Molecular detection of Babesia bigemina in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus male ticks of bovines

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks transmit the Babesia spp transovarially, with nymphal and adult stages capable of transmitting the disease. The present study was aimed to investigate the possibility of transmission of Babesia spp by male ticks under natural field condition. A PCR assay was standardized to detect the B. bigemina transmission in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus male ticks. The amplified PCR products were run on 1.5% agarose gel to visualize a 175 bp band indicating positive for B. bigemina. Upon screening 120 male ticks for presence of B. bigemina transmission stages, none of them showed amplification, which indicates male ticks may not be responsible for natural transmission of B. bigemina under field condition. But this study needs further investigation by expanding sample size to confirm potential for transmission of Babesia spp. by male ticks.