A Narrative Overview of Canine Babesiosis in Africa

Abstract

Canine babesiosis is a vector-borne disease of dogs with a worldwide distribution, presenting varying clinical signs depending on the host, parasite strain and climatic factors. Beyond companionship, dog meat serves as delicacy and is also used for zootherapy in some African communities. In this study, we collated and analyzed molecular biology-based diagnostic data on <i>Babesia</i> species of dogs in Africa in order to elucidate the epidemiological factors of the disease on the continent. Four <i>Babesia</i> species—<i>B. rossi</i>, <i>B</i>. <i>vogeli</i>, <i>B</i>. <i>gibsoni</i> and <i>B</i>. <i>canis</i>—were detected in Africa based on the results from 40 studies that involved the screening of 9435 dog blood samples from 83 study locations. <i>Babesia rossi</i> was the most commonly reported (aggregate detection rate = 7.7%) and was detected in samples from all the African regions except northern Africa. <i>Babesia vogeli</i> was the second most commonly reported (aggregate detection = 4.8%) and was detected in all of the African sub-regions. There were few reports of <i>B. gibsoni</i> (0.6%) in the southern and western African regions, and a single case of <i>B. canis</i> in an untraveled Nigerian dog. So far, there were no reports of <i>Babesia coco</i>, <i>Babesia conradae</i> or <i>Babesia vulpes</i> (<i>Babesia annae</i>, <i>Babesia</i> microti-like) in any of the African countries that have been confirmed by a molecular method. This study presents a synopsis of canine babesiosis in Africa, and provides an overview of common clinical signs, etiologies and risk factors that will serve as a quick guide to veterinarians to achieve timely tentative diagnosis.