First molecular detection of Babesia divergens in European bison in Europe

Abstract

Bovine babesiosis also known as redwater fever, one of the most significant ticktransmitted infectious diseases of cattle, is an emerging veterinary problem in the worldwide. Babesia divergens is recognised as the main causative agents of the bovine babesiosis in Europe. The clinical signs and outcome of bovine babesiosis depends upon the virulence of the infecting B. divergens strain (mild, severe, or fatal course) and host immunity.European bison (Bison bonasus) has been found to be exposed to pathogens endemic to domestic ruminants. European bison and domestic cattle are closely related, so bison may be susceptible to infectious diseases of domesticated livestock such as bovine babesiosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Babesia infection in European bison. A total of 37 European bison individuals (20 males and 17 females) were sampled during a period of 6 years (from 2014 to 2020) in Lithuania. The molecular characterization of the Babesia spp. was based on sequence analysis of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. Sequence analysis of partial 18S rRNA gene indicated the presence of B. divergens and Babesia capreoli in European bison. This is the first molecular detection of Babesia spp. in European bison in Europe.