Anti-Theileria equi activity of methanolic extract of Artemisia scoparia: In vitro efficacy, in vivo safety, and identification of lead molecules.

Babesia ovis is a significant tick-borne parasite of sheep, capable of causing both acute disease and long-lasting, low-grade infections. Imidocarb dipropionate (IMDP) is commonly used against babesiosis, yet whether it can completely eliminate B. ovis remains uncertain. In this study, we examined whether the parasite persists after treatment and whether such residual infections can still be transmitted. Three sheep were experimentally infected, treated with IMDP once clinical signs appeared, and then monitored for 180 days by microscopy, nested PCR, and iELISA. Fever and microscopic parasitemia resolved soon after treatment, but nPCR intermittently detected parasite DNA for several weeks. By day 180, all treated sheep were negative by nPCR and microscopy, while two still showed detectable antibodies. Blood collected at this time was transfused into naïve sheep. Two of the three recipients showed nPCR positivity at scattered time points and later seroconverted while showing no clinical signs. In contrast, Rhipicephalus bursa ticks that fed on the treated donors neither acquired the parasite nor transmitted it to recipients, likely because post-treatment parasitemia remained below the acquisition threshold. Overall, these results indicate that IMDP controls clinical disease but may not fully clear B. ovis, allowing silent transmission through blood despite negative routine tests.

The present case report aims to explain the molecular diagnosis and successful medical management of a rare haemoprotozoan infection in an adult male Great Dane Dog. A 3-year-old Great Dane was presented to the veterinary polyclinic in Thoothukudi with a history of intermittent fever, anorexia, weight loss, and hind limb lameness for the past two weeks. Clinical examination showed a pale conjunctival mucous membrane, cachexia, enlarged popliteal lymph nodes, and heavy tick infestation. Hematological parameters revealed normocytic, normochromic anemia (7.2 g/dL), neutrophilia (82%), and thrombocytopenia (85×103/µL). Blood biochemistry showed mildly elevated liver enzymes, hyperproteinemia (8.1 g/dL), and hypoalbuminemia (2.1 g/dL). Peripheral blood smear examination with Giemsa stain under the microscope revealed multiple Hepatozoon canis gamonts in neutrophils. Furthermore, confirmation was obtained using PCR targeting the species-specific 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. confirming this case as Canine Hepatozoonosis. The dog was successfully treated with imidocarb dipropionate, doxycycline, and supportive therapy with a follow-up treatment, and the animal showed significant clinical improvement after one week of treatment. The 21-day post-treatment hematological and biochemical parameters revealed complete recovery, which clearly indicated the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Background: Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging and fatal disease of wild and domestic cats in India. Till date no chemotherapy has proved successful in achieving hundred percent survival. In this study we aimed to evaluate various therapeutic strategies to suggest an effective and safe drug combination for clinical management of domestic cats naturally affected cytauxzoonosis. Methods: The domestic cats presented at VCC, Bihar Veterinary College, Patna, Bihar were screened on the basis of clinical symptoms of cytauxzoonosis irrespective of their age, sex or breed. The disease was confirmed by peripheral blood smear and Polymerase Chain Reaction test. Informed consent was taken from the cat owners before inclusion in this study. The confirmed cases were randomly divided into two treatment protocols, imidocarb dipropinate group (T-1) and doxycycline, clindamycin and metronidazole group (T-2). In group T1 imidocarb was given @ 3.5 mg/kg deep intramuscular which was repeated after 14 days. While cats in group T2 received doxycycline @10 mg/kg PO sid for 14 days, clindamycin @ 12.5mg/kg PO sid for 14 days and metronidazole benzoate@ 25 mg/kg PO sid for 7 days. A separate group of six healthy cats, negative for microscopic and molecular tests was taken as a control (T-3). Result: It was found that both treatment protocols cleared erythro-parasitemia and brought clinical remission within 14 and 21 days of treatment in cats of group T1 and T2 respectively. However, improvement in morbidity and hemato-biochemical parameters were more rapid in imidocarb treated cats. No serious side effects or mortality could be recorded in cats that received the treatment protocols used in this study. But none of these treatment protocols could sterilize the infection and rendered the cats as carrier for life.

