Phylogenetic analysis of Babesia species in China based on cytochrome b (COB) gene

► The partial COB gene with the length of 550bp was amplified from eleven Babesia species. ► We constructed the phylogenetic tree based on the partial COB gene, 18S rDNA and ITS sequences. ► We evaluated the suitability of COB gene in the phylogenetic analysis within Babesia species. ► The partial COB gene is better for recognizing close lineages among some Babesia species. ► The data could be important for the prevention and control of Babesia species in China.