Molecular evaluation and genetic diversity of bovine tick-borne pathogens in southern Malawi

Abstract Purpose: Tick-borne disease (TBD) prevention and control is dependent on a thorough understanding of disease vectors and pathogens. In Malawi, there is little information on molecular investigations of cattle tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). This study aimed to detect TBPs infecting cattle in southern Malawi which has the highest cattle population in Malawi. Materials and Methods: A total of 220 apparently healthy cattle blood samples were collected in 6 southern Malawi districts. Detection of TBPs was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests with species-specific primers. Results: A 72.3% overall infection rate (159/220) was recorded, with Anaplasma marginale (51/220, 23.2%), A. bovis (21/220, 9.6%), A. phagocytophilum (49/220, 22.3%), Babesia bigemina (76/220, 34.5%), B. bovis (16/220, 7.3%), B. naoakii(6/220, 2.7%), Theileria parva (34/220, 15.5%), T. mutans, (9/220, 4.1%), and T. taurotragi (49/220, 22.3%) as the detected pathogens. Conclusion: The study reports B. naoakii, and B. bovis for the first time in cattle from Malawi. The study provides essential information on the distribution of TBDs and for carrying out potential control efforts in Malawi.