Abstract This report describes a case of severe, sudden‐onset, widespread vasculitis affecting a dog concurrently infected by E hrlichia canis and Babesia canis . Following diagnostic investigations, the dog was suspected of an immune‐mediated vasculitis, possibly triggered by E. canis, B. canis or their combination. The lesions completely resolved after a multimodal treatment protocol including prednisolone, ciclosporin, pentoxifylline, doxycycline and imidocarb dipropionate.

Shifting Paradigms: Imidocarb dipropionate as an alternative chemotherapeutic strategy for Trypanosoma evansi infection in animals.

A one year old male dog with signs like fever, dullness, loss of appetite, and vomiting was presented at the Referral Veterinary Clinical Complex, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar. On clinical examination, it was found with ticks on the body, a pale mucous membrane, pyrexia (103.1), and dehydration. Haematological examination revealed decreased RBC and thrombocyte counts, and Giemsa’s stained blood smear manifested Babesia vogeli organisms, i.e., followed as the main method of diagnosis in the study. The dog was treated with imidocarb dipropionate @6.6 mg/kg IM and doxycycline @ 6 mg/kg body weight IV in divided doses, along with fluid and vitamins as supportive care against babesiosis, and the animal showed progressive recovery within 2-3 days of treatment. This study could provide essential information while deciding preventive measures against emerging vector-borne parasites at an early stage, especially against canines.

Comparative efficacy of imidocarb dipropionate with additive in naturally infected cattle against bovine babesiosis.

Canine ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by intracellular bacteria belonging to the genus Ehrlichia. While Ehrlichia canis is the predominant species reported in Indonesia, this case describes a suspected infection by Ehrlichia ewingii, a species not previously reported in the country. A 7-year-old female Bernese mountain dog presented with generalized weakness, anorexia, cachexia, vomiting, hematuria, diarrhea, and melena. Clinical evaluation, hematological abnormalities, a history of tick exposure, and a positive serologic test supported the diagnosis of ehrlichiosis. Notably, cytological examination revealed morulae within neutrophils, an indicator suggestive of E. ewingii infection. The patient was treated with doxycycline, imidocarb dipropionate, and renal support for two weeks; however, follow-up was not completed. This case highlights the importance of cytological examination in ehrlichiosis diagnosis and raises the possibility of imported or emerging E. ewingii infections in Indonesia.

Rangeliosis is an extravascular hemolytic disease caused by the piroplasm Rangelia vitalii. This protozoan is transmitted by ticks of the species Amblyomma aureolatum and infects erythrocytes, endothelial cells, and leukocytes, leading to a variety of clinical signs such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, jaundice, and bleeding from the nose, oral cavity, and ear tips. This study aims to report a case of rangeliosis in a domestic dog in southern Brazil. A female, adult, mixed-breed dog from a rural area was admitted to a Veterinary Hospital. Clinical examination revealed necrosis of the ear tips with active bleeding and abdominal hematomas. After a few days, the patient also developed jaundice, hematuria, bilirubinuria, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and epistaxis. Hematological analysis indicated anemia and thrombocytopenia, while biochemical tests revealed elevated serum urea levels. The definitive diagnosis was confirmed through a stained blood smear, which revealed the presence of R. vitalii inside leukocytes and free in plasma. In addition to supportive treatment, doxycycline and imidocarb dipropionate were administered. However, due to disease progression, the patient ultimately succumbed. Canine rangeliosis is likely an underdiagnosed disease; therefore, it is crucial to consider it as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting compatible clinical manifestations and laboratory findings, particularly in those from rural or forested areas or with access to such environments.

