Molecular Survey of Trypanosoma, Babesia and Theileria Infections in Major Livestock and Rodents in Xinjiang, Northwestern China

From September 2024 to September 2025, 310 blood samples from cattle (n = 151), camels (n = 44), horses (n = 71), and wild mice (n = 44) across six Xinjiang counties/cities were screened by microscopy, genus-specific PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Overall, 46.77% (145/310) of the samples were positive for haemoprotozoan infection. Trypanosoma spp. showed the highest prevalence (25.48%, 79/310), followed by Theileria (16.13%, 50/310) and Babesia (5.16%, 16/310). Notable host-specific patterns emerged: camels had the highest T. evansi occurrence (86.36%), while wild mice had the highest Theileria prevalence (75%). Dual infections (mostly Trypanosoma + Theileria) occurred in 8.39% (26/310) of animals, and a triple infection was found in 0.32% (1/310). Phylogenetic analysis identified T. evansi as predominant trypanosome, clustering with isolates from India and Saudi Arabia; the major piroplasms identified were T. annulata, T. equi, and an unidentified Babesia sp. This study represents the first multi-host molecular survey in Xinjiang, revealing a high infection burden, diverse parasite species, and frequent co-infections.