Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Babesia gibsoni infection in 3-month-old Pit-bull pup in South Africa
By Matjila, P T et al.·Published in Journal of the South African Veterinary Association·2007·Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Molecular characterisation of Babesia gibsoni infection from a pit-bull terrier pup recently imported into South Africa.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 3-month-old Pit-bull puppy was diagnosed with a blood infection caused by Babesia gibsoni during a routine check-up. The puppy showed signs of moderate anemia and low platelet counts, which were confirmed through blood tests. Initially, the vet treated the puppy with a medication called diminazene aceturate, followed by another drug, imidocarb diproprionate, but the infection was still detected two weeks later. The vet then switched to a combination of atovaquone and azithromycin, and follow-up tests showed no signs of the infection 40 days after treatment.
People also search for: puppy Babesia gibsoni treatment · Pit-bull anemia symptoms · blood infection in dogs treatment
Abstract
Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia gibsoni was diagnosed in a 3-month-old Pit-bull pup during a routine clinical examination. Diagnosis was confirmed by way of smear examination, PCR, Reverse Line Blot (RLB) and sequence analysis which showed 100% homology with B. gibsoni (Japan AB118032) and Babesia sp. (Oklahoma) (AF205636). Haematology showed moderate anaemia and severe thrombocytopenia. Treatment was initiated with diminazene aceturate (Berenil RTU) followed by 2 doses of imidocarb diproprionate (Forray-65) 3 days and 14 days later, respectively. Babesia gibsoni DNA was still detectable 2 weeks post-treatment on the PCR/RLB test. A 10-day course of combination drug therapy using atovaquone and azithromycin was initiated. Blood samples taken on Day 1 and Day 40 after completion of treatment were negative for B. gibsoni DNA on PCR/RLB test. The implications of a possible introduction of B. gibsoni into South Africa are discussed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17665757/