牛卵形巴贝斯虫PCR检测方法的建立及初步应用

为建立牛卵形巴贝斯虫(B.ovata)快速检测方法,本研究根据GenBank中登录的B.ovata CCTη基因序列设计引物,建立了PCR检测方法。对该方法的最佳反应条件进行优化,并进行特异性、敏感性及临床样本检测试验。结果表明,建立的PCR方法扩增B.ovata CCTη基因片段大小为1 008 bp,与参考株序列同源性为100%。该方法对牛巴贝斯虫、牛双芽巴贝斯虫、牛瑟氏泰勒虫基因组DNA扩增结果均为阴性。最低可以检测样品中34个拷贝的DNA。通过对49份临床样本的检测,该方法比姬姆萨染色镜检阳性率高8.2%。本实验为B.ovata的诊断提供了一种特异、敏感的检测技术。     

牛卵形巴贝斯虫巢式PCR诊断方法的建立及初步应用

根据GenBank上发表的牛卵形巴贝斯虫CCTη基因序列设计合成2对巢式PCR引物,建立牛卵形巴贝斯虫巢式PCR诊断方法,对该方法的最佳反应条件进行了筛选,并进行了特异性、敏感性及临床样本检测试验。结果表明,建立的巢式PCR方法外引物扩增牛卵形巴贝斯虫基因组片段的长度为1 008bp,内引物为537bp;该方法扩增不出牛瑟氏泰勒虫、弓形虫、犬新孢子虫基因组DNA;最低检测DNA含量为16fg;通过对46份临床样本的检测,该巢式PCR较常规PCR阳性检出率高8.7%。本试验为牛卵形巴贝斯虫病的诊断提供了一种更为特异、敏感的检测技术。     

Molecular and serological prevalence of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in water buffaloes in the northeast region of Thailand

Bovine babesiosis is a tick-transmitted hemoprotozoan disease that is mainly caused by Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina and is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The disease is widespread in the northeastern region of Thailand, where an increasingly large part of the livestock is composed of water buffaloes. The present study was therefore conducted to investigate the epidemiological distribution of B. bovis and B. bigemina in water buffaloes in the northeastern region of Thailand. A total of 305 buffalo blood samples were randomly collected from five provinces and simultaneously analyzed by the nested PCR (nPCR) assay, ELISA, and IFAT techniques. The overall prevalence of B. bovis and B. bigemina was 11.2% and 3.6% by nPCR, 14.7% and 5.9% by ELISA, and 16.8% and 5.6% by IFAT, respectively. The high concordance between the molecular and the serological detection tests revealed the specificity and sensitivity of the diagnostic assays used for the detection of infection as well as the endemic stability status of the parasites in the surveyed areas. Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of the two infections were observed on the basis of age and location but not gender. Our data provide valuable information regarding the epidemiology of B. bovis and B. bigemina infection in water buffaloes in the northeastern region of Thailand which will likely be very beneficial for management and control programs of this disease.     

Detection and quantification of Anaplasma marginale DNA in blood samples of cattle by real-time PCR

A TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay was developed for the diagnosis of Anaplasma marginale infection of cattle. The established assay was proven to be highly specific, since no cross-reactions were observed with other Anaplasma species of ruminants, including the closely related Anaplasma centrale, or other haemoparasites of ruminants (Anaplasma bovis, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Theileria annulata and Theileria buffeli). The detection limit was equal to that of nested (n)PCR (10(1) copies of standard DNA and 3 x 10(1) infected erythrocytes ml(-1) of blood). The assay was also reproducible, as shown by satisfactory low intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation. Fifty-four blood samples of ruminants (cattle, n = 51; sheep, n = 2; goats, n = 1), that had been tested previously by reverse line blot (RLB) hybridisation, were subjected to an nPCR assay and the newly established real-time PCR assay. By using real-time PCR, A. marginale DNA was detected in 39/51 bovine samples, with DNA titres ranging from 3.60 x 10(3) to 5.70 x 10(8) copies ml(-1) of blood, whereas sheep and goat samples tested negative. The concordance with nPCR was 100%, whereas a unique sample that had tested negative by RLB gave positive results by nPCR and real-time PCR. The established assay could overcome the limitations of existing diagnostic methods, allowing for simultaneous detection and quantification of the A. marginale DNA in bovine blood, that is essential to support the clinical diagnosis, to assess the carrier status of the animals and to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines and antirickettsial drugs.     

