Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Chitin synthase gene of Demodex canis in dogs from Mizoram India
By Patra, Gautam et al.·Published in Acta parasitologica·2019·Department of Veterinary Parasitology, India·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Molecular Characterization of Chitin Synthase Gene of Demodex canis from Mizoram, India.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 75 pet dogs was examined for skin problems caused by a parasite called Demodex canis, which can lead to canine demodicosis. Skin scrapings were taken from the dogs, and 25 of them tested positive for the mite, regardless of their age, sex, or breed. Researchers used a special DNA test to confirm the presence of the mite and found a specific gene related to it. This study highlights the importance of using advanced techniques to identify these mites, even in dogs that appear healthy.
People also search for: dog skin problems · Demodex canis treatment · how to identify dog mites · canine demodicosis symptoms
Abstract
AIMS: Canine demodicosis is a parasitic condition affecting the skin of dogs. The present study was designed to characterize chitin synthase gene of Demodex canis. The molecular technique was used for better understanding of this gene. METHODS: A total of 75 dogs which are reared as pets with or without showing any skin lesions were examined during the study period. Skin scrapings were examined by indirect method using 10% potassium hydroxide solution under 10 × microscope. DNA samples were extracted from positive skin samples and were subjected to PCR for molecular identification. RESULTS: A total of 25 dogs irrespective of age, sex, breed or coat showed positive result for D. canis. The PCR revealed a single amplified product of 339 bp length which exactly matched with D. canis. The chitin synthase gene was amplified by PCR, subsequently cloned, sequenced, and compared with available data in GenBank for the particular gene of D. canis. Only one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was noticed at 231 position of the chitin synthase gene sequence when compared to other isolates. CONCLUSION: The molecular technique confirms with the morphological identity of D. canis. This report signifies the value of peculiar tool to identify 'follicular mite' even from apparently healthy skin.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30645735/