Abstract

THOMAS, R. S.; SANTODOMINGO, A. M.  and  CASTRO, L. R.. Molecular detection of Babesia canis vogeli and Hepatozoon canis in dogs in the department of Magdalena (Colombia). Rev. Med. Vet. Zoot. [online]. 2020, vol.67, n.2, pp.107-122.  Epub Mar 25, 2021. ISSN 0120-2952.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rfmvz.v67n2.90701.

The canine population in the cities of Ciénaga and Santa Marta has been estimated at 54,953 based on individual dogs with owners. Due to the role that dogs play in society, either as pets or as transmitters of zoonoses to humans, we conducted a study with 169 blood samples from dogs that visited two veterinary clinics in these locations between March and September of 2017. The objective of the study was to detect species of Babesia and Hepatozoon canis by amplifying the 18S gene using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCRc). The presence of Babesia sp. and Hepatozoon canis was detected in 15 (8.87%) and 12 (7.10%) DNA samples, respectively. In addition, 7 (4.14%) cases of coinfection were recorded. The Babesia sp. sequences obtained corresponded to the B. canis vogeli subspecies. This both pathogens in the Colombian Caribbean region and cases of coinfection in Colombian dogs. Therefore, the national veterinary community is encouraged to consider the information presented here in their differential diagnoses associated with companion vector-borne diseases (CVBDs). This information will allow veterinary professionals to create control and prevention strategies to prevent the spread of these infections.

Keywords : PCR; Colombia; dogs; Babesia canis vogeli; Hepatozoon canis.

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