| Budget Amount *help |
¥2,860,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥660,000)
Fiscal Year 2020: ¥1,430,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000、Indirect Cost: ¥330,000)
Fiscal Year 2019: ¥1,430,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000、Indirect Cost: ¥330,000)
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| Outline of Research at the Start |
Bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia species is a serious threat to cattle industry worldwide. Our recent study demonstrated that Babesia sp. Mymensingh causes severe clinical babesiosis in cattle. However, unavailability of validated diagnostic tools and lack of knowledge on host range and global distribution undermine the control strategies. Therefore, in the present study, we will 1) validate a Babesia sp. Mymensingh-specific PCR assay, 2) identify the host range, and 3) determine the global distribution.
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| Outline of Final Research Achievements |
A global epidemiological survey using our molecular diagnostic tool (PCR) revealed that the new Babesia species (Babesia sp. Mymensingh) has a wide distribution in Asia, Africa, and South America. In addition, Babesia sp. Mymensingh has been found in cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats, showing that it has a broad host range. Moreover, Mongolian cattle were infected with Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, and Babesia sp. Mymensingh, according to a PCR-based survey, with overall positive rates of 27.9%, 23.6%, and 5.4%, respectively. Furthermore, an epidemiological survey of bovine Babesia species showed that Bactrian camels in Mongolia are harboring B. bovis, B. bigemina, and Babesia sp. Mymensingh with overall positive rates of 32.1%, 21.6%, and 24.3%, respectively. In summary, as part of this research project, we have 1) established a new genetic diagnostic method for the specific detection of Babesia sp. Mymensingh, 2) defined its host range, and 3) mapped its epidemiology on a global scale.
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