Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tick-borne infections in dogs in Punjab India detected by PCR
By Singh, Harkirat et al.·Published in Acta parasitologica·2024·Department of Veterinary Parasitology, India·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Molecular Survey of Tick-Borne Haemoparasites of Dogs by Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction from Punjab, India.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that a significant number of dogs in Punjab, India, are infected with tick-borne parasites like Babesia gibsoni and Ehrlichia canis, which can cause serious health issues. Researchers tested 719 blood samples and discovered that the new multiplex PCR test was more effective than traditional microscopy in detecting these infections. This test can identify multiple parasites at once, which helps veterinarians diagnose and treat affected dogs more quickly. The findings suggest that using this advanced testing method could improve the management of tick-borne diseases in dogs.
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Abstract
PURPOSE: Tick-transmitted parasites as Babesia gibsoni, Babesia vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, and Hepatozoon canis are major health concern for dogs. Owing to prevalence and infection severity, there is need of sensitive, specific, and affordable test for their simultaneous detection. METHODS: Prevalence of B. gibsoni, B. vogeli, E. canis, and H. canis infections was assessed on 719 blood samples by microscopy and multiplex PCR assay targeting 18S rRNA (B. gibsoni & H. canis), ITS1 & 5.8S rRNA (B. vogeli) and VirB9 gene (E. canis). An internal control (canine-actin) was also included to increase the accuracy of assay and effect of associated risk factors with disease prevalence was also studied. RESULTS: Microscopic prevalence of B. gibsoni, B. vogeli, E. canis and H. canis was 5.0%, 0.1%, 1.4% and 1.0%, respectively, whereas with multiplex PCR assay, the corresponding values were 8.9%, 1.1%, 2.6% and 5.1% besides concurrent infections of B. gibsoni & H. canis (0.4%), B. gibsoni & E. canis (0.4%), E. canis & H. canis (0.3%) and B. gibsoni & B. vogeli (0.1%). Analytical sensitivity of developed assay was 0.1pg (B. gibsoni & H. canis), 0.01pg (B. vogeli), and 1.0pg (E. canis). A ″fair″ (B. vogeli & H. canis) to ″substantial″ (B. gibsoni & E. canis) agreement between two tests was observed with data as statistically significant. Breed, sex and location were significantly associated with B. gibsoni infection. CONCLUSION: The developed multiplex PCR assay offers a potential solution to detect these pathogens simultaneously, aiding in timely diagnosis and effective disease management in suspected dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39150582/