Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
PCR testing helps diagnose severe babesiosis in dogs including travel
By Schaarschmidt, D et al.·Published in Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde·2006·Labor ALOMED·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: [Importance of PCR for the diagnostics of canine babesiosis].
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Seven dogs with severe symptoms were diagnosed with babesiosis, a tick-borne disease caused by the Babesia parasite. While traditional tests showed that only two of the dogs had detectable antibodies or the parasite in their blood, a new test called PCR (polymerase chain reaction) confirmed the presence of the infection in all seven cases. Most of these dogs had likely contracted the disease while traveling abroad. The use of PCR provided a more accurate diagnosis, which is crucial for effective treatment.
People also search for: dog babesiosis symptoms · PCR test for dog infections · treating babesiosis in dogs
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17263080/