Canine filariasis and babesiosis are serious vector-borne diseases, often undetected in asymptomatic dogs. This hidden prevalence complicates disease control, as subclinical carriers may continue transmission. This study determined the prevalence of asymptomatic infections and explored potential links between breed types. Blood samples were collected from dogs brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for illnesses, vaccination, sterilization, and regular health check-ups. Babesia and filarial worms were morphologically identified through Giemsa-stained thin blood smears and Modified Knott's Technique, respectively. Infections were confirmed using conventional PCR, targeting the 18S rRNA gene for babesiosis and the 5.8S-ITS2-28S region for filariasis, following bi-directional sequencing. The prevalence and infection intensity were compared among gender, age, and breed of dogs. Among the 160 dogs tested, 35.0% and 16.3% were positive for infections of Babesia and Dirofilaria, respectively, of which 88.0% showed no clinical signs. A higher prevalence of Babesia infection was observed in crossbred (51%) than purebred dogs (26%; Chi square test, χ2 = 10.318, p = 0.001), as well as with filaria infection (crossbred 42%; purebred 1%; χ2 = 46.866, p < 0.05). The intensity of Dirofilaria infection (2.14 ± 5.71) was higher in crossbred dogs than purebred dogs (0.03 ± 0.30; Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001). Sequencing of the amplified products confirmed the presence of Babesia gibsoni and Dirofilaria repens. Asymptomatic cases of filariasis and babesiosis among dogs reveal a persistent clinical burden, with crossbred dogs acting as subclinical reservoirs. This silent transmission complicates early detection and facilitates continued spread within the domestic canine population. This highlights the importance of routine screening across all breeds to introduce preventive and control measures to curb disease persistence.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Babesia infection in water buffaloes in the Nile Delta, Egypt.

Babesia is a parasite transmitted by the Ixodes tick and has the potential to be transfusion transmitted. Climate change and changing Ixodes tick distributions in Canada raised questions about the impact of Babesia on the blood supply. Following a risk-based decision making (RBDM) process, Canadian Blood Services initiated a multi-year Babesia nucleic acid test (NAT) surveillance program in 2024. The first year of the project focused on a region (Manitoba, Canada) previously determined by the RBDM analysis to be of highest risk for Babesia NAT-positive donations. The aim of this study is to provide an update on this multi-year surveillance project that will shape our understanding of Babesia epidemiology in multiple Canadian provinces. From July 11, 2024 to November 9, 2024, samples were collected in Roche Whole Blood Collection tubes at all whole blood donation sites in Manitoba. Specimens underwent one-time individual testing on the cobas Babesia NAT on the Roche cobas 6800 platform (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany). Clinical cases of babesiosis were reviewed for the period 2013-2025. Of the 13,608 (98%) whole blood donations tested by Babesia NAT, none were positive. Clinical case rates of babesiosis in Manitoba ranged from 0 to 0.13 per 100,000 population annually. Changing climate and Ixodes tick distributions have led to concerns that the epidemiology of Babesia infection in Canadian blood donors is increasing. Babesia NAT on specimens from an elevated-risk area for Babesia infection in Canada did not identify Babesia-positive blood donors.

