Recent research conducted by myself at Onderstepoort, South Africa is
suggesting the presence of a congenital Babesia equi carrier infection in
new-born foals. The parasite can be demonstrated by PCR/DNA probe analysis
but not by in-vitro culture or microscopy (parasitaemia estimated to be
around .000003% parasitised erythrocytes - too low for microscopy). Has
anyone else found any evidence of a carrier condition of this kind??
Can anyone think of another method of demonstrating the parasite to confirm
the molecular biology diagnosis? Personally I do not doubt the MB results
but I need to prove them!
Can anyone please help??
Please email me directly if possible.
Thank you in advance
Brychan Lewis (brychan at op1.up.ac.za)
Faculty of Veterinary Science
University of Pretoria
Onderstepoort
South Africa
