Evaluation of multiplex PCR assay for detection of Babesia spp, Ehrlichia canis and Trypanosoma evansi in dogs.

A multiplex PCR test was evaluated to detect the DNA of three important dog haemoparasites by comparing with singular PCR counterpart on clinical blood samples of dogs in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Initial screening of samples was done by microscopic examination of peripheral blood smear and singular PCR and those found exclusively positive for Babesia spp, Ehrlichia canis and Trypanosoma evansi and concurrent infections were used to standardize multiplex PCR. Amplicons of 619 bp, 377 bp and 227 bp corresponding to Babesia spp (18S rRNA gene), E.