The present study evaluated the diagnostic performance of conventional microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assays for the detection of Babesia infections in dogs, including semi-nested PCR (SN-PCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene and single-round PCR (SR-PCR) assays targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) genes for B. gibsoni and B. vogeli, respectively. Mitochondrial sequence variation was further assessed by integrating newly generated sequences from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (central India), with global reference datasets. A total of 100 blood samples from dogs suspected of having haemoprotozoan infections were analysed between June 2022 and May 2023. Microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained smears detected Babesia parasites in 13% of the samples, whereas the 18S rRNA SN-PCR assay identified infections in 29%, comprising B. gibsoni (25%) and B. vogeli (4%). Representative sequences showed 98-99% identity with corresponding GenBank reference sequences. Representative sequences showed 98-99% identity with corresponding GenBank reference sequences. Compared with SN-PCR, microscopy demonstrated moderate sensitivity but perfect specificity, resulting in an overall diagnostic accuracy of 84.0% (p < 0.01). Mitochondrial SR-PCR assays detected B. gibsoni and B. vogeli in 5% and 4% of the samples, respectively. The cytb-based assay showed higher sensitivity and a significant diagnostic association (p < 0.01) than the cox1 assay, whereas the cox1 assay demonstrated lower sensitivity with a non-significant association (p > 0.05). All PCR assays showed 100% specificity and positive predictive value. Bayesian phylogenetic and haplotype analyses indicated that B. gibsoni cytb sequences formed a monophyletic lineage with limited regional structuring, with Indian isolates clustering within a distinct sub-lineage. In contrast, B. vogeli cox1 sequences exhibited low global diversity with a dominant shared haplotype across geographic regions. The 18S rRNA SN-PCR assay showed the highest sensitive method for detecting Babesia infections in dogs. Mitochondrial markers (cytb and cox1) supported species confirmation and comparative phylogenetic assessment, highlighting the complementary value of nuclear and mitochondrial gene targets for molecular surveillance and control of canine babesiosis in India.

A non-descript dog aged 4 years old was presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam with the history of fever for the past 3 days, black coloured soft stool, dark yellow urine, loss of hair on the back of the body, lethargy, itching, chronic obesity and irregular treatment with thyroxine. On clinical examination, temperature was found to be 104.6℉, congested visible mucous membrane, severe alopecia on the back particularly in the tail and neck region and hyperpigmentation, dry hair coat, presence of ticks, and lethargic. The body weight of the dog was 35.6 kilograms. Detailed haemato-biochemical examination revealed low haemoglobin, TEC, total thyroxine (TT4) and blood urea nitrogen. Peripheral blood smear examination was positive Babesia gibsoni. Based on clinical and haemato-biochemical examinations, and microscopy, the dog was diagnosed to be suffering from primary hypothyroidism with concurrent with babesia infection. The therapeutic approach adopted in this case (a) babesia infection was treated using Diminazine aceturate, metronidazole, doxycycline, clindamycin and other supportive drugs (b) primary hypothyroidism was managed using Thyroxine sodium. Supportives like iron supplements, antiemetics, acid blockers, essential fatty acids (Omega 3 Omega 6), Vitamin A supplement and B-complexes were given for approximately one month. Noticeable clinical improvement was seen along with improved haemato-biochemical parameters by day 30 post treatment and blood smear was negative for babesia organism and T4 level increased to 1.3 mcg/dl. Thyroxine sodium @ 250 mcg, orally once daily was advised to be continued lifelong with regular evaluation at 3 months interval. This work reports the successful management of hypothyroidism and babesiosis.

PurposeBovine babesiosis poses a serious threat to cattle in tropical and subtropical regions. This study compared 3 methods to detect babesiosis in naturally infected cattle; microscopy, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and conventional PCR (cPCR), in Egypt’s New Valley Governorate.MethodsA total of 339 tick-infested cattle were examined for Babesia infection. Microscopic examination was done. Genomic DNA extraction for the LAMP and PCR assays was carried out. LAMP was performed and compared with cPCR.ResultsMolecular methods revealed higher infection rates than microscopic examination: LAMP detected Babesia DNA in 40.7% (138/339) of samples, cPCR in 41.9% (142/339), while microscopy identified 31.9% (108/339). Clinically infected cattle exhibited fever, hemoglobinuria, pallor, and weight loss. Seasonal variation showed peak prevalence in summer (37.8%) and the lowest in winter (20%). Based on comparative analysis, LAMP showed 97.18% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and almost perfect agreement with cPCR (κ = 0.98, P = 0.13).ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate high Babesia prevalence in tick-infested cattle and underscore LAMP’s value as a rapid, sensitive, and field-friendly tool for surveillance.

Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that is endemic in the United States (US). The major species, Babesia microti, is readily transmissible via blood transfusion. Since 2019, blood donors in 14 US states and Washington DC have been routinely screened for Babesia infection using highly sensitive and specific nucleic acid testing (NAT). Currently, there are no recommendations regarding the management of asymptomatic blood donors who test positive for Babesia. A multidisciplinary expert panel was convened to develop guidance for the management of asymptomatic Babesia-infected blood donors. A survey was distributed through the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Emerging Infections Network (EIN) to evaluate how a geographically diverse group of infectious diseases specialists would approach this problem. The expert panel recommends that all Babesia NAT positive blood donors should be referred for clinical evaluation and retested using peripheral blood smear (PBS) and B. microti PCR within two months of blood donation screening. The panel also recommends observation rather than treatment for a reactive molecular test alone. Antimicrobial therapy should be considered for PBS positive cases. Donors should be counseled regarding the typically self-limiting nature of this infection and instructed to seek medical care if symptoms develop. The EIN survey results are consistent with these recommendations. Several factors support these management recommendations. Blood donors typically comprise healthy, immunocompetent adults in whom most Babesia infections are self-limited based on studies showing that molecular evidence of infection clears in almost all asymptomatic blood donors without intervention.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a medical condition characterized by extreme fatigue lasting at least 6 months. Based upon case reports, patients infected with Babesia or Bartonella spp. have reported a history of chronic fatigue and concurrent neurological symptoms. In this study, 50 study participants reporting fatigue lasting from six months to 19 years and one or more neurological symptoms were selected. PCR assays were used to amplify Babesia and Bartonella spp. DNA from blood and enrichment blood cultures. Using targeted qPCR amplification and DNA sequencing, infection with Babesia spp., Bartonella spp. or both genera was confirmed in 10, 11, and 2 individuals, respectively. Of 50 participants, 12 (24%, 95% CI: 12–36%) were infected with a Babesia species, while Bartonella species infection was documented in 13/50 individuals (26%, 95% CI: 13.8–38.2%). This study provides documentation supporting a potential role for Babesia and Bartonella infection in patients with presentations consistent with ME/CFS. Prospective case–control studies, using highly sensitive direct pathogen detection techniques, are needed to determine whether or the extent to which infection with members of these two genera contributes to or causes ME/CFS.

Canine Babesiosis causes a fatal disease marked by haemolytic anaemia. Of the identified dog blood groups, some have been found to affect the host's susceptibility/resistance to certain infections. However, limited information exists on the influence of canine blood types on tolerance of dogs to babesiosis. This study assessed the prevalence of different Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) 1 blood group in Abeokuta, Nigeria, and evaluated potential relationship between DEA 1 blood types and susceptibility to babesiosis. 200 blood samples (1 mL each) were collected from client-owned dogs. Alvedia® test kit was used to identify DEA 1.1, DEA 1.2 and DEA 1.0 genotypes. Deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from each sample, and Babesia species detected using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Data were analyzed for relationship between blood types and Babesia infection using Chi-square. DEA 1 positive dogs accounted for 63.5%, a significantly higher proportion than DEA 1 negative dogs (36.5%) in the study population. Boerboel, Rottweiler, Caucasian, and local breeds showed significantly higher frequency (73.3% to 86.4%) of DEA 1 positive blood types compared to DEA 1 negative types (13.6% to 26.7%). In contrast, German shepherd breed showed no significant difference in frequency of DEA positive (51.2%) and DEA negative (48.8%) dogs. Additionally, no significant sex-based differences were observed in DEA 1 blood type distribution. The prevalence of Babesia species in DEA 1 positive dogs (63.0%) was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from that in DEA 1 negative dogs (60.3%). These findings suggested that the DEA 1 blood group may not influence the tolerance or susceptibility of dogs to Babesia infection.

Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by apicomplexan hemoprotozoan parasites that infect red blood cells. The condition can develop from small species of Babesia , such as B . gibsoni , B. conradae , and B. vulpes , as well as larger species like B. vogeli , B. canis , and B. rossi . The number of Babesia infections has been increasing globally in the world, and that is a significant problem for wild and domestic animals and for humans. Babesia is found throughout the world. Climate change, including rising temper a tures, altered precipitation patterns and prolonged warm spells , fosters tick reproduction and expand s their habitats into new regions. This shift significantly increases the risk of babesiosis being transmitted to areas where it was previously uncommon. Additionally, climate change may affect the seasonal behavior of ticks, extending their active periods and thereby elevating the risk of infection for both humans and animals. The overall health of animals can also be compromised by climate change, making them more su s ceptible to infections, which further facilitates the spread of various diseases. Recent reports highlight that Babesia canis is the most prevalent species found in Ukraine. However, information regarding the hematological and biochemical changes in dogs naturally infected with B. canis , particularly in Dnipro city, remains scarce. This study focuses on a retrospective analysis of clinical cases of Babesia infection in dogs. For this research, a complete biochemical profile was obtained and analyzed for 25 dogs diagnosed with babesiosis. Treatment administered within the first 24 hours for dogs with B. canis infection demonstrated improvement in several biochemical parameters in the blood, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), inorganic phosphorus, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and various protein fractions. This treatment effectively reduced renal and oxidative stress, as well as improved electrolyte, protein, and lipid metabolism. While some indicators, such as urea, creatinine, potassium, albumin, cholesterol, calcium, and sodium, did not show significant changes, the overall trends suggest that the therapy was effective in stabilizing the dogs' conditions and all e viating symptoms of hemolytic anemia. Ongoing monitoring and possible additional therapeutic interventions may be required to achieve a complete normalization of biochemical parameters.

Ovine and caprine babesiosis is a significant tick-borne disease affecting small ruminants, causing economic losses and health challenges in endemic regions such as northern Iraq. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, molecular characteristics, and associated risk factors of Babesia spp. infections in small ruminants in Erbil Province, Iraq. A total of 235 animals (125 sheep and 110 goats) were clinically examined and sampled between October 2024 and March 2025. Blood smears were screened microscopically, and DNA was extracted from the blood sample collected for molecular detection. PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia spp., B. ovis, and B. motasi was carried out using the extracted DNA from the blood samples. Microscopic examination results revealed infection rates to be 16.8% in sheep and 8.2% in goats, while PCR-based detection showed notably higher prevalence, 28.8% and 12.7%, respectively. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of B. ovis isolates confirmed strong genetic similarity with regional strains from Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. Additionally, the presence of B. ovis sequences clustering with those from non-ruminant hosts (e.g., rabbits and horses) was observed. Notably, Babesia motasi was not detected in any of the examined samples. Risk factor analysis demonstrated significant associations between infection and tick infestation, lack of acaricide use, and prior exposure to ticks. Specifically, tick-infested animals exhibited markedly higher infection rates, with odds ratios of 9.93 for sheep and 4.16 for goats. However, no statistically significant differences were observed concerning sex, age, or grazing system. These findings underscore the continued threat of Babesia infections among small ruminants in northern Iraq and highlight the need for improved tick control strategies to mitigate disease transmission‎‎‎.

IntroductionTicks are the primary vectors of Babesia sp, with the midgut as the initial site of pathogen invasion following blood feeding. Elucidating the molecular interactions between tick midguts and Babesia is essential for developing targeted strategies to control tick-borne babesiosis. However, studies in this field remain limited.MethodsTo investigate tick-pathogen interactions, we employed RNA-seq to profile gene expression, and qRT-PCR served to validate key findings. Apoptosis and autophagy were assessed via TUNEL staining and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi) and pharmacological modulation were employed to evaluate the impact of ticks on pathogen load.ResultsOur RNA-seq analysis identified 540 and 569 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) in infected midguts at 0 and 4 d post-engorgement, respectively. These DEGs were enriched in pathways related to metabolic processes, immunity, and cellular processes. To clarify the functional relevance of these findings, the roles of apoptosis and autophagy during infection were further evaluated. Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed significant upregulation of apoptosis-related genes (caspase-7, caspase-8, and caspase-9) and autophagy genes (ATG5, ATG8, and ATG12) in response to B. microti infection. TUNEL assay and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis demonstrated that B. microti infection significantly induced apoptosis and autophagosome formation in tick midgut tissues. Functional assays demonstrated that RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of caspase-7, caspase-9, and ATG5 significantly reduced the burden of B. microti. Conversely, pharmacological induction of autophagy using rapamycin increased B. microti load, whereas inhibition with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) decreased B. microti load.DiscussionThese findings underscore the critical roles of apoptosis and autophagy in facilitating B. microti infection within tick midguts, highlighting these pathways as potential molecular targets for disrupting the transmission of tick-borne Babesia infections.

