USEFULNESS OF TOUCH-DOWN PCR ASSAY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF ATYPICAL CASES OF BABESIA CANIS CANIS INFECTIONS IN DOGS

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate usefulness of PCR assay for the diagnosis of atypical cases of the Babesia canis infections. Primers designed based on the 18 S RNA gene sequence of B. canis. The location of the primers was targeted to evolutionary conserved region. Blood samples from dogs suspected for babesiosis were analysed microscopically and then by PCR. The PCR assay showed higher efficacy and specificity of the parasite detection. It is concluded that the sensitivity of the touch-down PCR makes it particularly appropriate for diagnostics of atypical and chronic cases of babesiosis. The sequencing analysis of the studied isolates revealed that canine babesiosis in Warsaw area is caused by Babesia canis canis.