Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Anaplasma and Babesia infections lower platelets in remote Australian
By Brown, G K et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2006·School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Detection of Anaplasma platys and Babesia canis vogeli and their impact on platelet numbers in free-roaming dogs associated with remote Aboriginal communities in Australia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of free-roaming dogs in remote Aboriginal communities in Australia were tested for two infections, Anaplasma platys and Babesia canis vogeli, after some showed signs of low platelet counts, which can lead to bleeding problems. Out of 215 dogs, 32% were found to have Anaplasma platys, 10% had Babesia canis vogeli, and 11% were infected with both. The study revealed that infected dogs, especially younger ones, had significantly lower platelet counts compared to healthy dogs, with many showing signs of thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels). Treatment options for these infections were not detailed, but recognizing the symptoms early can help manage the health of affected dogs.
People also search for: dog low platelet count symptoms · Anaplasma platys treatment · Babesia canis vogeli in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To detect Anaplasma platys and Babesia canis vogeli infection, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays, in free-roaming dogs associated with eight Aboriginal communities in remote areas of Australia and to determine the impact of infection through the assessment of platelet numbers. PROCEDURES: Blood samples from 215 dogs were screened by PCR for A platys and B canis vogeli using established genus-specific DNA primers for the 16S and 18S rRNA genes respectively. Both A platys DNA and B canis vogeli DNA were confirmed from the screening PCR either by sequencing or by the use of species-specific primers. Peripheral blood films from 92 of the 215 dogs were used to estimate platelet numbers through an indirect method. RESULTS: Of 215 dogs, 69 (32%) were positive for A platys, 22 (10%) for B canis vogeli and 24 (11%) for both. The two organisms were detected singularly and as coinfection in all communities. For the 92 dogs in which peripheral blood films were examined, the mean estimated platelet counts for the non-infected dogs was 318 x 10(9)/L, those infected with A platys alone was 256 x 10(9)/L, those with B canis vogeli alone was 276 x 10(9)/L and those infected with both parasites was 169 x 10(9)/L. In young dogs, infection produced significantly decreased mean platelet counts when compared to uninfected dogs. Thrombocytopenia (< 200 x 10(9)/L) was detected in 18 (51%) dogs infected with A platys alone, 3 (33%) dogs infected with B canis vogeli alone, 13 (72%) dogs coinfected, and 8 (27%) uninfected dogs. CONCLUSIONS: A platys and B canis vogeli infection, either singularly or together, was widespread in free roaming dogs associated with remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory and north-western New South Wales. Moreover, both A platys and B canis vogeli infections were associated with a reduction in mean platelet numbers in dog populations, particularly in young dogs. The fact that 51% of dogs infected with A platys alone and 72% dogs coinfected were thrombocytopenic compared to 27% of uninfected dogs suggests that the organism alone or in combination with B canis vogeli has the potential to cause thrombocytopenia and perhaps contribute to a clinical bleeding disorder in infected dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16958629/