Molecular and serological prevalence of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in cattle from central region of Syria

A total of 207 bovine blood samples were collected from clinically healthy cattle bred in central region of Syria and examined by Giemsa-stained blood smears, nested PCR, ELISA, and IFAT to determine the molecular and serological prevalence of Babesia bovis and B. bigemina. All samples were negative to Babesia spp. by microscopic examination of blood smears. On the other hand, the overall prevalence of B. bovis and B. bigemina was 9.18% and 15.46% by nPCR, 15.46% and 18.84% by ELISA, and 18.36% and 21.74% by IFAT, respectively. Mixed infections were detected in a total of 5 samples (2.4%) by nPCR, 16 (7.73%) by ELISA and 27 (13.04%) by IFAT. Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of the two infections were observed on the basis of age and location. These data provide valuable information regarding the occurrence and epidemiology of B. bovis and B. bigemina infections in Syrian cattle, which can be employed in developing rational strategies for disease control and management.     

Detection of Babesia bigemina infection in strains of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from outbreaks in south Texas

The sudden death of several cattle infested experimentally with Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus led to a clinical investigation into the reasons for the unexpected mortality. Microscopic evidence for Babesia bigemina infection was found in blood smears from the affected animals and a PCR assay was designed to detect the presence of B. bigemina and Babesia bovis in all R. microplus strains received and propagated at the laboratory. The assay utilizes a nested PCR approach with the first PCR amplifying a well-conserved segment from the Babesia 18S ribosomal RNA gene followed by a nested PCR with Babesia species-specific primers and annealing temperatures enabling amplification of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene fragment specific to either B. bigemina or B. bovis. DNA from groups of 50 larvae was extracted using a rapid DNA preparation protocol, which consisted of grinding the frozen tick larvae in PCR buffer and boiling the mixture for 5min. The assay sensitivity allowed for the detection of the equivalent of a single infected tick larva. R. microplus eggs were also analyzed, but yolk protein viscosity created inconsistent results with the crush and boil DNA isolation protocol, necessitating the use of a more extensive proteinase K digestion-based DNA purification method. We detected the presence of B. bigemina in all strains of R. microplus currently reared at the laboratory and 4 of 26 strains collected from infestation outbreaks in Texas by the U.S. Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program.     

Comparison of different direct diagnostic methods to identify Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in animals vaccinated with live attenuated parasites

Blood smear examination, flow cytometry, duplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and duplex nested PCR (nPCR) were evaluated for detection of Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis infections in cattle vaccinated with live attenuated strains. Two groups of four cattle were immunized with either B. bigemina (Bi) or B. bovis (Bo). On day 23 post inoculation (PI), Bi cattle were vaccinated with B. bovis (BiBo) and Bo cattle were vaccinated with B. bigemina (BoBi). Babesia bigemina was first detected by blood smear examination 7.5+/-3.5 days PI in the Bi group and 32.2+/-1.7 days PI in the BoBi group. The first occurrence of B. bovis in blood smears was 8.0 days PI in the Bo group and 36.0+/-2.6 days PI in the BiBo group. Flow cytometry detected parasitized erythrocytes on day 1.7+/-1.5 and 2.2+/-1.5 PI in the Bi and Bo groups, respectively, but did not discriminate between the two Babesia spp. Duplex PCR detected B. bigemina on day 4.0+/-0.8 and 26.0+/-0.8 PI in the Bi and BoBi groups, respectively, and B. bovis on day 4.0 and 25.3+/-0.5 PI in the Bo and BiBo groups, respectively. The duplex nPCR detected B. bigemina on 3.0+/-0.8 and 25.0+/-0.0 days PI in the Bi and BoBi groups, respectively, and 4.7+/-1.7 and 27.7+/-6.2 days PI in the Bo and BiBo groups, respectively. Duplex nPCR outperformed the other tests in terms of specificity and sensitivity, indicating that it is the most useful method for identifying Babesia spp. in cattle following vaccination.     

