Babesia canis: Difference between revisions

| genus = ''[[Babesia]]''

'''''Babesia canis''''' is a [[parasite]] which infects red blood cells and can lead to [[anemia]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Cornell University|title=Babesia Canis|url=https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/clinpath/modules/rbcmorph/b-canis.htm|publisher=Cornell}}</ref> This is a species that falls under the overarching genus ''[[Babesia]]''. ''Babesia canis'' is transmitted by the [[brown dog tick]] (''Rhipicephalus sanguineus'') and is one of the most common [[piroplasm]] infections.<ref name="eadveterinaria">{{cite journal|last=Irwin|first=Peter|title=Canine Babesiosis|journal=Canine Babesiosis|page=1141|url=http://www.eadveterinaria.com.br/material/280/2214/Canine_Babesiosis.pdf}}</ref> The brown dog tick is adapted to warmer climate, therefore most infections come from the southern and southeastern United States and from California, especially in shelters and greyhound kennels.<ref name="eadveterinaria" /> ''Babesia canis'' is also predominately in Europe<ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Halos | first1 = L. | last2 = Lebert | first2 = I. | last3 = Abrial | first3 = D. | last4 = Danlois | first4 = F. | last5 = Garzik | first5 = K. | last6 = Rodes | first6 = D. | last7 = Schillmeier | first7 = M. | last8 = Ducrot | first8 = C. | last9 = Guillot | first9 = J. | title = Questionnaire-based survey on the distribution and incidence of canine babesiosis in countries of Western Europe | journal = Parasite | volume = 21 | issue = | pages = 13 | month = | year = 2014 | doi = 10.1051/parasite/2014015 | pmid = 24626325 | pmc = 3952654 }}</ref> and transmitted by ''[[Dermacentor]]'' ticks with an alarming increase in infections due to people traveling with their pets.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Irwin|first=Peter|title=Canine Babesiosis|journal=Canine Babesiosis|page=1144|url=http://www.eadveterinaria.com.br/material/280/2214/Canine_Babesiosis.pdf}}</ref>

A tick carrying ''B. canis'' [[sporozoite]]s attaches to a dog, and feeds on its blood, releasing many sporozoites into the dog's bloodstream. Each sporozoite attaches to a red blood cell, and moves inside the cell. Once inside the red blood cell, the sporozoite loses its outer coating. It divides, becoming a new form, known as a [[merozoite]].<ref name="marvistavet">{{cite web|last=Marvista Vet|title=Babesia Infection in Dogs|url=http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_babesia_infection_in_dogs.html}}</ref> Inside the tick, the merozoite undergoes sexual reproduction (gamogony), which is followed by asexual reproduction, resulting in many sporozoites. These are found in the tick salivary glands, and they move from there into the next dog that the tick feeds from.<ref name="capcvet">{{cite web|title=Babesia|url=http://www.capcvet.org/capc-recommendations/canine-babesiosis1/|work=Companion Animal Parasite Council}}</ref> Pregnant dogs can transmit ''BabesiaB. canis'' to their unborn puppies, therefore it is recommended that infected females should not be bred.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}

''Babesia canis'' infection in dogs usually responds to treatment with [[imidocarb dipropionate]], although the infection may not be eliminated and dogs can become permanent carriers of ''Babesia''.<ref name="capcvet" /> In dogs infected with ''Babesia'', [[splenectomy]] (removal of the spleen) or any [[immunosuppressive drug]] should be avoided, otherwise signs of babesiosis may recur.<ref name="capcvet" />

[[Vaccine]]s are not available in North America to prevent ''BabesiaB. canis'',{{citation required|date=February 2017}} but in France there is a vaccine available although it only seems effective against certain strains.<ref name="marvistavet" /> The best prevention is tick control, or prompt removal of ticks from the dog.<ref name="capcvet" /> The spread of ''B. canis'' via blood donation can be prevented by screening of potential donor-dogs for ''BabesiaB. canis'' infection prior to their donation.<ref name="capcvet" />