18S ribosomal RNA (18S) gene
For general laboratory and research use only
Babesia bovis is a single-celled protozoan parasite of the Apicomplexa phylum measuring
1.5 x 2.4μm in size. The linear DNA genome contains 4 chromosomes and is 8.2Mbp in
length. Infection with B. bovis causes a haemolytic anaemia in bovine known as
Babesiosis.
B. bovis uses ticks of the Ixodidae family as a vector and infects the vertebrate host via tick
feeding. The parasite enters the host in trophozoite ("ring") form and invades the red blood
cells by apicoplast action, where it multiplies through binary fission. This increase in
parasitic number results in rupture of the erythrocytes causing anaemia and facilitating
protozoan spread to other cells. The merozoite form is ingested by uninfected ticks when
feeding and settle to the midgut where they multiply. B. bovis then migrate to the salivary
glands, ready for injection into a new host.
An incubation period of 1-3 weeks in bovine precedes a high fever which lasts several
days and is followed by onset of other symptoms. These include increased respiratory rate,
reluctance to move and congestion of the conjunctiva and mucus membranes. As the
number of disrupted red blood cells increases anaemia occurs resulting in jaundice. The
central nervous system may also be affected causing convulsions, paralysis and coma.
This disease is severe with a high fatality rate which increases when the nervous system is
involved. Treatment with Imidocarb can increase the survival rates when given early in the
infection course but supportive therapies such as blood transfusions may be necessary if
treatment is delayed. A live vaccine is available and can provide long lasting immunity.
Human infection is rare and seen mainly among the elderly or those with compromised
immune systems, especially splenectomy patients. Infection may cause fever, prostration,
jaundice, anaemia and haemoglobulinuria and is usually treated with malaria remedies.
Introduction to Babesia bovis
Our kit for Babesia bovis has been designed for the specific and exclusive in vitro
quantification of this species . The 18S ribosomal gene, is the ideal target to achieve a
broad based detection profile for all isolates within this species. The primers and probe
sequences in this kit have 100% homology with a broad range of clinically relevant
reference sequences based on a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. Other closely
related Babesia species are not detected.
The PCR Max qPCR Kit for Babesia bovis (B.bovis ) genomes is designed for the in vitro
quantification of B.bovis genomes. The kit is designed to have the broadest detection
profile possible whilst remaining specific to the B.bovis genome.
The primers and probe sequences in this kit have 100% homology with a broad range of
B.bovis sequences based on a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis.
If you require further information, or have a specific question about the detection profile of
this kit then please send an e.mail to help@pcrmax.com and our bioinformatics team will
answer your question.
Kit Contents
• B.bovis specific primer/probe mix (150 reactions BROWN)
FAM labelled
• B.bovis positive control template (for Standard curve RED)
• Internal extraction control primer/probe mix (150 reactions BROWN)
VIC labelled as standard
• Internal extraction control DNA (150 reactions BLUE)
• Endogenous control primer/probe mix (150 reactions BROWN)
FAM labelled
• RNAse/DNAse free water (WHITE)
for resuspension of primer/probe mixes and internal extraction control DNA
• Template preparation buffer (YELLOW)
for resuspension of positive control template and standard curve preparation
Reagents and equipment to be supplied by the user
Real-Time PCR Instrument
DNA extraction kit
This kit designed to work well with all processes that yield high quality DNA with minimal
PCR inhibitors.
Lyophilised 2x qPCR Mastermix
This kit is designed to be compatible with all commercially available Mastermixes that run
with standard cycling conditions.
Pipettors and Tips
Vortex and centrifuge
Thin walled 1.5 ml PCR reaction tubes