Background: In Ghana, no research has recorded any positive cases of human babesiosis, despite the presence of Babesia reservoir hosts in many Ghanaian communities. Epidemiological studies have reported active infections in these hosts. Thus, this study explored possible cases of human babesiosis in selected major hospitals in the Greater Accra region and assessed the prevalence of Babesia infections in common reservoirs (dogs, cats, and rodents) from households and veterinary institutions. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved retrieving medical records from three major hospitals in urban (University of Ghana Hospital and Pentecost Hospital) and peri-urban (Shai-Osudoku District Hospital) areas that satisfied the eligibility criteria. Analysis of human babesiosis cases was conducted using appropriate search queries in Microsoft Excel. Genomic DNA was also isolated from 404 blood samples from Babesia reservoir hosts, and DNA analysis was performed using PIRO A1 and PIRO B primers targeting 18S rDNA. Results: These hospitals did not record cases of human babesiosis, although several cases of febrile illnesses and malaria were reported. The blood of 326 animals tested positive for Babesia DNA. Thus, the overall prevalence of Babesia infection in sampled animals was 80.69% (326/404), with infection prevalence varying among the targeted reservoir hosts: 53.07% (173/326) dogs, 3.99% (13/326) cats, and 42.9% (140/326) rodents. Conclusion: Although the hospitals documented no cases of human babesiosis, Babesia transmission was active among reservoir hosts. Therefore, clinicians and laboratory scientists in the Greater Accra region and Ghana should maintain a high index of suspicion of human babesiosis to avoid missing such cases.

Piroplasmosis is a major tick-borne disease that causes significant economic losses in livestock production across various regions. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the prevalence of bovine piroplasmosis in Gansu and Qinghai provinces, China, offering crucial baseline data for the development of effective control and prevention strategies. A total of 736 bovine blood samples were collected from Tianshui, Pingliang, and Lanzhou in Gansu, and Xining and Haidong in Qinghai. These samples were analyzed using PCR with universal Piroplasma primers targeting the 18S rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of bovine Piroplasma infection was found to be 25.54% (188/736). Three Theileria species were identified, including T. orientalis (14.27%, 105/736), T. annulata (10.73%, 79/736), and T. sinensis (0.54%, 4/736). No cases of Babesia or mixed infections were detected in this study. Notably, T. sinensis was reported for the first time in Pingliang, highlighting its potential expansion in the region. In conclusion, bovine piroplasmosis remains prevalent in both Gansu and Qinghai provinces, with T. orientalis being the predominant species. These findings underscore the need for strengthened surveillance and improved strategies for the prevention and control of piroplasmosis in the region.

