Clinico diagnostic and therapeutic management of Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs

Abstract

Babesiosis in dogs is endemic in tropical countries like India and its prevalence is well reported in south Indian states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. As the presence of tick vectors is found throughout the year, the disease is seen in dogs all the year round. There is a paucity of information regarding the prevalence % of Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs. The present study was aimed to ascertain the prevalence of Babesia gibsoni in dogs. The clinical parameters were enumerated thoroughly and the diagnosis methodology of Babesia gibsoni infection was elucidated. The novel therapeutic protocol was analysed. In the present study 10 dogs which were presented to the Veterinary clinical complex, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar referred from the private clinicians of Hyderabad having symptoms of fever, fatigue, anaemia, splenomegaly, haemoglobinuria, icteric mucous membranes and associated clinical signs were identified and further screened. Screening was performed with various clinical diagnostics like Rapid Antigen Test kit, thin blood smear film examination and RTPCR. The confirmed cases were subjected to a novel therapeutic regimen which aimed at treatment of Babesia gibsoni by reverting grave anaemia and other clinical signs of babesiosis.