Molecular Detection of Babesia divergens from an Outbreak of Babesiosis in Holstein Cows , England

Bovine babesios is a sporadic disease within the United Kingdom causing mortality and morbidity within the national herd. Despite numerous reports in cattle, there have been no published reports of its molecular characterization or genetic confirmation of the Babesia species since its first description in England. This study describes the molecular detection and species identification of Babesia divergens in a case of babesiosis from an outbreak of the disease on a farm in northern England. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that B. divergens 18S RNA sequence in England is 100% identical to B. divergens in Ireland and France. The sequence derived is publically available and can be used to compare future cases of bovine babesiosis, especially if the pathogenesis of disease changes in response to the emergence of other Babesia species.