AUTHOR=Yin Fangyuan , Guo Chuanjiang , Tian Zhuojia , Li Dong , Mu Daoe , Liu Haoting , Guan Guiquan , Yin Hong , Li Facai 

TITLE=Analysis of genetic diversity and population structure of Babesia gibsoni

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1147958

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2023.1147958

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Babesia gibsoni</italic> is a tick-borne apicomplexan protozoan causing canine babesiosis. This parasite has diploid sexual reproduction in ticks, during which genetic exchanges can occur leading to increased genetic diversity, which is an important factor in adapting to environmental changes. Exploring the genetic variation of <italic>B. gibsoni</italic> population can provide a foundation for understanding the patterns of disease transmission and developing babesiosis control strategies. Partial 18S rRNA fragment sequences were obtained from 11 <italic>B. gibsoni</italic> isolates collected from different regions in China and 117 publicly available sequences were from 12 geographical areas including China. The genetic variation, demographic expansion and population structure were examined. A total of 34 haplotypes were identified among <italic>B. gibsoni</italic> populations. Analysis of molecular variance, pairwise <italic>Fst</italic> and structure analysis showed that high genetic variation within populations, low genetic differentiation and obvious mixture haplotype were apparent in a single continent, but higher genetic differentiation was detected across different continents. Neutrality tests implied that <italic>B. gibsoni</italic> populations had experienced population extension. These findings will contribute to understand the genetics and evolution of <italic>B. gibsoni</italic> and will be useful for formulating effective management strategies to prevent and control this parasite.</p>