Molecular detection of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from Tom Green County in central Texas

Serologic and molecular evidence suggest that white-tailed deer in South Texas and North Mexico carry the agents of bovine babesiosis, Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina. To determine if white-tailed deer in central Texas, which is outside the known occurrence of the vector tick at this time, harbor these parasites, blood samples from free-ranging and captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Tom Green County were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for B. bovis and B. bigemina 18S rDNA. Of the 25 samples tested, three (12%) were positive by nested PCR for B. bovis. This identity was confirmed by sequence analysis of the cloned 18S rDNA PCR product. Further confirmation was made by sequence analysis of the rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1, 5.8S rRNA gene, and ITS 2 genomic region in two (representing samples from two different ranches) of the B. bovis positive samples. Three samples were positive by B. bigemina nested PCR, but sequencing of the cloned products confirmed only one animal positive for B. bigemina; Theileria spp. DNA was amplified from the other two animal samples. In addition to Theileria spp., two genotypically unique Babesia species sequences were identified among the cloned sequences produced by the B. bigemina primers in one sample. Phylogenetic analysis showed no separation of the deer B. bovis or B. bigemina 18S rDNA, or deer B. bovis ITS region sequences from those of bovine origin. Clarification of the possible role of white-tailed deer as reservoir hosts in maintaining these important pathogens of cattle is critical to understanding whether or not deer contribute to the epidemiology of bovine babesiosis.     

Comparison of duplex PCR and microscopic techniques for the identification of Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis in engorged female ticks of Boophilus microplus

A single-step duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and traditional microscopic examination of haemolymph smears were used to detect Babesia bigemina and/or Babesia bovis infection in engorged female ticks of Boophilus microplus recovered from calves raised in an endemic area of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. In the PCR amplification of tick-derived DNA, pairs of oligonucleotide primers specific for a 278-bp sequence from B. bigemina and for a 350-bp sequence from B. bovis were used conjointly. The microscopic examination of haemolymph revealed that 16.7% of the engorged ticks were infected with Babesia spp., although no significant differences (rho > 0.05) were found in the infection rate of ticks collected from calves of different age groups. PCR analysis showed that 77.8% of the engorged ticks whose haemolymph contained sporokinetes were infected with B. bigemina, 7.8% with B. bovis and 14.4% with both protozoan species. However, the PCR assay further revealed that, amongst the engorged female ticks whose haemolymph was apparently negative for the presence of sporokinetes, 15.6% were infected with B. bigemina, 2.2% with B. bovis and 10.0% with both species. The duplex PCR method is thus more efficient and sensitive than the microscopic assay and also permits facile identification of the protozoa species present in engorged female ticks.     

Detection of bovine babesiosis in Mozambique by a novel seminested hot-start PCR method

Babesiosis is a tick borne disease (TBD) caused by parasites of the genus Babesia, with considerable worldwide economic, medical, and veterinary impact. Bovine babesiosis and other TBDs were considered responsible for 50% of the deaths of cattle that occurred in Mozambique in the first year after importation from neighbouring countries. Here, we present the detection of Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis in cattle from Mozambique using two distinct PCR methods. For this study, blood samples were collected in one farm located near Maputo city. The DNA samples were analyzed using a previously described nested PCR and a novel hot-start PCR method. Primers were selected for the hot-start PCR based on the putative gene of an undescribed aspartic protease named babesipsin, present in both B. bovis and B. bigemina. The combination of hot-start polymerase and long primers (29-31 bp) were in this study determinant for the successful amplification and detection in only one PCR. With a seminested approach the sensitivity was further increased. The babesipsin seminested hot-start PCR was in this study more sensitive than the nested PCR. A total of 117 field samples were tested by seminested hot-start PCR, and 104 were positive for B. bigemina (90%), 97 were positive for B. bovis (82%), 86 were mixed infections (52%) and only 2 were negative for both Babesia species (1.7%). The results confirm that this area of Mozambique is endemic for babesiosis, and that this TBD should be regarded as a threat for imported cattle.     

