Canine Babesiosis Caused by Large Babesia Species: Global Prevalence and Risk Factors-A Review

Canine babesiosis is a disease caused by protozoan pathogens belonging to the genus Babesia. Four species of large Babesia cause canine babesiosis (B. canis, B. rossi, B. vogeli, and the informally named B. coco). Although canine babesiosis has a worldwide distribution, different species occur in specific regions: B. rossi in sub-Saharan Africa, B. canis in Europe and Asia, and B. coco in the Eastern Atlantic United States, while B. vogeli occurs in Africa, southern parts of Europe and Asia, northern Australia, southern regions of North America, and in South America. B. vogeli is the most prevalent large Babesia species globally. This results from its wide range of monotropic vector species, the mild or subclinical nature of infections, and likely the longest evolutionary association with dogs. The most important risk factors for infection by large Babesia spp. include living in rural areas, kennels or animal shelters, or regions endemic for the infection, the season of the year (which is associated with increased tick activity), infestation with ticks, and lack of treatment with acaricides.

Automated summary

Canine babesiosis is a disease caused by protozoan pathogens of the genus Babesia. The disease is caused by four species of large Babesia, with each species having specific regions of occurrence. B. vogeli is the most prevalent and widely distributed species globally, likely due to its wide range of vector species and mild infections, as well as its long evolutionary association with dogs. The main risk factors for large Babesia infection include living in rural areas, kennels or animal shelters, being in endemic regions, the season of the year (increased tick activity), tick infestation, and lack of acaricidal treatment.