African Journal of Parasitology Research

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 3, March 2026 | pp. 17–24
DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/100003

Article Type: Short Communication
Title: Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Babesia and Theileria species in indigenous cattle from northern Tanzania
Names of Authors: Jumanne M. Magesa¹, Neema K. Tarimo¹, Lucinda P. Mrosso²
Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania. ²Tanzania Livestock Research Institute, Tanga, Tanzania.

Abstract: Tick-borne haemoprotozoan infections represent a severe economic impediment to cattle production across East Africa. A molecular surveillance initiative was conducted to screen 450 blood samples collected from indigenous Zebu cattle across pastoral districts of northern Tanzania. DNA extracts were analyzed via reverse line blot hybridisation and polymerase chain reaction assays targeting the 18S rRNA gene regions of Babesia and Theileria species. Overall tick-borne pathogen positivity was detected in 58.2 percent of the sampled cattle population. Theileria parva, the causative agent of East Coast fever, was identified in 26.4 percent of specimens, while Babesia bigemina and Theileria mutans accounted for 18.2 percent and 13.6 percent, respectively. Mixed infections involving both Theileria and Babesia species occurred in 11.8 percent of positive animals. Sequence analysis of representative amplicons confirmed high genetic homology (98 to 100 percent identity) with reference strains previously isolated from eastern and southern Africa. Packed cell volume measurements revealed subclinical anaemia (packed cell volume < 24 percent) in 34.0 percent of infected cattle, predominantly among animals harbouring concurrent Theileria mutans and Babesia bigemina profiles. These findings highlight widespread silent endemic stability coupled with clinical vulnerability in indigenous herds, reinforcing the necessity for enhanced acaricide application and recombinant vaccine implementation.

Keywords: Babesia, Theileria, Zebu cattle, Molecular detection, 18S rRNA, Tanzania
Manuscript Timeline: Received: 02 December 2009; Revised: 05 January 2010; Accepted: 02 February 2010; Published: 10 March 2010

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