利用套式PCR检测牛羊乏质体

为同时检测和鉴定牛边缘乏质体、中央乏质体及绵羊乏质体,根据这3种病原体的msp4基因核苷酸序列,自行设计、合成了针对3种乏质体的2对通用引物,及分别针对三者的特异引物,通过PCR条件优化,建立了检测乏质体及分别鉴定3种乏质体的套式PCR方法,并与OIE推荐的msp5半套式PCR比较.结果显示:该方法对牛巴贝斯虫、双芽巴贝斯虫、羊莫氏巴贝斯虫、山羊泰勒虫、温氏附红细胞体、东方巴贝斯虫、刚地弓形虫、伊氏锥虫均未扩增出特异性片段.套式PCR检测乏质体DNA量为0.2 pg(相当于6个感染红细胞).检测l 119份来自6个不同地区的奶牛、肉牛、水牛及羊的临床样品,阳性106份,经鉴定边缘乏质体46份,中央乏质体15份,绵羊乏质体35份,混合感染中央乏质体和绵羊乏质体4份,混合感染边缘乏质体和绵羊乏质体3份,混合感染边缘乏质体和中央乏质体3份.首次在分子生物学水平证明中央乏质体存在于中国.同时,证明牛可以混合感染边缘乏质体和中央乏质体或绵羊乏质体,以及混合感染中央乏质体和绵羊乏质体.上述848份样品用OIE推荐的msp5半套式PCR同时检测,两者符合率为98.5％(835/848).检测结果表明,msp4套式PCR特异、敏感,可用于边缘乏质体、中央乏质体、绵羊乏质体的检测和鉴定.     

Detection of Theileria and Babesia in brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) and marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Intraerythrocytic protozoan species of the genera Theileria and Babesia are known to infect both wild and domestic animals, and both are transmitted by hard-ticks of the family Ixodidae. The prevalences of hemoprotozoa and ectoparasites in 15 free-living Mazama gouazoubira, two captive M. gouazoubira and four captive Blastocerus dichotomus from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, have been determined through the examination of blood smears and the use of nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). The cervid population was inspected for the presence of ticks and any specimens encountered were identified alive under the stereomicroscope. Blood samples were collected from all 21 animals, following which blood smears were prepared, subjected to quick Romanowsky staining and examined under the optical microscope. DNA was extracted with the aid of commercial kits from cervid blood samples and from tick salivary glands. The nPCR assay comprised two amplification reactions: the first was conducted using primers specific for a 1700 bp segment of the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia and Theileria species, whilst the second employed primers designed to amplify a common 420 bp Babesia 18S rRNA fragment identified by aligning sequences from Babesia spp. available at GenBank. The ticks Amblyomma cajennense, Rhipicephalus microplus and Dermacentor nitens were identified in various of the cervids examined. Of the animals investigated, 71.4% (15/21) were infected with hemoprotozoa, including Theileria cervi (47.6%), Theileria sp. (14.3%), Babesia bovis (4.8%) and Babesia bigemina (4.8%). However, only one of the infected wild cervids exhibited accentuated anaemia (PCV=17%). This is first report concerning the occurrence of Theileria spp. in Brazilian cervids.     

Detection of Babesia equi (Laveran, 1901) by nested polymerase chain reaction

We describe a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of Babesia equi in equine infected erythrocytes using oligonucleotides designed on the published sequence of a B. equi merozoite antigen gene (ema-1). A 102bp DNA fragment is specifically amplified from B. equi but not from Babesia caballi, Babesia bovis or Babesia bigemina DNA. In a mock infection we were able to detect down to six infected cells in 10(8) equine erythrocytes or to detect the parasite in blood with an equivalent parasitemia of 0.000006%. Furthermore, gene polymorphism was found by performing a PCR-RFLP (PCR combined with restriction fragment length polymorphism) on both the 102bp and the entire ema-1 gene DNA amplified from two B. equi isolates, Florida (USA) and Pelotas (Southern Brazil) isolates. The polymorphism was confirmed by sequencing the entire ema-1 gene from the B. equi isolate Pelotas. Our results demonstrate that the ema-1 based nested PCR is a valuable technique for routine detection of B. equi in chronically infected horses. It may be used for epidemiological and phylogenetic studies of the parasite as well as monitoring B. equi infected horses in chemotherapeutic trials.     

