A Study of Naturally Acquired Canine Babesiosis Caused by Single and Mixed Babesia Species in Zambia: Clinicopathological Findings and Case Management
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Date
2015-10-27
Authors
Mudenda, Ntombi Basimbi
Nalubamba, King Shimumbo
Namwila, Mwaka Mwangala
Mulenga, Chilufya Susan
Bwalya, Eugene Chisela
M’kandawire, Ethel
Saasa, Ngonda
Hankanga, Careen
Oparaocha, Elizabeth
Simuunza, Martin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Abstract
A retrospective and prospective analysis of clinical records of dogs diagnosed with Babesia infections was carried out for the
years 2000 to 2013 from practices in Lusaka, Zambia. Records of 363 dogs with confirmed Babesia infections were analysed using
demographic factors including sex, breed, age, and clinical signs in relation to haematological findings and Babesia species. The
clinical and laboratory findings observed are described as well as Babesia species identification. The study included 18 breeds
and the highest proportion were mongrels (32.2%), males representing 64.5% of the population. The most common presenting
problemswere anorexia (65.3%) and lethargy/weakness (65.3%).Themost common clinical signswere fever (87.3%), pallor (52.3%),
lymphadenopathy (47.4%), and presence of ticks (44.9%). Anaemia (96.4%) and nucleated erythrocytes (42.2%) were the most
common laboratory findings. A mixed infection of Babesia rossi and Babesia gibsoni was present in 59.7% of dogs, whilst 8% and
32.2%had B. rossi and B. gibsoni as a single infection, respectively. Case management mainly involved therapy with tetracyclines and
imidocarb and was usually accompanied by clinical improvement. This study highlights, for the first time, the presence of B.gibsoni
in natural dog populations in Zambia, where previously only B. rossi was reported.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Tick borne disease , Canine babesiosis