Bovine babesiosis and theileriosis are clinically and economically significant protozoan diseases distributed worldwide. Understanding the exact mechanisms by which the parasites invade, replicate, and survive within the host animals is of paramount important to invent novel tools to minimize the disease incidence. Therefore, our current research works mainly focus on the elucidation of molecular mechanism on erythrocytic invasion and intraerythrocytic replications by Babesia and Theileria parasites, and thereby developing effective diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive methodologies against the diseases caused by these pathogens. In addition, we have been conducting field surveillance programs globally to determine the epidemiology of bovine babesiosis and theileriosis, using molecular diagnostic techniques established in our laboratory, and designing proper control strategies based on the current status of tick-borne protozoan diseases in each country.

1. Promotion of fostering Zoonosis Control Expert

1. Sivakumar, T., Tagawa, M., Yoshinari, T., Ybañez, A. P., Igarashi, I., Ikehara, Y., Hata, H., Kondo, S., Matsumoto, K., Inokuma, H., and Yokoyama, N.: PCR Detection of Babesia ovata from Cattle Reared in Japan and Clinical Significance of Co-Infection with Theileria orientalis. J. Clin. Microbiol., (in press).
2. Altangerel, K., Sivakumar, T., Battsetseg, B., Battur, B., Ueno, A., Igarashi, I., and Yokoyama, N.: Phylogenetic relationships of Mongolian Babesia bovis isolates based on the merozoite surface antigen (MSA)-1, MSA-2b, and MSA-2c genes. Vet. Parasitol., 184: 309-316, 2012.
3. Altangerel, K., Sivakumar, T., Inpankaew, T., Jittapalapong, S., Terkawi, M. A., Ueno, A., Xuan, X., Igarashi, I., and Yokoyama, N.: Molecular prevalence of different genotypes of Theileria orientalis detected from cattle and water buffaloes in Thailand. J. Parasitol., 97: 1075-1079, 2011.
4. Altangerel, K., Battsetseg, B., Battur, B., Sivakumar, T., Batmagnai, E., Javkhlan, G., Tuvshintulga, B., Igarashi, I., Matsumoto, K., Inokuma, H., and Yokoyama, N.: The first survey of Theileria orientalis infection in Mongolian cattle. Vet. Parasitol., 182: 343-8, 2011.
5. Yokoyama, N., Ueno, A., Mizuno, D., Kuboki, N., Khukhuu, A., Igarashi, I, Miyahara, T., Shiraishi, T., Kudo, R., Oshiro, M., Zakimi, S., Sugimoto, C., Matsumoto, K., and Inokuma, H.: Genotypic diversity of Theileria orientalis detected from cattle grazing in Kumamoto and Okinawa prefectures of Japan. J. Vet. Med. Sci., 73: 305-312, 2011.