Molecular Epidemiology of Babesia andSpecies in Sheep in Kars Region of Turkey.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluateandspecies and vector ticks in sheep in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 960 sheep, and ticks were collected from the same animals between January and December 2017. The reverse line blotting (RLB) method was used to analyzeandpiroplasm DNAs. Ticks and tick egg clusters were evaluated in terms of Babesia and Theileria species using the RLB technique. RESULTS: Microscopically, 3.96% (38/960) ofspp. piroplasm forms were identified; however, nospp. piroplasm forms were identified. The distribution ofandspp. by RLB was 35.52% (341/960). The species identified included(24.79%, 238/960),sp. (6.15%, 59/960),sp. OT3 (4.27%, 41/960), and(0.31%, 3/960). Tick infestation was found in 17.5% (168/960) of the sheep.(66.31%),(32.73%),(0.21%),(0.53%), and(0.11%) were identified in the infected sheep. No pathogenic species were found in the analysis of egg clusters or tick carcasses according to the RLB method. CONCLUSION: is the theileriosis agent in sheep in the study region. Species commonly detected in tick-infested sheep wereand.