Babesia spp. infection in Boophilus microplus engorged females and eggs in Sao Paulo State, Brazil

Babesia spp. infections were investigated in Bos taurus x Bos indicus dairy cows and calves and in Boophilus microplus engorged female ticks and eggs. Blood samples and engorged female ticks were collected from 25 cows and 27 calves. Babesia spp. was detected in ticks by microscopic examination of hemolymph of engorged female and by squashes of egg samples. Cattle infection was investigated in blood thin smears and by DNA amplification methods (PCR and nested PCR), using specific primers for Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina. Merozoites of B. bovis (3 animals) and B. bigemina (12 animals) were detected exclusively in blood smears of calves. DNA amplification methods revealed that the frequency of B. bigemina infection in calves (92.6%) and in cows (84%) and of B. bovis in calves (85.2%) and in cows (100%) did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Babesia spp. infection was more frequent in female ticks and eggs collected from calves (P < 0.01) than from cows, especially in those which had patent parasitemia. Hatching rates of B. microplus larvae were assessed according to the origin of engorged females, parasitemia of the vertebrate host, frequency and intensity of infection in engorged female tick, and frequency of egg infection. Hatching rate was lower in samples collected from calves (P < 0.01) than from cows, and in those in which Babesia spp. was detected in egg samples (P < 0.01).     

A quantitative PCR assay for the detection and quantification of Babesia bovis and B. bigemina

The haemoparasites Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina affect cattle over vast areas of the tropics and temperate parts of the world. Microscopic examination of blood smears allows the detection of clinical cases of babesiosis, but this procedure lacks sensitivity when parasitaemia levels are low. In addition, differentiating between similar haemoparasites can be very difficult. Molecular diagnostic procedures can, however, overcome these problems. This paper reports a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay involving the use of SYBR Green. Based on the amplification of a small fragment of the cytochrome b gene, this method shows both high sensitivity and specificity, and allows quantification of parasite DNA. In tests, reproducible quantitative results were obtained over the range of 0.1 ng to 0.1 fg of parasite DNA. Melting curve analysis differentiated between B. bovis and B. bigemina. To assess the performance of the new qPCR procedure it was used to screen for babesiosis in 40 cows and 80 horses. B. bigemina was detected in five cows (three of these were also found to be positive by standard PCR techniques targeting the 18S rRNA gene). In addition, B. bovis was detected in one horse and B. bigemina in two horses using the proposed method, while none was found positive by ribosomal standard PCR. The sequences of the B. bigemina cytochrome b and 18S rRNA genes were completely conserved in isolates from Spain and Argentina, while those of B. bovis showed moderate polymorphism.     

快速检测双芽巴贝斯虫LAMP方法的建立

为提高双芽巴贝斯虫(Babesia bigemina)检出率,本研究采用环介导等温扩增技术(LAMP)建立一种快速、灵敏、特异的B.bigemina检测方法。根据GenBank上公布的Babesia bigemina细胞色素b(Cytochrome b,cyt b)基因序列,设计4条特异地识别B.bigemina的cyt b基因6个特殊区域的LAMP引物,优化反应体系和条件,在Bst DNA聚合酶的作用下,65 ℃反应60 min,加入SYBR Green Ⅰ后观察。结果表明,该LAMP检测方法特异性强,与牛巴贝斯虫(Babesia bovis)等DNA不发生交叉反应;敏感性高,对B.bigemina的cyt b基因最小检测值为0.085 fg/μL,是一般PCR方法的1000倍。该方法具有简单、快速、低成本的特点,可用于B.bigemina的基层现场快速检测。     

