EXOone Babesia microti

Description

Babesia microti is an intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite transmitted by ticks that infects a variety of mammalian hosts. Although it is mainly associated with rodents, closely related B. microti-like organisms have also been reported in dogs and other wild carnivores.
Infection may be associated with fever, lethargy, anemia and thrombocytopenia, although clinical presentation can vary depending on the host species and immune status. Subclinical carrier animals may contribute to parasite maintenance and transmission in endemic areas.
Conventional detection methods such as blood smear examination and serology may have limited sensitivity, particularly in animals with low parasitemia. Real-time PCR enables rapid, sensitive and specific detection of B. microti DNA directly from clinical samples, supporting analytical detection and surveillance.