Babesia spp. in Domestic Animals from Rural Areas of Cauca Department: Previous Exposure and Molecular Detection Among Canines, Bovines and Equines

Purpose: Babesia species are tick-borne protozoan parasites which affect several animal species. Babesia spp. infections are significantly important for veterinary medicine, affecting a wide range of domestic animal species such as dogs, cattle, and horses. In Colombia, studies of Babesia spp. infections in domestic animals are scarce. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the circulation of these parasites among domestic canines, bovines and equines from the department of Cauca. Methods: Between August and November, 2017, active domestic animal sampling of cattle was performed in eight rural areas of four municipalities of Cauca department. Serum and whole-blood samples were obtained from all specimens for serological and molecular tests. Immunofluorescence assays were performed on all serum samples to detect antibodies against Babesia spp., and DNA was extracted from whole-blood samples to perform a genus-specific PCR to identify the presence of Babesia spp. Results: A total of 198 samples were collected: 52.5% from dogs, 32.3% from horses, and 15.2% from cattle. Seroprevalence rates showed that 58.1% of domestic animals were exposed to Babesia spp., with the highest rates among equines (65.6%). Molecular detection revealed that 17.7% had an active Babesia spp. infection, being more frequent among cattle (53.3%). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Babesia bigemina was the primary species identified. Conclusion: This study provides critical data on Babesia infections in domestic animals in Cauca department, revealing active infections and previous exposures among domestic animals from the region.