Molecular Identification of Babesia and Theileria Infections in Livestock in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Area, China.

Simple Summary: The Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTPA), in the northwestern region of China, is characterized by diverse geographical features, earning it the title of "the roof of the world". Despite this, limited information exists on the distribution of tick-borne pathogens in this region. This study aimed to evaluate the infection rates of Babesia and Theileria species in QTPA. Blood samples collected from livestock species (n = 366) were analyzed using different PCR-sequencing techniques. Results showed a high infection rate of Theileria spp. (38.2%). B. motasi-like Lintan/Ningxia/Tianzhu was detected in 0.3% of samples. Notably, this study reported infection rates of Babesia and Theileria species in goats, horses, and donkeys in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau for the first time. The northwestern region of China, known as the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Area (QTPA), is characterized by unique climate conditions that support the breeding of various highly-adapted livestock species. Tick vectors play a significant role in transmitting Babesia and Theileria species, posing serious risks to animal health as well as the economy of animal husbandry in QTPA. A total of 366 blood samples were collected from Tibetan sheep (n = 51), goats (n = 67), yaks (n = 43), cattle (n = 49), Bactrian camels (n = 50), horses (n = 65), and donkeys (n = 40). These samples were examined using conventional and nested PCR techniques to detect Theileria and Babesia species. The overall infection rates were 0.3% (1/366) for Babesia spp. and 38.2% (140/366) for Theileria spp. Notably, neither Babesia nor Theileria species were detected in donkeys and yaks. The infection rates of Babesia and Theileria species among animals in different prefectures were significantly different (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, B. caballi, and B. ovis were not detected in the current study. To our knowledge, this is the first documented detection of Theileria luwenshuni infection in Bactrian camels and goats, as well as T. sinesis in cattle and T. equi in horses on the Qinghai plateau. These novel findings shed light on the distribution of Babesia and Theileria species among livestock species in QTPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]