Global haplotype distribution of Babesia ovis inferred by 18S rRNA sequences; a phylogeographical systematic review

• Published in: Microbial pathogenesis 2023-08, Vol.181, p.106179-106179, Article 106179
• Main Authors: Spotin, Adel, Dalir, Fahimeh, Hazratian, Teimour, Shekarchi, Ali Akbar, Mahami-Oskouei, Mahmoud, Farmani, Mostafa, Dolatkhah, Afsaneh, Ahmadpour, Ehsan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 18S ribosomal RNA; Babesia ovis; Genetic diversity; Haplotype; Phylogeography
• ISSN: 0882-4010; 1096-1208
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106179

The genetic variability of apicomplexan parasite Babesia species is a principal strategy used by piroplasma to evade their hosts' immune responses. The purpose of this review was to evaluate our current knowledge on global haplotype distribution and phylogeography of Babesia ovis derived from sheep, goat, horse and ixodid (hard) ticks. Bibliographic English databases were searched from 2017 to 2023, identifying a total of 11 publications. The 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) sequences of B. ovis from Asia, Europe, and Africa were retrieved and subjected to estimate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic assessment. A haplotype network indicated a total of 29 haplotypes being classified into two distinct geographical haplogroups I and II including Nigeria and Uganda-derived B. ovis isolates. A moderately high level of genetic diversity was characterized in sheep/tick-derived B. ovis isolates originating from Iraq (Haplotype diversity: 0.781) and Turkey (Hd: 0.841). Based on the cladistic phylogenetic tree, two geographically different lineages of A and B were genetically differentiated except for Turkish isolates, indicating haplotype migration occurred between various geographical clades. In addition, the topology of UPGMA tree indicated that B. ovis population has a distinct clade compared to the rest clades of ovine babesiosis (B. crassa and B. motasi). The present results strengthen our knowledge to evaluate the evolutionary paradigms and transmission dynamics of B. ovis in different regions of the world; also it will provide groundwork for public health policy to control ovine babesiosis. [Display omitted] •A globally haplotype network indicated a total of 29 B. ovis haplotypes being classified into two distinct geographical haplogroups I and II.•A moderately high level of genetic diversity was characterized in sheep/tick-derived B. ovis isolates originating from Iraq and Turkey.•The topology of UPGMA tree indicated that B. ovis population has a distinct clade compared to the rest clades of ovine babesiosis.