biostudies-literatureMedkour HNational Research AgencyE356https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7143920biostudies-literatureUnknown8(3)Kinetoplastids are protozoa containing a range of ubiquitous free_living species-pathogens of invertebrates, vertebrates and even some plants. Some of them are causative agents of canine vector-borne diseases. Their diagnosis is often missing in a gold standard. Here, we proposed a molecular approach for the diagnosis and study of Kinetoplastida. The TaqMan qPCR assays target the following genes: 24Sa LSU of Kinetoplastida, 28S LSU of Leishmania/ Trypanosoma spp., 5.8S rRNA of Trypanosoma spp., 18S SSU of Leishmania spp., kinetoplast minicircle DNA (kDNA) of L. donovani complex and kDNA of L. infantum, were designed, validated for their sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) in silico and in vitro using a panel of known DNAs. They were then used to screen 369 blood samples (358 dogs, 2 equiMicroorganismsNew Molecular Approach for the Detection of Kinetoplastida Parasites of Medical and Veterinary Interest.PMC7143920ANR-10-IAHU-03Medkour HVarloud MMediannikov ODavoust BfalseNew Molecular Approach for the Detection of Kinetoplastida Parasites of Medical and Veterinary Interest.Kinetoplastids are protozoa containing a range of ubiquitous free_living species-pathogens of invertebrates, vertebrates and even some plants. Some of them are causative agents of canine vector-borne diseases. Their diagnosis is often missing in a gold standard. Here, we proposed a molecular approach for the diagnosis and study of Kinetoplastida. The TaqMan qPCR assays target the following genes: 24Sa LSU of Kinetoplastida, 28S LSU of Leishmania/ Trypanosoma spp., 5.8S rRNA of Trypanosoma spp., 18S SSU of Leishmania spp., kinetoplast minicircle DNA (kDNA) of L. donovani complex and kDNA of L. infantum, were designed, validated for their sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) in silico and in vitro using a panel of known DNAs. They were then used to screen 369 blood samples (358 dogs, 2 equi2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 Mar2025-06-01T01:55:03.141Z2020-05-22T17:01:18ZS-EPMC71439203213145810.3390/microorganisms8030356