Ribosomal DNA sequence comparison of Babesia and Theileria

Abstract

Previous studies on the taxonomy of Babesia spp. (phylum Apicomplexa) using morphological and life cycle characteristics have resulted in their classification into 3 subgenera, with the genus Theileria being most closely related to them. Using a strategy based on the direct sequence analysis of products derived by asymmetric PCR to determine the nucleotide sequences, we have tested the validity of this classification by sequencing the small subunit ribosomal RNA genes amplified from 2 Babesia species, namely Babesia bovis and Babesia rodhaini, and comparing these with previously published sequences of Theileria annulata and Babesia bigemina using Plasmodium falciparum as an outgroup. The results of this phylogenetic analysis support the recognition of at least 2 genera in Babesia--one to include B. bigemina and B. bovis, the other to include B. rodhaini.