Development of a single-round and multiplex PCR method for the simultaneous detection of Babesia caballi and Babesia equi in horse blood.
Abstract: With the aim of developing more simple diagnostic alternatives, a differential single-round and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was designed for the simultaneous detection of Babesia caballi and Babesia equi, by targeting 18S ribosomal RNA genes. The multiplex PCR amplified DNA fragments of 540 and 392 bp from B. caballi and B. equi, respectively, in one reaction. The PCR method evaluated on 39 blood samples collected from domestic horses in Mongolia yielded similar results to those obtained from confirmative PCR methods that had been established earlier. Thus, the single-round and multiplex PCR method offers a simple tool for the differential diagnosis of B. caballi and B. equi infections in routine diagnostic laboratory settings as well as in epidemiological studies.
Publication Date: 2005-04-09 PubMed ID: 15817201DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2004.12.018Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
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Summary
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The research paper describes a single-round and multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method for the dual detection of Babesia caballi and Babesia equi in horse blood. This method aims to simplify the diagnostic process by targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA genes of the diseases.
Objective of the Research
- The primary aim of this study was to develop an easier alternative for diagnostic processes by creating a differential single-round and multiplex PCR method. The method was designed to simultaneously detect Babesia caballi and Babesia equi by targeting 18S ribosomal RNA genes.
Material and Method
- The multiplex PCR method, in the study, specifically amplified DNA fragments of 540 and 392 base pairs (bp) from Babesia caballi and Babesia equi respectively, in a single reaction. The ability to amplify specific DNA fragments from both parasites simultaneously is the key advantage of the process.
Results and Evaluation
- This PCR method was evaluated on 39 blood samples collected from domestic horses in Mongolia. The results from this single-round and multiplex PCR method mirrored those derived from previously established confirmative PCR techniques. This similarity in results highlights the method’s accuracy and reliability.
Application and Benefits
- The simplicity and efficiency of the single-round and multiplex PCR method make it a useful tool for differentiating between B. caballi and B. equi infections. This method can be used in routine diagnostic laboratory settings as well as in wider epidemiological studies, offering a streamlined and cost-effective approach to detecting these equine diseases.
The research paper, thus, provides a comprehensive layout of a simpler and more efficient method for detecting equine blood parasites, notably, Babesia caballi and Babesia equi. This will serve to improve diagnostic procedures in veterinary medicine, especially in areas where these parasites are common.
Cite This Article
APA
Alhassan A, Pumidonming W, Okamura M, Hirata H, Battsetseg B, Fujisaki K, Yokoyama N, Igarashi I.
(2005).
Development of a single-round and multiplex PCR method for the simultaneous detection of Babesia caballi and Babesia equi in horse blood.
Vet Parasitol, 129(1-2), 43-49.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2004.12.018 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Molecular Center for ProtoZoan, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
- Babesia / genetics
- Babesia / isolation & purification
- Babesiosis / blood
- Babesiosis / diagnosis
- Babesiosis / veterinary
- DNA, Protozoan / blood
- Horse Diseases / blood
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- In Vitro Techniques
- Molecular Weight
- Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
- Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
- RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / genetics
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Sequence Alignment / veterinary
- Species Specificity
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