Identification of Babesia capreoli in an Ixodes nipponensis tick obtained from a Korean water deer

Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa. Despite the increasing acknowledgement that babesiosis represents threat to animal and human health, date there have been few studies focusing on in Republic of Korea (ROK). In present study, we report Babesia capreoli infection an Ixodes nipponensis tick obtained from Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus). The was identified with polymerase chain reaction analysis as I. (Japanese hard tick). A phylogenetic based 18S rRNA gene sequences revealed isolate found belonged B. lineage distinct Asian, European, North American lineages divergens. Although our it did not form cluster others isolates same lineage; this may be due differences species transmit or host species. We were unable identify reservoir for case transmission, though regional ticks primary vector. This study confirms presence ROK, its suggests further warranted determine prevalence pathogenicity wild domesticated animals.