Canine Babesiosis Caused by Large <i>Babesia</i> Species: Global Prevalence and Risk Factors—A Review
2023
Wojciech Zygner | Olga Gójska-Zygner | Justyna Bartosik | Paweł Górski | Justyna Karabowicz | Grzegorz Kotomski | Luke J. Norbury
Canine babesiosis is a disease caused by protozoan pathogens belonging to the genus <i>Babesia</i>. Four species of large <i>Babesia</i> cause canine babesiosis (<i>B. canis</i>, <i>B. rossi</i>, <i>B. vogeli</i>, and the informally named <i>B. coco</i>). Although canine babesiosis has a worldwide distribution, different species occur in specific regions: <i>B. rossi</i> in sub-Saharan Africa, <i>B. canis</i> in Europe and Asia, and <i>B. coco</i> in the Eastern Atlantic United States, while <i>B. vogeli</i> occurs in Africa, southern parts of Europe and Asia, northern Australia, southern regions of North America, and in South America. <i>B. vogeli</i> is the most prevalent large <i>Babesia</i> species globally. This results from its wide range of monotropic vector species, the mild or subclinical nature of infections, and likely the longest evolutionary association with dogs. The most important risk factors for infection by large <i>Babesia</i> spp. include living in rural areas, kennels or animal shelters, or regions endemic for the infection, the season of the year (which is associated with increased tick activity), infestation with ticks, and lack of treatment with acaricides.
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