Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Babesia canis, Babesia microti and Babesia rodhaini: comparison of ribosomal RNA gene organization

Abstract

The three ribosomal DNA (rDNA) units have been cloned from an Australian isolate of Babesia bigemina. The organization of the units is very similar to that reported for a Mexican isolate of B. bigemina. In Babesia canis four rDNA units have been identified. Both Babesia rodhaini and Babesia microti contain two different rDNA units. A small number of different rDNA units appears to be a common feature of this group of Protozoa. Restriction enzyme analysis of the rDNA units form these species and B. bovis suggests that the genus Babesia as currently defined does indeed include two distinct groups of organisms namely, B. bovis, B. bigemina and B. canis and B. rodhaini and B. microti.