence of positive animals in iELISA to B. bovis B. bigemina and mixed infection was 24.87% (199/800), 20.75% (166/800) and 18.75% (150/800), respectively. Using the PCR, the presence of B. bovis was detected in 15% (18/199) and B. bigemina in 16% (19/199) of animals, and of these, 58% (11/19) presented co-infected by the two agents. The results show a low prevalence of antibodies anti-B. bovis and anti-B. bigemina in water buffaloes from Marajo Island. However, it was observed that the agents of bovine babesiosis circulate in buffaloes, and these may act as reservoirs.