Comparison of diagnostic methods to detect piroplasms in asymptomatic cattle

This study was carried out to compare different diagnostic techniques to reveal the presence of piroplasms in asymptomatic cattle kept at pasture. Nineteen blood samples were collected from animals of two different areas of Emilia Romagna Region of Italy and processed for microscopic observation, PCR, serological test (IFAT) for Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina antibodies and in vitro cultivation. The cultures were performed on both bovine and ovine erythrocytes. Seventeen blood smears (89%) were positive for piroplasms, while PCR was positive on 18 samples (95%). DNA sequencing of 18S rRNA identified the piroplasms as Theileria spp. In vitro cultures were successful for 6 samples (32%) cultured on bovine blood and subsequent identified these as Babesia major by PCR. On IFAT analyses of 16 samples, 36.8% resulted positive for B. bovis and 31.6% positive for B. bigemina. These results show, in the same animals, the co-infection with Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.; the detection of B. major was possible only using the in vitro cultures.     

Characterization of a repetitive DNA probe for Babesia bigemina

A plasmid (p16) containing a Babesia bigemina DNA insert was selected and labeled with 32P. This probe was evaluated for specificity and sensitivity by dot blot hybridization. The probe was specific and hybridized with only Babesia bigemina DNA, and not DNA from Babesia bovis, bovine leukocyte, Trypanosoma brucei or Anaplasma marginale. The DNA probe detected as little as 10 pg of Babesia bigemina DNA. The probe hybridized with Babesia bigemina isolates from Mexico, the Caribbean region and Kenya. Genomic Babesia bigemina DNA of a Kenyan isolate was digested with restriction endonucleases, and the fragments were separated by gel electrophoresis and Southern blotted. The filter was hybridized with labeled p16 and each endonuclease digestion produced at least 16 resolvable DNA fragments. The inserted Babesia bigemina DNA was approximately 6.3 kb in size. A partial restriction map was constructed. A simple whole blood dot blot procedure was utilized to evaluate the sensitivity of the DNA probe. This probe would detect as few as 150 Babesia bigemina infected erythrocytes contained in a 1-microliter sample. The DNA probe has the potential to be a very sensitive and specific diagnostic tool.     

Expression of C-terminal truncated and full-length Babesia bigemina rhoptry-associated protein 1 and their potential use in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Recombinant antigen-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the serological diagnosis of Babesia bigemina infection by using a full-length B. bigemina rhoptry-associated protein 1 (rRAP-1) and the truncated C-terminal RAP-1 (rRAP-1/CT). While the rRAP-1 showed cross reactivity between B. bigemina- and Babesia bovis-infected bovine sera, the rRAP-1/CT was highly specific to B. bigemina-infected bovine sera and proved useful in the detection of sequential sera collected from an experimentally infected cow during the acute and latent infection. The high yield of soluble rRAP-1/CT and its diagnostic specificity demonstrate its potential in the diagnosis of B. bigemina infection. Its usefulness for epidemiological investigation is currently being evaluated.     

Babesia bovis and B. bigemina DNA detected in cattle and ticks from Zimbabwe by polymerase chain reaction

From blood collected from 94 cattle at 12 locations in the eastern and northeastern areas of Zimbabwe, DNA was extracted and analysed by polymerase chain reaction with primers previously reported to be specific for Babesia bigemina and Babesia borvis. Overall, DNA of Babesia bigemina was detected in the blood of 33/94 (35%) cattle and DNA from B. bovis was detected in 27/58 (47%) of cattle. The prevalence of DNA of B. bigemina was significantly higher in young animals (<2 years) (23/46) than in animals over 2 years of age (10/48; chi2= 8.77; P <0.01%). Although tick sampling was not thorough, Boophilus decoloratus could be collected at 7/9 sites sampled and Boophilus microplus at 4/9 sites. Of the 20 B. decoloratus allowed to oviposit before PCR analysis, 1 (5%) contained DNA that could be amplified with primers for B. bigemina while 12 (60%) were positive with primers for B. bovis. Of the B. microplus allowed to oviposit, 11/16 (69%) were positive for B. bovis DNA by PCR and 2/16 (12%) were positive for B. bigemina.