SYBR green-based real-time PCR detection of canine Babesia spp. in ixodid ticks infesting dogs in Kerala, South India

Lavinia Wahlang,Aravindakshan Thazhathuveetil,Bindu Lakshmanan,Anu Bosewell,Jain Jose,Naicy Thomas,Sunanda Chulliyil

doi:10.3906/vet-1901-44

Abstract

Ticks, being hematophagous ectoparasites, are notorious vectors that transmit an array of pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and protozoa while simultaneously exhibiting a zoonotic potential by transmitting pathogens that affect the health of owners in contact. The distribution of ixodid ticks of the genera Rhipicephalus and Haemaphysalis spp. in tropical climate of the state contributes to many serious tick-borne parasitic and rickettsial infections in domestic and wild canines. In south India, canine babesiosis is one of the most prevalent vector-borne parasitic diseases. Detection of parasites in tick vectors has significant epidemiological implications. The present study was designed to identify the presence of the most common vector-borne parasites of dogs in ixodid ticks using sensitive detection protocols. SYBR green-based real-time protocols detected Babesia vogeli in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, while B. gibsoni was detected in R. sanguineus (s.l.) and Haemaphysalis bispinosa. The present study points out the need to reinvestigate the vectorial capacity of ticks in different geographical regions.

Highlights

Ticks are notorious vectors of pathogenic viruses, bacteria and protozoa of veterinary, medical and zoonotic importance
Though B. vogeli is transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.), and B. gibsoni by Haemaphysalis longicornis and R. sanguineus(s.l.) ticks [7], the reports of B. vogeli in Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus [8] and that of B. gibsoni in H. bispinosa [6], warrants further investigation using sensitive detection protocols
In comparison to the results of real-time PCR, lesser number of R. sanguineus (s.l.) ticks pools were tested positive for B. vogeli (n = 2) and B. gibsoni (n = 17)

Summary

Introduction

Ticks are notorious vectors of pathogenic viruses, bacteria and protozoa of veterinary, medical and zoonotic importance. A study was proposed to standardise real-time PCR protocols to explore the presence of the most common canine Babesia spp in ixodid ticks and to compare the results with conventional PCR detection. The conventional PCR was performed separately for B. vogeli and B. gibsoni using a gradient thermal cycling program (MG Mini, Biorad, USA) with the same set of primers and controls.

Results

Conclusion