Pcr Based Detection Of Babesia Spp. From Cattle Of Quetta Pakistan

The present study was carried out to determine the presence of Babesia spp. in cattle by conventional microscopic examination and by PCR. A total of 100 blood samples were taken from cows of dairy farms of different areas of Quetta City (60 from Govt dairy farm and 40 samples from private dairy farms). Out of 100 samples analyzed microscopically, 19% were found positive for Babesia, as compared to molecular detection through PCR, which revealed 33% positive results in comparison. Out of 60 samples from Govt dairy farms 14 (23.33%) were found positive for Babesia, as compared to 40 samples from private dairy farms 19 (47.5%) were found positive for Babesia.A duplex species level PCR revealed that out of 33 samples analyzed, 20(60.61%) were found positive for B. bigemina while, 13 (39.4%) were found positive for B. bovis. This study shows that the PCR technique is more specific and sensitive as compared to conventional staining method for the detection of Babesia spp.