Molecular detection of Babesia Spp by PCR in a spotted deer (Axis axis)

A fatal infection of Babesia spp in a spotted deer was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. A two and half year-old male spotted deer was brought to the Veterinary Clinical complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli with a history of being rescued from the jungle for having intermittent seizures. Clinical examination revealed lateral recumbency with no response to stimuli, occasional convulsions with unilateral nystagmus on the right eye. Animal had involuntary dribbling of haemoglobinuria. The clinicopathological examination revealed neutrophilia and eosinophilia, elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen, bilirubin and reduced protein, blood glucose levels. Urinalysis revealed numerous RBCs with bilirubin crystals and few amorphous crystals. The whole blood sample was sent to molecular investigation by targeting 18S rRNA gene which showed amplification of Babesia Spp. in PCR at 619bp. Even though the animal showed some improvement in the treatment on second day but succumbed on third day.