Molecular Detection of Babesia spp. Using PCR On Dogs at Bogor and Jakarta

Abstract

Canine babesiosisis a disease caused by infection of Babesia spp. blood parasite. Information regarding detection of Babesia spp. parasites on dogs are still limited and molecular approach using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an uncommon method used in Indonesia. Due to that, the aim of this study was to detect Babesia spp. blood parasite on dogs from Bogor and Jakarta by molecular approach using PCR. A total of 56 dog blood samples were collected from Bogor and Jakarta. In this study, morphological presence of blood parasites was examined using blood smear method with 10% Giemsa staining. Next, presence of parasite DNA was detected using PCR with 18S rRNA target gene gene. In addition, hematology profile was conducted in this study. The results show that two samples (12.5%) of mixed breed dogs from Bogor was detected positive for Babesia spp. through blood smear and PCR method. Based on the results of the hematology profile, a decrease in red blood cells indicates blood parasite infection and an increase in white blood cells indicates an immune response towards blood parasite infection. This study provides information regarding blood parasite infection of Babesia spp., hence prevention and control programs of this parasite are very important to be conducted. Furthermore, detection of Babesia spp. blood parasite using PCR method can be used as a reference in diagnosis.