Difference between revisions of "Babesia"

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<big>'''[[Babesiosis - Cattle|Cattle Babesiosis]]
 
<big>'''[[Babesiosis - Cattle|Cattle Babesiosis]]
  
 +
'''[[Babesiosis - Dogs|Dog Babesiosis]]
  
*Dogs
 
**Complex epidemiology
 
**Recognised species are extending their endemic ranges due to the discovery of the small ''Babesia'' species, pet passport scheme and increased overseas travel
 
**Large species comprises 3 subspecies
 
***''B. canis canis'' is the most important
 
****[[Hard Ticks - Overseas|''Dermacentor'']] vector
 
****Largely confined to southern Europe but is spreading
 
***''B. canis'' uses [[Hard Ticks - Overseas|''Rhipicephalus'']] as a vector and is spreading northwards through Europe
 
***''B. gibsoni'' is now established in the USA and South-East Asia
 
**British dogs have no immunity as no species are endemic to the UK so are highly susceptible if taken abroad
 
**Prevention of [[Ticks|tick]] bites by use of an 'Amitraz' collar is currently the best method of protection
 
  
 
*Horses
 
*Horses

Revision as of 22:23, 9 April 2010

Babesia Life Cycle Diagram - Dennis Jacobs & Mark Fox RVC
Babesia Life Cycle - Mariana Ruiz Villarreal
  • Infects a wide range of host species in different areas of the world
  • Babesiosis has severe effects on cattle production in parts of the world
    • Prevents European breeds from being successful in tropical regions where ticks are endemic.
    • Occurs sporadically in the UK and Ireland causing losses of around £8 million per year

Life Cycle

  • Each female tick produces 3000 eggs
  • The tick is the definitive host
  • Babesia multiplies in the red blood cells by budding
    • Forms 2-4 daughter cells (species dependent)
    • Giemsa blood smears can differentiate between species using 'Difquik' stain
  • Babesia species are either small or large depending on the size of the daughter cells
  • Small Babesia
    • E.g. B. divergens
    • E.g. B. gibsoni
    • Peripheral nucleus
    • Obtuse angle
  • Large Babesia
    • E.g. B. major
    • E.g. B. canis-complex
    • Central nucleus
    • Acute angle
  • Daughter cells disrupt the red blood cell and are released
    • Spread and infect other red blood cells
  • Antigen is released which adsorbs onto other red blood cells

Enzootic Instability

  • Low rate of transmission
  • Infrequent exposure
  • Immunity wanes or is completely absent in many individuals
  • Low levels of herd immunity
  • Higher incidence of disease

Enzootic Stability

  • High rate of transmission
  • Many infected ticks
  • Frequent exposure boosts immunity
  • High level of herd immunity
  • Lower incidence of disease


Cattle Babesiosis

Dog Babesiosis


  • Horses
    • 2 species occur
    • B. equi is the most pathogenic
    • Not endemic to the UK
    • Serology using ELISA or IFAT to diagnose
  • Sheep and goats
    • Several species
    • Little clinical significance