What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to characterize the genetic diversity of the Babesia bovis MSA-1 gene in South African cattle.

July 23, 2026Veterinary ParasitologyOpen Access

Diversity and population genetic analysis of the Babesia bovis merozoite surface Antigen 1 (MSA−1) gene in South African cattle isolates from field and clinical samples

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Genetic analysis reveals extensive diversity of MSA-1 in South African cattle, suggesting implications for vaccine development.

The aim is to characterize the genetic diversity of the Babesia bovis MSA-1 gene in South African cattle.
Sequenced 18 Babesia bovis isolates (~960 bp) from field and clinical samples.
Analyzed nucleotide and amino acid polymorphisms, population genetic metrics, and phylogenetic relationships.
Performed a codon-based Z-test to assess selection on the MSA-1 gene.
High nucleotide diversity (π = 0.37) and haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.94) were found among isolates.
Positive selection was observed in the MSA-1 gene (Z = 5.25, p < 0.01).
Moderate to very high genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.10-0.48) was identified between South African and global populations.

Bambeni et al. (2026) studied this question.

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