Haemoprotozoan infections are widely prevalent in livestock, with babesiosis regarded as second most haemoprotozoan disease of cattle in India. This paper presents a case of babesiosis in a 13-day-old crossbred female calf and its successful therapeutic management. The calf was brought to the Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College, Bidar, with a history of anorexia for three days, constipation, and red-tinged urine observed since morning. Approximately 5 ml of blood was aseptically collected from the jugular vein for hematobiochemical analysis and Giemsa-stained blood smear examination. Clinical examination revealed a rectal temperature of 102.4°F and icteric mucous membranes of the conjunctiva and vulva. Hematological findings indicated anemia and thrombocytopenia, while biochemical analysis showed elevated levels of BUN, creatinine, SGOT, total and indirect bilirubin, and globulin, along with decreased total protein, albumin, and A:G ratio. Microscopic examination of the blood smear revealed intraerythrocytic piroplasms with characteristic pear-shaped morphology and acute angles, confirming Babesia bigemina infection. Hemoglobinuria was also detected on urinalysis following centrifugation. Based on the clinical, hematobiochemical, and morphological findings, a diagnosis of babesiosis due to B. bigemina was confirmed. The calf was treated with Imidocarb dipropionate at 3 mg/kg body weight via deep intramuscular injection, along with supportive therapy, leading to an uneventful recovery.

Babesiosis is a significant tick-borne disease that impacts both domestic and wild animals, as well as humans, with its prevalence being particularly high in tropical and subtropical areas. Among small ruminants, Babesia ovis is a leading cause of babesiosis, especially in areas where Rhipicephalus bursa ticks are prevalent. The transmission of the disease occurs through tick bites, imposing a considerable economic strain on livestock industries in regions where it is prevalent. Clinical manifestations of the disease include hemolytic anemia, fever, jaundice, lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, and, in some cases, hemoglobinuria. A key aspect of babesiosis pathogenesis is the oxidative stress it induces in the host. For diagnosis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has emerged as the most sensitive and specific method, surpassing traditional diagnostic approaches like blood smears and serological testing. The treatment of choice for B. ovis infections in sheep is imidocarb dihydrochloride, which is administered in divided doses of 2 mg/kg. This treatment has proven effective in eradicating the parasite without relapse. Alternative treatments, such as aromatic diamidines, are associated with several drawbacks, including adverse effects and incomplete parasite clearance. Currently, diminazene aceturate and imidocarb dipropionate are widely employed babesiacidal drugs. Efforts to prevent and control babesiosis focus primarily on tick management, the use of resistant livestock breeds, and vaccination. Tick control strategies have evolved significantly, moving from traditional chemical dips to the use of systemic acaricides and self-treatment devices. Furthermore, non-chemical interventions, such as environmental management and selective breeding for tick resistance, are increasingly recognized as vital components of a comprehensive prevention strategy. This review provides an in-depth examination of the life cycle, epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and prevention strategies for B. ovis infection in small ruminants.

Milk is a widely consumed dietary product due to its high nutritional value. The presence of veterinary drug residues in milk constitutes a potential risk to human health and undesirable effects on consumers. In this study, a chromatographic method was developed and optimized for quantitative analysis of imidocarb dipropionate (IMD), flunixin meglumine (FNM), and sulfadimidine (SDD) residues in milk. These drugs are used together as a combination therapy for the management of anaplasmosis in cattle. The chromatographic separation was performed using an ODS Hypersil C18 column with UV detection at 270 nm. The mobile phase consisted of 0.05 M phosphate buffer, pH 3: acetonitrile: methanol (55:30:15, by volume), with a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Before analysis, a protein precipitation procedure was performed to extract the studied drugs from milk by using methanol as an extractor/deproteinization agent. The proposed method was successfully employed to quantify the studied drug residues in cattle milk samples within and after their withdrawal periods. The developed method was statistically compared with reported methods, demonstrating no significant difference in terms of accuracy and precision. Greenness and environmental impact were also evaluated for the proposed procedure, verifying it was a green and eco-friendly analytical method.

Four African rock pythons at the Wildlife Park in Nigeria were reported to show clinical signs of reduced appetite and lethargy. In response, the management of the University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital assembled a team to investigate and manage the condition. Initially suspecting helminthosis, the team decided to deworm the snakes using Levamisole at a dose of 10 mg/kg subcutaneously (SC). Whole blood, ectoparasite, and fecal samples were collected. During the handling of the snakes, they were observed to be heavily infested with ticks. Laboratory results later showed the presence of Hepatozoon spp. in the blood and nematode eggs in the feces, prompting a follow-up visit 2 weeks later. During the second visit, the snakes were treated with an injection of ivermectin at 0.1 mg/kg SC, imidocarb dipropionate at 5 mg/kg SC, and atropine sulfate at 0.02 mg/kg SC. Following treatment, the snakes made a full recovery and significantly regained their activity and appetite.