Introduction: Babesiosis is a tick-borne infection, primarily reported in the Northeastern and northern Midwest states. Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic infection is common in healthy individuals, but severe disease can occur in those with impaired splenic function or other immunosuppression. Older adults and infants may also develop severe disease. There are little data reported about Babesia infection in children. Methods: Children younger than 18 years were identified in a search of patients diagnosed with babesiosis in the MaineHealth medical record between January 1, 2010, and September 30, 2024. Charts were reviewed by standardized data extraction. Results: The 19 cases ranged in age from 4 weeks to 17 years, with an average age of 7.4 years. All children were previously healthy and had not received a prior blood transfusion. Two children required hospitalization, both of whom were young infants who required blood transfusions and did well on atovaquone and azithromycin. Most children were identified from a diagnostic panel that detects multiple tick-borne infections. Except in 1 case, babesiosis was not suspected when testing was done. Discussion: In this retrospective series, older children with positive test results for Babesia recovered with or without anti-babesial treatment. Tick panels were frequently done because of signs of Lyme disease. Most children (74%) were treated for babesiosis after getting a positive test result, and many had concurrent Lyme disease. Conclusions: Babesiosis is an uncommon infection detected in children. Testing for babesiosis should be considered in infants and children who are immunosuppressed and have a compatible illness. More targeted use of tick panels is recommended.

Clonal γδ T-cell proliferation associated with Babesia infection: a rare and challenging diagnostic pitfall.

Prevalence and risk factors of Babesia species in domestic herbivores in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Midgut-specific vitellogenin-1 is involved in the negative regulation of Babesia ovata migration or proliferation in Haemaphysalis longicornis tissues.

Abstract Babesiosis is a relatively rare tick-borne illness caused by Babesia species, but is associated with significant mortality. It may present with fever, rigors, malaise, and may be complicated by pancytopenia, but liver failure in this setting is uncommon and poorly described. Here we describe a patient with significant parasitic burden, who presented to a tertiary care center with acute liver failure in the setting of babesia infection. A 80-year-old male with a past medical history of significant cardiac disease but no known liver disease who presented to a local urgent care with auricle pain. He was treated conservatively but continued to decompensate with worsening fevers and rigors. He later presented to a local Emergency Department where he had a new oxygen requirement and elevated lactic acid (9.5mmol/L). A peripheral smear at that time was consistent with Babesia and a parasite load of 12.5%. He was started on atovaquone, azithromycin, and doxycycline, and transferred to a tertiary care center for consideration of exchange transfusion given his significant parasite burden and clinical deterioration. Notably CT abdomen pelvis at that time showed liver nodularity consistent with preexisting cirrhosis, however additional cirrhosis workup was negative. On hospital day 3, patient underwent one unit of packed red blood cell exchange transfusion with goal of reduction of parasitic burden by 70%. Despite initial improvement after antibiotics and exchange transfusion the patient's lactic acid continued to worsen (9.5 on day 3) with substantial pressor requirements, and anemia. The patient passed on from multi-organ failure believed to be in the setting of his acute babesiosis infection. Babesiosis infections have increased significantly over the last decade. Unfortunately, management of severe disease is not well studied. Initial management with antibiotics is standard of care, but plasma exchange has been used in patients with severe parasite burden (&amp;gt;10%), and has been shown to improve mortality in limited case-series and case reports. Infections in immunocompetent hosts are rare and only a handful of case reports with kidney and liver failure exist. As these infections increase, further familiarity and understanding of those with severe disease is necessary.

Malaria and babesiosis are significant parasitic infections, requiring timely diagnosis to avoid severe complications. This study retrospectively compared hematology thin smears (HS) with parasitology thick and thin blood smears (PS), the gold standard for diagnosis, to evaluate HS's performance in detecting Plasmodium and Babesia infections. Of 529 cases with paired HS and PS testing, HS demonstrated 93.3% sensitivity and 99.8% specificity, with 97.7% positive and 99.4% negative predictive values. When only considering new diagnoses, HS and PS were 100% concordant. No significant difference was found in percent parasitemia between HS and PS, highlighting HS as a reliable diagnostic tool in settings where PS or other diagnostic modalities may not be readily available.IMPORTANCEThis study demonstrates that hematology thin smears-often available in laboratories that may not have other means of diagnosing blood parasite infections such as parasitology thick and thin smears, rapid diagnostics tests, or polymerase chain reaction-are an accurate and reliable way to diagnose Plasmodium and Babesia infections in a low prevalence setting.