Bovine babesiosis diagnostic toolbox: Diverse targets for meaningful outcomes

Abstract

Bovine babesiosis is caused by the intraerythrocytic protozoans Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The diagnosis of these tick-borne pathogens may represent a challenge due to the low parasitaemias usually found in Babesia persistent infections and also in acute cases. Additionally, the correct determination of the epidemiological status of a herd is a key point for further diagnostic interpretations. In this regard, in this work, we review the available diagnostic tools and suggest algorithms facing different epidemiological scenarios. Finally, we highlight the need for new sensitive and accurate point-of-care diagnostic tools for field babesiosis detection. The development of an international shared database for epidemiological data recompilation would be beneficial for the further design of diagnostic tools and vaccines.