Babesia canis

Babesia
Class	Sporozoasida
Family	Babesiidae
Genus	Babesia
Species	Babesia canis

Also known as: Canine Piroplasmosis — Canine Babesiosis

Hosts

Dogs

Identification

This parasite is of the family Babesiidae. The adults are pyriform in shape, and around 5μm in length.

Life Cycle

For an example of protozoal life cycle see Coccidia Life Cycle.

Sporozoites enter the host, when the tick feeds. These reproduce in the erythrocytes of the host. Merogony then occurs, and releases merozoites. Blood is ingested by the tick. When the larval tick moults into the nymphal stage, and enters the salivary glands. The life cycle then continues.

B. canis uses Rhipicephalus as a vector and is spreading throughout Europe.

Literature Search

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Babesia canis publications

Comparison of Babesia rossi and Babesia canis isolates with emphasis on effects of vaccination with soluble parasite antigens: a review. Schetters, T. P. M.; Moubri, K.; Cooke, B. M.; South African Veterinary Association, Pretoria, South Africa, Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2009, 80, 2, pp 75-78, 35 ref. - Full Text Article

Canine babesiosis: what's new? Birkenheuer, A.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 17-21 January, 2009, 2009, pp 636-638 - Full Text Article