Principal molecular markers used to identify Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina

This paper describes the principal molecular markers used to identify B. bovis and B. bigemina reported in the scientific literature. A systematic review was designed based on the application of the PICO methodologic modified strategy to define the nucleotide sequences detected in different geographical locations and their diagnostic utility. An advanced search was made in data bases ScienceDirect, SpringerLink and PubMed. Using the terms "Babesia bovis" and "DNA" and "Babesia bigemina" and "DNA". A total of 68 original articles were selected after the information was filtered. Both included and excluded articles were registered in tables, where its position of their status, within the study, was represented. The 68 articles were evaluated using a previously defined criteria of inclusion or exclusion. A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. It was described the usefulness of molecular markers referenced in the scientific literature from 1995 to 2010: small-subunit ribosomal rna, cytochrome b gene, msa-1 and msa-2c gene, bv gene, elongation factor ?1 alpha (ef-1α), beta-tubulin gene, sbp 1-2-3, and rap genes, its diagnostic application and its use in different geographical locations. Molecular markers used for detection of bovine Babesia vary by geographic region, degree of genetic conservation and results of previous studies that conclude their diagnostic utility.