Background/Objectives: B. bigemina is a highly pathogenic and widely distributed tick-borne disease parasite responsible for bovine babesiosis. The development of effective and safe therapies is urgently needed for global disease control. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of endochin-like quinolone (ELQ-316), buparvaquone (BPQ), imidocarb (ID), and the combinations of ID + ELQ-316 and BPQ + ELQ-316, on in vitro survival of B. bigemina. Methods: Parasites at a starting parasitemia level of 2%, were incubated with each single drug and a combination of drugs, ranging from 25 to 1200 nM of concentration over four consecutive days. The inhibitory concentrations, 50% (IC50%) and 99% (IC99%), were estimated. Parasitemia levels were evaluated daily using microscopic examination. Data were statistically compared using the non-parametrical Kruskall–Wallis test. Results: All drugs tested significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) the growth of B. bigemina at 2% parasitemia. The combination of ID + ELQ-316 exhibited a lower mean (IC50%: 9.2; confidence interval 95%: 8.7–9.9) than ID (IC50%: 61.5; confidence interval 95%: 59.54–63.46), ELQ-316 (IC50%: 48.10; confidence interval 95%: 42.76–58.83), BPQ (IC50%: 44.66; confidence interval 95%: 43.56–45.81), and BPQ + ELQ-316 (IC50%: 27.59; confidence interval: N/A). Parasites were no longer viable in cultures treated with the BPQ + ELQ-316 combination, as well as with BPQ alone at a concentration of 1200 nM, on days 2 and 3 of treatment, respectively. Conclusions: BPQ and ID increase the babesiacidal effect of ELQ-316. The efficacy of these combinations deserves to be evaluated in vivo, which could lead to a promising and safer treatment option for B. bigemina.

Introduction. The cases of clinical manifestation of canine babesiosis in St. Petersburg have been presented in the article. The cases of babesiosis in dogs caused by parasitizing Babesia canis and B. gibsoni have been described, including the local cases of animals infected with B. canis.Materials and Methods. Out of 12 dogs admitted to veterinary clinics in St. Petersburg from April to October 2023, 10 were diagnosed with babesiosis caused by Вabesia canis, and 2 – by B. gibsoni.Results. The clinical picture of babesiosis caused by parasitizing B. canis and B. gibsoni was similar. Two cases of babesiosis caused by B. gibsoni were studied. Four locally acquired cases of babesiosis in dogs were diagnosed in St. Petersburg. The clinical signs in animals varied from fever and rapidly developing multiple organ dysfunction syndrome to recurrent and long-lasting anemias of unknown etiology. The biochemical blood test had revealed the elevated level of ALT, AST, creatinine, urea, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and reduced level of total protein. By means of the clinical analysis, the hyperchromic anemia, neutrophilic leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined. The decisive factor in diagnosing was species-specific identification by using the real-time PCR method of fluorescence hybridization detection.Discussion and Conclusion. The clinical picture observed in dogs infected with B. canis and B. gibsoni is similar. The course of babesiosis caused by B. gibsoni can be acute or chronic. Regardless of the region of Russia, during the period of Ixodid ticks activity, whenever the signs of fever and rapidly developing multiple organ dysfunction syndrome or recurring and long-lasting anemias of unknown etiology are observed in dogs, the PCR assay for detecting pathogen DNA of Babesia, including B. gibsoni, should be done. Timely PCR diagnostics not only allows for accurate diagnosis of babesiosis but also enables monitoring the efficacy of therapy since a single treatment course may not always be efficient. For babesiosis caused by B. canis, the use of drugs containing imidocarb dipropionate proved to be efficient, whereas for B. gibsoni — the ones containing diminazene diaceturate. In cases of multisystemic intoxication caused by canine babesiosis, the plasmapheresis helps to stabilize the overall condition of an animal.

