Molecular Detection

Molecular detection of Babesia species including but not limited to B. microti, B. duncani and B. divergens in clinical specimens.

Whole blood.  Minimum required volume is 0.5 mL.

Collect blood in EDTA tubes. Avoid heparin. Do not centrifuge. Aseptically collect sample into sterile, leak-proof containers made of freeze-thaw and shatter-resistant plastic, without additives.

Store specimens refrigerated up to 5days and ship with freezer packs. If > 5 days, store at – 20 °C and ship on dry ice.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Appropriate clinical symptoms with potential exposure to Ixodes spp. ticks. Symptoms of infection with Babesia sp. include fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, or fatigue although many individuals are asymptomatic. Babesiosis can be a severe, life-threatening disease, particularly in the elderly, asplenic, or immunocompromised individuals.

Completed Requisition for Molecular Testing for Selected Zoonotic Agents. If possible, include the clinical history and lab results performed at local or provincial laboratories.

Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume, or are not accompanied by relevant patient information. This test is performed for investigational purposes.

Testing is performed, in whole or in part, using a lab-developed test which has not been fully validated/verified.

Extracted DNA is screened by in-house real-time PCR assays specific for Babesia spp. Samples that have screened positive are subject to confirmatory testing.

Initiation of antibiotic and/or antiparasitic treatment prior to testing may result in decreased bacterial genome which will affect the outcome of PCR testing.

21 calendar days.

1. Nakajima, R., Tsuji, M., Oda, K., et al. 2009. Babesia microti-group parasites compared phylogenetically by complete sequencing of the CCT? gene in 36 isolates. J. Vet. Med. Sci. 71(1): 55-68, 2009.
2. Persing, D.H., Mathiesen, D., Marshall, W.F., Telford, S.R., Spielman, A., Thomford, J.W., Conrad, P.A. Detection of Babesia microti by polymerase chain reaction. J Clin Microbiol 1992;30:2097-103.