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Babesia felis PCR testing provides molecular detection of this small piroplasm parasite that specifically affects domestic cats. This specialized test identifies the DNA of B. felis in feline blood samples, enabling an accurate diagnosis of this important cause of feline hemolytic anemia that is often challenging to detect through traditional microscopic examination due to the parasite's small size.
Feline-Specific Babesia DetectionSmall Piroplasm IdentificationLow Parasitemia DiagnosisDifferentiation from Cytauxzoon felisGeographic Distribution Assessment.png)
Babesia felis is a small intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite primarily affecting domestic cats in South Africa and surrounding regions, though cases have been reported in other parts of the world. It causes feline babesiosis, characterized by hemolytic anemia, jaundice, lethargy, and in severe cases, organ failure and death. The parasite is extremely small (0.9 x 0.7 μm) compared to other Babesia species, making PCR testing essential for accurate diagnosis since blood smear examination may miss infections with low parasitemia or be confused with other blood parasites.
Clinical Significance of B. felis Testing
Primary Anemia Cause: Major cause of hemolytic anemia in endemic areas.
Treatment Resistance: Some strains show resistance to standard treatments.
Diagnostic Challenge: Extremely small size makes microscopic detection difficult.
Geographic Expansion: Increasing relevance with changing vector distributions.
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