Veterinary Science & Technology

Simona Di Pietro

Publications

• Research Article
  Serological and Molecular Investigations of Babesia Microti in Dogs from Southern Italy
  Author(s): Elisabetta Giudice, Simona Di Pietro, Valeria Blanda, Valentina Rita Francesca Bosco, Rossella Lelli and Alessandra TorinaElisabetta Giudice, Simona Di Pietro, Valeria Blanda, Valentina Rita Francesca Bosco, Rossella Lelli and Alessandra Torina
  
  Piroplasmosis is now considered emerging tick-borne zoonosis worldwide and domestic animals have been proposed as potential reservoirs for some piroplasm infections. The aim of this research was to identify the frequency of Babesia microti infection in untravelled dogs from Southern Italy (Sicily). Blood samples from 89 dogs were examined for the presence of Babesia microti antibodies and DNA. The dogs were infested with ticks. Among the examined dogs only one (1.16%) had B. microti antibodies, associated to B. canis, A. phagocytophilum and R. conorii infections. In the PCR assay, the dog was also found positive for B. microti and R. conorii DNA, and negative for other microorganisms. The infected dog showed a non-specific flu-like syndrome, with depression, disorexia, hyperthermia (39.6°C), light dehydration, moderate lymphadenopathy and heavy tick infestation (>20). No signi.. Read More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2157-7579.1000261

  Abstract PDF