A Molecular Study on Visceral Leishmaniasis and Babesiosis in Domestic Dogs of Meshkinshahr, Ardabil Province

 Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most important endemic diseases in Meshkinshahr. The present study was aimed to molecular detect of VL and babesiosis in clot blood samples taken from dogs.

 In this experimental study, a total number of 148 blood samples were collected from dogs with clinical signs of visceral leishmaniasis from Meshkinshahr area. All serum samples were examined by direct agglutination test (DAT). DNA was extracted from the blood clot with the DNG-plus Extraction Kit. The ITS1 and kDNA genes of L. infantum were amplified by the PCR method. To identify and confirm the existence of Babesia parasites, 2 pairs of Babesia-specific primers were used.

 All of 148 dogs (100%) showed titers more than 1:320 of L. infantum infection in the serological test. L. infantum kDNA was detected by PCR in all samples. No cases of infection with Babesia parasite found in the samples.

 The dog owners in Meshkinshehr are in close contact with dogs which are positive for VL, so, the implementation of health care in this region is highly recommended.