2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

These findings provide further evidence that a genetic predisposition to B. burgdorferi infection exists. As studies have investigated common genotypes and alleles among humans with Lyme borreliosis and arthritis, this should also be considered in future studies of canine Lyme borreliosis. Babesia gibsoni is commonly identified in pit bull-type dogs, particularly those involved in dogfights. Dogs seized from fighting operations undergo health and behavior evaluations to assess suitability for adoption. Adoption carries the risk for sending dogs harboring infectious diseases to unsuspecting owners or to regions where the infections are not endemic. Screening large numbers of dogs for infectious diseases is expensive and it may be days before results are available. A more rapid and cost-effective diagnostic test would make identification and treatment of B. gibsoni infected dogs more feasible for rescue organizations. Recently, the development of insulated isothermic PCR (iiPCR) has made mobile PCR a reality. The purpose of this study was to determine performance of the POCKIT Ã’ iiPCR system for diagnosis of B. gibsoni in dogs rescued from fighting organizations.