Eteme Enama Serge^1,, Makaila Ahmat Mahamat¹, Ambada Ndzengue Georgia Elna¹, Lontsi-Demano Michel², Mbaga Donatien Serge³, Houmsou Robert Soumay⁴, Njan Nlôga Alexandre Michel⁵

Context: In Cameroon, piroplasm infections have been reported among cattle, causing significant economic losses in the livestock industry. However, specific information about the epidemiology of piroplasm among cattle in Nde and Noun Divisions are limited. Aims: Highlight the prevalence of Piroplasm and the relationship between the blood density of Piroplasm and anaemia among cattle populations of Nde and Noun Divisions in the West region of Cameroon. Settings and Design: The present study was conducted during the rainy season from March to June 2022. Methods and Material: Blood samples from 532 cattle in Nde and Noun Divisions, located in the West region of Cameroon were collected in Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA) tubes. The piroplasm parasites were identified at the laboratory of vector transmitted diseases of the applied biology and ecology research unit of the University of Dschang, using the standard method. Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was performed using the software R version 4.0.3. p values less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 532 cattle were sampled in Nde and Noun Divisions, with 354 (66.54%) being adults, 97 (18.23%) being juveniles, and 81 (15.23%) being calves. Among the sampled cattle, 31.39% were males and 68.61% were females. The prevalences of Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, and Theileria spp were recorded as 239 out of 532 (44.92%), 105 out of 532 (19.74%), and 344 out of 532 (64.6%) respectively. There was no relationship between the density of tick-borne Piroplasm and anaemia observed in cattle of Nde and Noun Divisions (P>0.05). Conclusions: Our findings underscore the existence of tick-borne transmissions of Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, and Theileria spp. Although we found no relationship between the density of these three protozoan species and anemia, their effects are generally associated with increased morbidity and mortality in cattle. This emphasizes the need for authorities to impose stringent regulations aimed at preventing and controlling piroplasm and its tick vectors. These measures are crucial to ensure sustainable cattle production.

Piroplasm, Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Theileria spp