Babesia gibsoni Infection in Dogs-A European Perspective.

Oliwier Teodorowski,Łukasz Adaszek,Stanisław Winiarczyk,Dagmara Winiarczyk,Banu Dokuzeylül,Marcin Kalinowski

doi:10.3390/ani12060730

Abstract

Simple SummaryCanine babesiosis is a tick-borne, protozoal, hemoparasitic disease caused by infection by parasites of the genus Babesia. Numerous species of Babesia exist worldwide. These protozoa are classified as either large forms (e.g., Babesia canis) or small forms (e.g., Babesia gibsoni). Reports of infections with small protozoan species are far less numerous. In most European countries where B. gibsoni has been reported, the percentage of infected dogs is around 1%. The literature review suggests that B. gibsoni should not only be considered a random and imported pathogen, but also a possible emerging parasite in Europe. The disease is much more severe than B. canis infections in most cases. Accurate molecular detection and species identification are important for selecting the correct therapy and predicting the course of the disease in dogs with babesiosis. In the future, it is expected that B. gibsoni infections may appear in other non-endemic regions in Europe, which may pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for veterinary practitioners.Canine babesiosis is a disease caused by infection with parasites of the genus Babesia. These protozoa are classified as either large (e.g., Babesia canis) or small (e.g., Babesia gibsoni). So far, only three small Babesia species of clinical importance, able to infect dogs, have been described: B. gibsoni, B. conradae, and B. vulpes. This review presents the current epidemiological situation of Babesia gibsoni infections in dogs in Europe. In most European countries where B. gibsoni has been reported, the percentage of infected dogs is around 1%. The higher prevalence of the B. gibsoni infection among American Pit Bull Terriers suggests breed susceptibility. An analysis of the available data makes it possible to conclude that B. gibsoni infections may appear in the future in other non-endemic regions of Europe, which may pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for veterinary practitioners.

Highlights

Tóthová et al [4] demonstrated that, based on the protein profile of the serum of dogs infected with protozoans, it is possible to determine which of the protozoans was the cause of infection
These authors determined that in the serum of dogs infected with B. gibsoni, a higher concentration of gamma-globulins and a markedly lower albumin concentration was observed than in dogs infected with B. canis
The variety of clinical symptoms encountered in the course of canine babesiosis due to the B. gibsoni infection is not due to the direct impact of parasites on tissues and organs, but rather the inflammatory processes induced by their presence—which affect different organs and systems to varying degrees

Summary

Introduction

The morphology of the protozoan (piroplasm merozoites) within red blood cells was used as the main taxonomic determinant These protozoa are classified as either large forms (e.g., Babesia canis) or small forms (e.g., Babesia gibsoni) (Figure 1). Tóthová et al [4] demonstrated that, based on the protein profile of the serum of dogs infected with protozoans, it is possible to determine which of the protozoans (large or small forms) was the cause of infection. These authors determined that in the serum of dogs infected with B. gibsoni, a higher concentration of gamma-globulins and a markedly lower albumin concentration was observed than in dogs infected with B. canis. It seems important to be aware of the prevalence of B. gibsoni in Europe to consider infections with these parasites in the differential diagnosis of vector-borne diseases—especially disorders involving thrombocytopenia

Pathogenesis

Distribution of Babesia gibsoni in European Countries

Findings

Conclusions