Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Detecting Leishmania infantum DNA in dogs using eye swab PCR
By Strauss-Ayali, Dalit et al.·Published in The Journal of infectious diseases·2004·School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Polymerase chain reaction using noninvasively obtained samples, for the detection of Leishmania infantum DNA in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that dogs with symptoms of Leishmania infection, a disease caused by a parasite, can be tested effectively using a simple method that collects samples from their eyes. In this research, 92% of infected dogs tested positive for the parasite using DNA from conjunctival swabs, which is a non-invasive way to collect samples. This method was more accurate than traditional tests, showing a high level of reliability. This approach could help veterinarians diagnose this serious disease earlier and more easily in dogs.
People also search for: dog eye infection test · Leishmania symptoms in dogs · how to test for Leishmania in dogs
Abstract
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure using noninvasively obtained samples, for the identification of Leishmania infantum in canine tissues, was evaluated and compared with serologic testing and culture. A total of 92% of naturally infected, symptomatic, seropositive dogs were found to be positive by use of DNA from conjunctival swabs. Spleen or lymph node aspirates were found to be positive by PCR in 86% and by culture in 74% of these dogs. The sensitivity and specificity of conjunctival PCR were 92% and 100%, respectively. Experimentally infected dogs were found to be positive by conjunctival PCR already at 45 days of infection (83%) and before seroconversion. PCR using noninvasively obtained conjunctival samples will be useful for epidemiological studies and for direct diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15116312/