Are Babesia vogeli genotypes associated with Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus linnaei distribution?
Vinícius Baggio-Souza1, Laura Berger1, Rafaela Mallmann-Bohn1
1Laboratory of Protozoology and Vector-Borne Rickettsioses - ProtozooVet, Faculty of Veterinary - FAVET, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Parasites & Vectors
|July 13, 2025
Summary
Two Babesia vogeli genotypes were identified in South America, correlating with temperate and tropical regions. This discovery enhances understanding of canine babesiosis vector-parasite coevolution and genetic diversity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Tick-borne Diseases
Background:
- Babesia vogeli is a key cause of canine babesiosis in South America, transmitted by brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato).
- Recent classification of brown dog ticks into Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto (temperate) and Rhipicephalus linnaei (tropical) suggests potential for distinct Babesia genotypes or species.
- This study investigated the genetic diversity of Babesia vogeli in relation to these tick lineages and geographical regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the genetic diversity of Babesia vogeli in South America.
- To investigate the association between Babesia vogeli genotypes and the two distinct brown dog tick lineages (temperate and tropical).
- To explore the implications for understanding canine babesiosis transmission dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Collected dog blood samples from temperate (southern Brazil, Uruguay) and tropical regions (Brazil, Paraguay) of South America.
- Extracted DNA from Babesia vogeli-positive samples for amplification of multiple genetic markers (18S rRNA, ITS 1 & 2, HSP70, COX1, COX3, Cytb).
- Utilized phylogenetic and haplotypic analyses to compare obtained sequences with existing GenBank data.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic and haplotypic analyses revealed two distinct Babesia vogeli genotypes.
- One genotype was consistently found in temperate regions (associated with R. sanguineus sensu stricto), and another in tropical regions (associated with R. linnaei).
- Clear genetic differentiation was observed between the Babesia vogeli genotypes linked to temperate and tropical areas.
Conclusions:
- Two distinct Babesia vogeli genotypes exist in South America, correlating with temperate and tropical ecological zones.
- These findings contribute to understanding the genetic diversity of Babesia vogeli and its coevolution with tick vectors.
- Proposed nomenclature of "temperate" and "tropical" Babesia vogeli genotypes based on geographical and vector associations.
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