A novel PCR-based point-of-care method enables rapid, sensitive and reliable diagnosis of Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs

BMC Vet Res. 2019 Nov 29;15(1):428. doi: 10.1186/s12917-019-2181-5.

Abstract

Background: Babesia gibsoni (B. gibsoni) is an intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite of dogs that causes fever and hemolytic illness. A timely diagnosis is essential for the disease management.

Results: Here, we report a QubeMDx PCR system which enables a rapid, sensitive and reliable diagnosis of B. gibsoni near the dog patient. Within 30 min, this diagnostic assay was able to detect as low as 0.002% parasitemia of the dog blood. Using clinical samples, this new assay was validated to demonstrate 100% agreement with real-time PCR.

Conclusions: This novel diagnostic method provides a reliable point-of-care test to assist in the identification of B. gibsoni.

Keywords: Babesia gibsoni; Point-of-care; QubeMDx PCR system; Real-time PCR.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Babesia / isolation & purification*
  • Babesiosis / blood
  • Babesiosis / diagnosis*
  • Babesiosis / parasitology
  • Dog Diseases / blood
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dog Diseases / parasitology
  • Dogs
  • Point-of-Care Systems
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity