Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Babesia gibsoni infection found in 30% of dogs in Bangladesh
By Terao, Masashi et al.·Published in Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases·2015·Department of Disease Control, Japan·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Molecular detection and genetic diversity of Babesia gibsoni in dogs in Bangladesh.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of stray dogs in Bangladesh was found to be infected with a parasite called Babesia gibsoni, which can cause fever and anemia. Out of 50 dogs tested, 15 were positive for the parasite, indicating a significant presence in the area. The study revealed that these parasites are genetically distinct from those found in other Asian countries, suggesting a unique strain in Bangladesh. This information is important for understanding how the parasite spreads and affects dogs in the region. Further research is needed to learn more about how to manage and treat infections caused by Babesia gibsoni in dogs.
People also search for: dog fever Babesia gibsoni · stray dog parasites Bangladesh · symptoms of Babesia in dogs
Abstract
Babesia gibsoni is a tick-borne hemoprotozoan parasite of dogs that often causes fever and hemolytic illness. Detection of B. gibsoni has been predominantly reported in Asian countries, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Bangladesh and India. The present study shows the first molecular characterization of B. gibsoni detected from dogs in Bangladesh. Blood samples were collected on FTA® Elute cards from 50 stray dogs in Mymensingh District in Bangladesh. DNA eluted from the cards was subjected to nested PCR for the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia species. Approximately 800bp PCR products were detected in 15 of 50 dogs (30%). Based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and direct sequencing of the PCR products, all parasite isolates were identified as B. gibsoni. Furthermore, the BgTRAP (B. gibsoni thrombospondin-related adhesive protein) gene fragments were detected in 13 of 15 18S rRNA gene PCR positive blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the BgTRAP gene revealed that B. gibsoni parasites in Bangladesh formed a cluster, which was genetically different from other Asian B. gibsoni isolates. In addition, tandem repeat analysis of the BgTRAP gene clearly showed considerable genetic variation among Bangladeshi isolates. These results suggested that B. gibsoni parasites in a different genetic clade are endemic in dogs in Bangladesh. Further studies are required to elucidate the origin, distribution, vector and pathogenesis of B. gibsoni parasites circulating in dogs in Bangladesh.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25620376/