Detection of Babesia bigemina infection: use of a DNA probe--a review.
The development of a repetitive DNA probe for Babesia bigemina was reviewed. The original plasmid (p(Bbi)16) contained an insert of B. bigemina DNA of approximately 6.3 kb. This probe has been evaluated for specificity and analytical sensitivity by dot blot hybridization with isolates from Mexico, the Caribbean region and Kenya. A partial restriction map has been constructed and insert fragments have been subcloned and utilized as specific DNA probes. A comparison of 32P labelled and non-radioactive DNA probes was presented. Non-radioactive detection systems that have been used include digoxigenin dUTP incorporation, and detection by colorimetric substrate methods. Derivatives from the original DNA probe have been utilized to detect B. bigemina infection in a) experimentally inoculated cattle, b) field exposed cattle, c) infected Boophilus microplus ticks, and d) the development of a PCR amplification system.
Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211.
G M
GM
Buening
J V
JV
Figueroa
D000818:Animals; D001403:Babesia / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001404:Babesiosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology; D017691:Caribbean Region; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology; D015342:DNA Probes; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D007630:Kenya; D008800:Mexico; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013987:Ticks / Q000469:parasitology
D015342:DNA Probes; D016054:DNA, Protozoan