Biotin-labeled DNA probe in a PCR-based assay increases detection sensitivity for the equine hemoparasite Babesia caballi

Vet Parasitol. 1997 Dec 15;73(1-2):53-63. doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(97)00017-4.

Abstract

A DNA probe from Babesia caballi (Bc1) was selected by antibody screening of a genomic library. The Bc1 probe hybridized specifically to B. caballi genomic DNA. A polymerase-chain-reaction-based assay for B. caballi DNA was developed from primers deduced from the probe nucleotide sequence. An amplified product of 1.6 kb was detected from as little as 500 fg B. caballi template DNA. Sensitivity increased 1000-fold when the biotin-labeled Bc1 probe was hybridized to the amplicons in a Southern blot.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Babesia / isolation & purification*
  • Babesiosis / diagnosis*
  • Biotin
  • Cattle
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA Probes
  • DNA, Protozoan / analysis
  • Genomic Library
  • Horse Diseases*
  • Horses
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA Probes
  • DNA, Protozoan
  • Biotin