Babesiosis

• bovis-infected cattle, the severe form of the disease, known as B bovis-associated hemolytic anemia, can occur.
• Babesia are tiny parasites that live inside red blood cells and belong to a group called Apicomplexa.
• There are over 100 types of Babesia that can affect many animals like cows, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, and sometimes even humans.
• Among them, Babesia bovis is more harmful than B bigemina.
• B bigemina mostly destroys red blood cells, while the severe types of B bovis cause low blood pressure, widespread inflammation, blood clotting issues, and blockages in small blood vessels.
• In cattle, Babesia divergens and B major are similar to B bovis and B bigemina respectively.
• Babesia divergens is a small but dangerous parasite in the British Isles and northwest Europe, while B major is larger and less harmful.
• These parasites are transmitted by specific types of ticks.
• In horses, Theileria equi and B caballi cause equine piroplasmosis, with Theileria equi being more dangerous.
• This disease affects horses in various parts of the world and is spread by ticks.
• Sheep and goats can be infected by different Babesia species, but the most significant ones are Bovis and B motasi.
• These parasites are transmitted by specific ticks and are a concern in certain regions like the Middle East, southern Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia.
• Causative Agent Babesia bovis: This species is responsible for causing bovine babesiosis, also known as Texas cattle fever.
• It is primarily transmitted by the cattle fever tick (Rhipicephalus annulatus and Rhipicephalus microplus).
• Babesia bovis infects and replicates within the red blood cells of cattle, leading to anemia, fever, jaundice, and potentially death if not treated promptly.
• Babesia bigemina: Another causative agent of bovine babesiosis, Babesia bigemina, is transmitted by the same ticks (Rhipicephalus annulatus and Rhipicephalus microplus) that transmit Babesia bovis.
• Babesia bigemina also invades red blood cells, causing similar symptoms such as anemia, fever, and other clinical manifestations.
• Supportive treatment, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, fluid therapy and blood transfusions, is advisable, particularly in valuable animals.
• Babesia bovis is generally small, with the parasites in paired form at an obtuse angle to each other while Babesia bigemina is larger, with paired parasites lying almost parallel or at an acute angle to each other.
• Tick control, particularly in areas where babesiosis is endemic, can be useful in reducing tick burdens and can also lower the transmission rates.
• Bulls may experience temporary infertility due to transient fever caused by Babesia bovis.
• Dimazine aceturate and Imidocarb dipropionate are used as babesiacides, providing protection from babesiosis for approximately 4 weeks and may also eliminate Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina from carrier animals.
• Babesiosis in animals is caused by the parasite Babesia bovis, which infects the brain capillaries of cattle, resulting in CNS involvement.
• Babesia bovis infections can cause enlarged and friable spleen, swollen liver with an enlarged gallbladder containing thick granular bile, congested, dark-colored kidneys, generalized anemia and jaundice in postmortem examination.
• Animals that recover from the acute disease may remain infected for a number of years with Babesia bovis or for a few months with Babesia bigemina.
• Single forms of both parasites are also commonly seen in Babesia bovis infections.
• Pregnant cows may abort in late-term infections of Babesia bovis.
• These drugs are not available in all endemic countries, or their use may be restricted.
• Commercial vaccines based on recombinant antigens are not yet available.
• Live attenuated vaccines have been used successfully in countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Israel, South Africa, and Uruguay and one vaccination produces adequate immunity for the typical productive lifespan of animals.
• Many animals recover from Babesia bovis infections, but some may die if left untreated.
• Bos indicus–based breeds, such as Brahman cattle, are resistant to Babesia bovis infections.
• Examination of Giemsa-stained bloods by light microscopy is essential to confirm the diagnosis of Babesia bovis infections.
• Babesia bovis infections can be diagnosed through physical examination and history, together with clinical findings.