Where are ticks tested for piroplasmosis? - briefly
Testing for piroplasmosis in ticks is carried out in veterinary or entomological diagnostic laboratories equipped for molecular assays such as PCR and sequencing, as well as in field surveillance programs that collect specimens from endemic regions. These facilities analyze both pooled and individual tick samples to detect Babesia or Theileria infections.
Where are ticks tested for piroplasmosis? - in detail
Ticks are examined for piroplasm infections in three principal settings: field collection sites, regional diagnostic laboratories, and specialized research institutions.
In the field, acarologists collect specimens from habitats known to host tick populations—pasturelands, forest edges, wildlife reserves, and domestic animal pens. Samples are placed in insulated containers with moist cotton to preserve viability and transported to the nearest diagnostic center within 24 hours.
Regional diagnostic laboratories, often affiliated with veterinary services or public‑health agencies, receive these specimens for routine screening. Typical facilities include:
- State veterinary diagnostic labs (e.g., USDA‑APHIS labs in the United States, Animal and Plant Health Agency laboratories in the United Kingdom).
- National reference centers for tick‑borne diseases (e.g., Institut Pasteur in France, National Centre for Vector‑Borne Diseases in Kenya).
- Provincial or municipal veterinary labs that support local livestock health programs.
Specialized research institutions conduct advanced testing, such as molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis. Prominent examples are:
- University laboratories with dedicated vector‑biology departments (e.g., Ohio State University, University of Pretoria).
- International collaborative centers (e.g., the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s Tick‑Borne Disease Network, the World Organisation for Animal Health reference laboratories).
Diagnostic methods applied at these locations include microscopic examination of Giemsa‑stained smears, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting 18S rRNA or cytochrome b genes, and next‑generation sequencing for strain identification. Results are entered into national surveillance databases, informing control strategies for livestock and wildlife health.