| Abstract | Clinical standards to confirm babesiosis in dogs include the direct identification of the infectious agent in blood smears and serological assays for Babesia canis-specific antibodies. Here, we demonstrate in seven cases (with data on anamnesis, clinics, laboratory diagnostics, and therapeutic outcomes) that a new diagnostic procedure is required. This is the molecular-genetic identification of babesia by real time PCR allowing an unequivocal identification of the infectious agents. Indeed, all seven patients presenting severe clinical symptoms were PCR-positive, but only two of them had specific antibodies and showed babesia in their bloodstream. Six of the dogs appeared to have acquired babesiosis while travelling abroad, and one in the Swiss canton of Schaffhausen. |
| Authors | D Schaarschmidt, M Trächsel, R Achermann, K Hartelt, R Oehme, W Müller
(Affiliation: Labor ALOMED, Radolfzell. schaarschmidt at alomed.de)
|
| Journal | Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde
(Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd)
Vol. 148
Issue 12
Pg. 633-40
(Dec 2006)
ISSN: 0036-7281 Switzerland |
| Vernacular Title | Bedeutung der PCR in der Diagnostik der caninen Babesiose. |
| PMID | 17263080
(Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)
|
| Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Protozoan
- Antiprotozoal Agents
- DNA, Protozoan
|
| Topics |
- Animals
- Antibodies, Protozoan
(blood)
- Antiprotozoal Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Babesia
(genetics, isolation & purification)
- Babesiosis
(diagnosis, drug therapy, veterinary)
- DNA, Protozoan
(analysis)
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Dog Diseases
(diagnosis, drug therapy)
- Dogs
- Female
- Male
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
(methods, veterinary)
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Treatment Outcome
|
