Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Babesia and Ehrlichia infections in dogs with tick exposure in Hong
By Muguiro, Daniela Hernandez et al.·Published in Preventive veterinary medicine·2023·City University of Hong Kong, China·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence of Babesia and Ehrlichia in owned dogs with suspected tick-borne infection in Hong Kong, and risk factors associated with Babesia gibsoni.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In Hong Kong, a study found that many dogs suspected of having tick-borne infections tested positive for Babesia gibsoni, a parasite that can cause serious health issues. Out of 1,508 dogs tested, nearly 29% had Babesia, with mixed breed dogs being more likely to be infected than purebreds. Older dogs over 10 years old were less likely to have this infection. Symptoms to watch for include low platelet counts, which could indicate Babesia infection even if other blood counts are normal. If your dog shows signs of tick-borne illness, especially with blood test abnormalities, it's important to discuss testing for Babesia gibsoni with your veterinarian.
People also search for: dog tick-borne infection symptoms · Babesia gibsoni treatment · mixed breed dog health issues · dog blood test low platelets
Abstract
Babesiosis and ehrlichiosis are the most clinically significant tick-borne infections in dogs. Although epidemiological investigations of these diseases have been performed in some Asian regions, little data is available in Hong Kong, where competent vector tick species are endemic. The objectives of this study were to determine the molecular prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and Babesia species (B. canis, B. gibsoni, B. vogeli) in owned dogs suspected of tick-borne infection in Hong Kong and to identify risk factors associated with B. gibsoni infection. Electronic records from the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of City University of Hong Kong were searched to identify canine blood samples submitted for molecular testing of these pathogens by real time PCR between March 2018 and May 2021. Electronic patient records from the affiliated veterinary hospital were searched to identify a subset of tested dogs to investigate the potential risk factors for B. gibsoni infection using logistic regression models. Among 1508 tested dogs for all four pathogens of interest, Babesia spp. were detected in 435 (28.8%) and E. canis in 112 (7.4%). Babesia gibsoni was detected in 408 dogs while B. vogeli was detected in 27 dogs. Babesia canis was not detected in any dog. Co-infections of different combinations of B. gibsoni, B. vogeli and E. canis were present in 25 dogs. In multivariable logistic regression, mixed breed dogs were more likely to be infected with B. gibsoni than purebreds (P = 0.005), while dogs > 10 years of age were less likely to be infected than younger dogs (P = 0.019). Hematological abnormalities significantly associated with B. gibsoni infection included thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, or pancytopenia. Babesiosis caused by B. gibsoni is a common infection in owned dogs suspected of tick-borne infection in Hong Kong. The risk factors reported should be considered in diagnosing dogs suspected of infection with this agent. Furthermore, consideration for testing for B. gibsoni infection should be given if the results of a complete blood count show thrombocytopenia even in the absence of anemia, neutropenia or pancytopenia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37004500/