Open AccessSpecies-specific PCR assay for the detection of Babesia odocoilei
Author(s) -
Hilary J. Burgess,
Betty Lockerbie,
Lisanework E. Ayalew,
Antonia Dibernardo,
Kristýna Hrazdilová,
David Modrý,
Trent K. Bollinger
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.529
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1943-4936
pISSN - 1040-6387
DOI - 10.1177/10406387211032927
Subject(s) - amplicon , biology , theileria , babesia , polymerase chain reaction , gene , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , virology , parasite hosting , world wide web , computer science
We developed a PCR assay for the detection of Babesia odocoilei based on the 18S rRNA gene. Multiple specimens of B. odocoilei were examined, and the assay consistently produced a small specific PCR product of 306 bp. The PCR assay was also challenged with DNA from 13 other Babesia species and 2 Theileria species, originating from 10 different host species; however, nonspecific DNA amplification and multiple banding patterns were observed, and the amplicon banding patterns varied between different isolates of the same species. Sensitivity was determined to be 6.4 pg of DNA, and an estimated 0.0001% parasitism. This assay can be utilized for species-specific differential detection of B. odocoilei.