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| 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
Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
Babesia canis publications