This study aimed to investigate the interaction between imidocarb dipropionate (IMDP) and double-stranded DNA, as understanding its mechanism of action is crucial for optimizing its use as a veterinary antiprotozoal agent. Using calf thymus DNA as a model, we systematically explored the binding of IMDP to DNA via UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, Competitive displacement assays, thermal denaturation analysis, circular dichroism spectroscopy, ion interference experiments, viscosity measurement, and molecular docking. Results indicated that IMDP binds to DNA with a decrease in hypochromicity rates of 23.95% and 22.17%. Notably, the Tm value rose from 69 °C to 71 °C upon binding, and the circular dichroism spectrum peaks remained nearly unchanged, suggesting a groove binding mode with minimal impact on DNA conformation and viscosity. Our findings confirm that IMDP binds to double-stranded DNA by interacting within the DNA groove, supporting its potential as a DNA-targeting antiparasitic drug.

Background: Equine babesiosis is a widespread protozoan disease in Saudi Arabia. The most common finding of clinical babesiosis is splenomegaly, which can be detected using non-invasive splenic ultrasonography. Aim: This study aimed to investigate changes in the spleen size in horses infected with babesiosis using ultrasonography before and after treatment. Methods: This study employed 15 male and female Arabian horses. Each animal was examined clinically for clinical signs, and blood samples were collected in plain tubes to detect antibodies against B. caballi. The spleens of healthy and affected horses examined by ultrasound using a B-mode scan with a 3.5 MHz convex probe. Horses infected with babesiosis based on clinical and cELISA analysis were treated with imidocarb dipropionate, and the spleen ultrasound examination was repeated 2 weeks after treatment. Results: Using ultrasonography, the diseased horses showed an increase in spleen measurements compared with the healthy horses before treatment. Splenomegaly in infected horses was reduced 14 days after treatment according to ultrasound measurements. Conclusion: Ultrasonographic scanning of the spleen could be practically applied as a supportive method for the diagnosis and follow-up of babesiosis treatment in horses.

Successful treatment of babesiosis in an Asiatic lion with imidocarb dipropionate and doxycycline

Background/Objectives: Bovine babesiosis is a vector-borne disease transmitted by ticks that causes important losses in livestock worldwide. Recent research performed on the drugs currently used to control bovine babesiosis reported several issues including drug resistance, toxicity impact, and residues in edible tissue, suggesting the need for developing novel effective therapies. The endochin-like quinolones ELQ-316 and buparvaquone (BPQ) act as cytochrome bc1 inhibitors and have been proven to be safe and efficacious against related apicomplexans, such as Plasmodium spp. and Babesia microti, without showing toxicity in mammals. The objectives of this study are investigating whether ELQ-316, BPQ, and their combination treatment could be effective against Babesia bovis in an in vitro culture model and comparing with imidocarb (ID), the routinely used drug. Methods: In vitro cultured parasites starting at 2% percentage of parasitemia (PPE) were treated with BPQ, ELQ-316, ID, and the combinations of BPQ + ELQ-316 and ID + ELQ-316 at drug concentrations that ranged from 25 to 1200 nM, during four consecutive days. The IC50% and IC99% were reported. Parasitemia levels were evaluated daily using microscopic examination. Data were compared using the non-parametrical Mann-Whitney and Kruskall-Wallis test. Results: All drugs tested, whether used alone or in combination, significantly decreased the survival (p < 0.05) of B. bovis in in vitro cultures. The combination of BPQ + ELQ-316 had the lowest calculated inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50%) values, 31.21 nM (IC95%: 15.06-68.48); followed by BPQ, 77.06 nM (IC95%: 70.16-86.01); ID + ELQ316, 197 nM (IC95%:129.0-311.2); ID, 635.1 nM (IC95%: 280.9-2119); and ELQ316, 654.9 nM (IC95%: 362.3-1411). Conclusions: The results reinforce the higher efficacy of BPQ at affecting B. bovis survival and the potential synergistic effects of its combination with ELQ-316, providing a promising treatment option against B. bovis.