Comparative evaluation of blood smear examination and polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of canine babesiosis

Abstract

Vector-borne diseases affecting dogs have worldwide distribution and continue to expand at an alarming rate. Several canine vector-transmitted illnesses including filariasis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and hepatozoonosis are commonly found throughout India. This research titled "Comparative evaluation of blood smear examination and polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of canine babesiosis" examined 4304 dogs presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex at the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry in Mhow (M.P.) along with private veterinary facilities throughout Indore. The research spanned twelve months from March through February. Blood specimen collection focused on dogs displaying clinical signs including elevated body temperature, deteriorated overall health, lethargy, pallid mucous membranes, and loss of appetite for initial assessment. The gathered blood specimens underwent screening to detect babesiosis through thin blood film analysis following Giemsa staining. Among fifty specimens tested using PCR, 7(14%) produced a characteristic 380 bp amplified product confirming Babesia species infection, while only 2(4%) showed positive results for intra-erythrocytic piroplasms during microscopic evaluation. Every specimen that tested positive through microscopic analysis also demonstrated positive results via PCR testing.