How to diagnose and treat dog babesiosis in Pakistan

Abstract

Babesiosis is tick borne, intraerythrocytic parasitic, economically significant disease of dogs, livestock, horses, and rodents [1]. More than 100 species of Babesia are known to cause disease in different species, Babesia canis, Babesia gibsoni, and Babesia annae are species of Babesia causing disease in dogs [2]. B. canis is about 4 times more prevalent than B. gibsoni in Pakistan [3] Babesia has been placed in order Aconoidasida, family Piroplasmida, and genus babesidae [National Centre for biotechnology Information: taxonomy browser]. This disease has not only veterinary importance but also has zoonotic potential. B. microti and B. divergens species mostly infect humans [1]. Rhipicephalus species of ticks are major vector for the transmission of disease however Dermacentor reticularis transmit Babesia canis, Haemaphysalis bispinosa and Haemaphysalis longicornis transmit Babesia gibsoni. Anemia and fever are main clinical manifestations of Babesiosis in dog due to intravascular and extravascular hemolysis [4]. In Lahore-Pakistan, overall prevalence of canine Babesiosis was found to be 12.49% and 13.97% in the years of 2004 and 2005, respectively [3]. It is reported that categories of male dogs, young age <2 years and cross-bred are more prone to babesiosis as compared to their other respective categories [5]. Disease can be controlled with the use of tick sprays, hygienic conditions and communicating dog owners about control strategies. Disease is hyper-endemic in summer as compared to other seasons [3]. This increased prevalence in summer is related with increased tick population in this season. Due to hot and humid weather of Pakistan, occurrence of babesiosis is being increased. In this report, diagnosis and treatment regime for canine babesiosis case has been described.