3277. ПЛР. Babesia spp. (кров, якісне визначення)

Babesiosis is a natural focal zoonotic disease transmitted through the bites of ixodid ticks and caused by protozoa of the genus Babesia, which parasitize within erythrocytes, causing their destruction.

Laboratory diagnostics using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is aimed at detecting specific DNA fragments of intraerythrocytic parasites of the genus Babesia, enabling identification of the pathogen's genetic material and confirmation of its role in the development of infection. This molecular test is highly sensitive and clinically valuable for screening and diagnostic verification in patients from endemic regions presenting with symptoms of acute fever, particularly in cases where direct microscopy of peripheral blood smears stained by the Romanowsky-Giemsa method yields a negative result or is inconclusive due to low levels of parasitemia or atypical parasite morphology.

PCR demonstrates maximum informative value at the early stages of acute infection, when the concentration of parasite DNA in the blood is at its highest, making this method an indispensable tool for timely diagnosis of babesiosis.

Testing for babesiosis is indicated, particularly in risk groups and following contact with ticks or animals affected by piroplasmosis, in the following cases:

• inconclusive or negative blood smear/microscopy results;
• fever of unknown origin following a tick bite;
• hemolytic anemia;
• thrombocytopenia;
• influenza-like symptoms (fever, chills, sweating, weakness);
• suspected co-infection with Lyme disease or other vector-borne infections;
• differential diagnosis of malaria;
• donor blood screening (based on epidemiological indications);

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: