Babesia in North America An Update

Canine babesiosis in North America is caused by 1 of 5 identified Babesia species and results in multisystemic disease. Babesia are intracellular parasites of erythro-cytes and can be transmitted transplacentally, via tick bite, blood transfusion, or aggressive interactions. Clinical signs include lethargy, anorexia, and depression, whereas physical examination findings include pallor and splenomegaly. Clinicopath-ologic findings associated with babesiosis include hemolytic anemia, thrombo-cytopenia, hyperglobulinemia, and proteinuria. Diagnosis can be achieved by evaluation of blood smear, serology, or PCR, but only PCR allows for speciation. Treatment can be challenging and dogs might relapse following cessation of therapy (especially those undergoing immunosuppression such as chemotherapy or splenec-tomy). More randomized, controlled studies are needed to assess best practices for treatment.

Automated summary

Canine babesiosis in North America is a multisystemic disease caused by one of five identified Babesia species. Clinical signs include lethargy, anorexia, and depression, and diagnosis can be achieved through blood smear, serology, or PCR.