Serological investigations on Babesia orientalis infection. Status of water buffaloes in Hubei Province.

A total of 230 water buffaloes were sampled for the determination of the epidemiological situation of Babesia orientalis infection in Hubei Province, using the latex agglutination test. This serological test revealed that 74.7% of the collected sera were positive for antibodies against B. orientalis in endemic areas. In contrast, only 1.79% of water buffaloes were positive in non-epidemic areas. The incidence of the infection was substantially higher in older than in younger animals. The results were analysed using mathematical model and indicated that these areas were in a stable situation.