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Journal of arthropod-borne diseases2017; 11(3); 344-353;

Genetic Variation of the β-tubulin Gene of Babesia caballi Strains.

Abstract: Equine piroplasmosis is caused by two haemoprotozoan parasites: and . Negative economic impact on international trade has been associated to endemic sites. This is the reason why carrier detection requires reliable diagnostic methods. Various diagnostic modalities can be used alone or in combination including PCR. However, genetic variation of commonly used genes is still of debate. The aim of this research was to sequence the β-tubulin gene of a strain from Spain and to compare it with known β-tubulin sequences. Methods: DNA was isolated from a cryopreserved strain from Spain and acute and chronic carrier horses. Firstly, degenerated primer pairs were designed based on GenBank sequences of different and species for sequencing. The primers were redesigned to amplify both parasites, simultaneously. Finally, a species-specific primer pair for was designed and a Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism-PCR (PCR-RFLP) assay performed to know the difference of known strains. Results: We provided new insights of the β-tubulin gene and a good molecular coverage of this gene, contributing with a number of useful primers to amplify and . Moreover, PCR-RFLP assays based on the exon II of this gene confirmed the causative strain in Spanish horses. Conclusions: We reported useful primer pairs for diagnostic and a new sequence of the β-tubulin gene of , which will facilitate the development of future assays and the detection of infected horses, preventing thus the spread of this disease worldwide.
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Publication Date: 2017-09-08 PubMed ID: 29322051PubMed Central: PMC5758630
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study revolves around the genetic variance of the β-tubulin gene in Babesia caballi strains, a parasite causing equine piroplasmosis. The researchers aim to sequence this gene from a Spanish strain and compare it with existing sequences, leading to the development of more reliable diagnostic methods.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers started by isolating DNA from a Babesia caballi strain cryopreserved in Spain and from horses that were acute and chronic carriers of the parasite.
  • Initial primer pairs were devised based on GenBank sequences from different Babesia and Theileria species for sequencing purposes.
  • These primers were then reformed to amplify both parasites simultaneously.
  • Finally, a species-specific primer pair for Babesia caballi was crafted and a PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction – Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) assay was executed to distinguish known Babesia caballi strains.

Key Findings

  • Researchers provided fresh insights into the β-tubulin gene and contributed a number of useful primers to amplify Babesia and Theileria.
  • Through PCR-RFLP assays based on the second exon of the β-tubulin gene, the study confirmed the causative Babesia caballi strain in Spanish horses.

Conclusion and Future Implications

  • The study contributed useful primer pairs for diagnostic purposes and a new sequence of the β-tubulin gene of Babesia caballi.
  • Such findings will aid in the development of future tests and the detection of infected horses, thereby preventing the global spread of equine piroplasmosis.

Cite This Article

APA
Montes-Cortés MG, Fernández-García JL, Martínez-Estéllez MÁH. (2017). Genetic Variation of the β-tubulin Gene of Babesia caballi Strains. J Arthropod Borne Dis, 11(3), 344-353.

Publication

Journal of arthropod-borne diseases
ISSN: 2322-1984
NlmUniqueID: 101593448
Country: Iran
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 3
Pages: 344-353

Researcher Affiliations

Montes-Cortés, María Guadalupe
  • Parasitology and Parasitological Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
Fernández-García, José Luis
  • Genetics and Animal Breeding, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
Martínez-Estéllez, Miguel Ángel Habela
  • Parasitology and Parasitological Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Montes Cortés MG, Fernández-García JL, Habela Martínez-Estéllez MÁ. Seroprevalence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in horses in Spain. Parasite 2017;24:14.
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