First detection and molecular identification of Babesia sp. from the giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, in China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Parasitic infections are among the important causes of death of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) that hamper their survival in the wild. There are about 35 species of parasites which have been identified in giant pandas, but no information is currently available regarding the infection of Babesia in giant pandas. Babesia spp. are common intraerythrocytic parasite in wildlife, transmitted by ixodid ticks, which cause babesiosis. Clinical signs of babesiosis include fever, hemolysis, anemia, jaundice and death.

Methods

A species of Babesia was detected in the blood of a giant panda based on morphology and PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic relationship of Babesia sp. infecting giant panda was assessed by gene sequence alignment and phyloge

SUBMITTER: Yue C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7597363 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature