Molecular survey of Babesia infections in cattle from different areas of Myanmar

Cattle babesiosis is one of the most important tick-borne diseases worldwide. The present study reports a molecular survey of Babesia infections in cattle in Myanmar. Nested PCR assays based on the Babesia bigemina apical membrane antigen-1 gene (AMA-1) and B. bovis rhoptry associated protein-1 gene (RAP-1) revealed that the overall percentage of B. bigemina and B. bovis infection were 9.8% (70/713) and 17.1% (122/713), respectively. A mixed infection was detected in 4.6% (33/713) of animals. Animals <1 year (OR=13.66, CI=5.15-36.26) and 1-5 years of age (OR=3.91, CI=1.50-10.17) were identified as potential risk factors for B. bigemina infection. For B. bovis infection, age <1 year (OR=3.06, CI=1.63-5.75) and 1-5 years (OR=2.08, CI=1.21-3.57), Friesian-Zebu crossbreeds (OR=2.04, CI=1.26-3.30) and grazing (OR=1.59, CI=1.06-2.38) were identified as potential risk factors. This is the first report on a nationwide survey of bovine Babesia infections in Myanmar, providing useful information for the management and control of the disease.