Genetic Diversity of Bovine Hemoprotozoa in South Korea.

Tick-borne pathogens cause economically significant diseases in cattle. spp. are parasitic protozoa and the causative agent of bovine theileriosis. Here we report the distribution and risk factors of bovine using blood samples taken between 2018 and 2019. Of 737 tested cattle, nine animals (1.2%) were positive for infection by 18S rRNA gene amplification. Further analysis of the infected samples using the major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene revealed five different genotypes circulating in the population: Types 1, 2, 3, 7, and N3. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research to describe the existence of the MPSP genotype N3 in South Korea. Although the prevalence of bovine was low, our study offers data on the geographical distribution and prevalence of bovine spp. in South Korea. Further studies are warranted to determine the correlation of clinical symptoms with parasite MPSP genotypes. Our data provide epidemiological information to help control bovine theileriosis in South Korea.