# Integrated Molecular and Hematobiochemical Biomarkers for the Detection of Bovine Babesiosis in Holstein Calves

## TL;DR

This study identifies molecular and blood-based biomarkers that can help detect and monitor bovine babesiosis in Holstein calves.

## Contribution

The study integrates immune and antioxidant gene expression with hematobiochemical markers for early detection of bovine babesiosis.

## Key findings

- Infected calves showed upregulated immune genes and downregulated antioxidant genes.
- Hematobiochemical changes included elevated liver/kidney markers and reduced antioxidants.
- Combining molecular and blood indicators improves disease detection and monitoring.

## Abstract

Bovine babesiosis is a tick-borne parasitic disease that impairs the health and productivity of Holstein calves. This study investigated the link between immune- and antioxidant-related gene expression and blood and serum biochemical changes in naturally infected calves. Infected animals showed increased expression of immune genes and decreased expression of antioxidant genes, reflecting strong inflammatory responses and increased oxidative stress. These molecular changes coincided with hematological disturbances and altered biochemical markers of liver and kidney function, metabolism, mineral balance, and antioxidant status in the calves. The results highlight a close relationship between gene expression dynamics and blood-based indicators during B. bovis infection and suggest that combining immune and antioxidant genes with hematobiochemical biomarkers can serve as effective tools for disease detection, monitoring, and control in livestock.

Bovine babesiosis is a widespread tick-borne parasitic disease that compromises calf health and productivity, causing substantial economic losses. This study evaluated the potential of molecular and hematobiochemical biomarkers for the detection of babesiosis in Holstein calves by analyzing the expression dynamics of selected immune and antioxidant genes and their association with blood-based indicators. Blood samples were collected from 243 fattening calves, classified as healthy (n = 180) or naturally infected (n = 63). Transcriptional levels of immune-related genes (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1) and antioxidant genes (SOD3, CAT, GPX, and GST) were measured alongside hematological, biochemical, immunological, and oxidative stress assessments. Infected calves exhibited significant upregulation (p < 0.05) of immune and pro-inflammatory genes, indicating strong immune activation, while antioxidant gene expression was markedly downregulated, reflecting impaired redox balance. These molecular changes were accompanied by hematobiochemical alterations, including elevated liver and kidney markers, serum lipids, inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress indices. Conversely, reductions were observed in glucose, serum proteins, thyroid hormones, essential minerals, total antioxidant capacity, and endogenous antioxidant enzymes. The coordinated assessment of immune and antioxidant gene expression with hematobiochemical profiles provides a robust biomarker-based approach for the early detection and monitoring of bovine babesiosis. These integrated molecular and blood-based indicators may support effective diagnosis, disease management, and control strategies in livestock production systems.