Molecular characterisation of Babesia gibsoni infection from a pit-bull terrier pup recently imported into South Africa.
Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia gibsoni was diagnosed in a 3-month-old Pit-bull pup during a routine clinical examination. Diagnosis was confirmed by way of smear examination, PCR, Reverse Line Blot (RLB) and sequence analysis which showed 100% homology with B. gibsoni (Japan AB118032) and Babesia sp. (Oklahoma) (AF205636). Haematology showed moderate anaemia and severe thrombocytopenia. Treatment was initiated with diminazene aceturate (Berenil RTU) followed by 2 doses of imidocarb diproprionate (Forray-65) 3 days and 14 days later, respectively. Babesia gibsoni DNA was still detectable 2 weeks post-treatment on the PCR/RLB test. A 10-day course of combination drug therapy using atovaquone and azithromycin was initiated. Blood samples taken on Day 1 and Day 40 after completion of treatment were negative for B. gibsoni DNA on PCR/RLB test. The implications of a possible introduction of B. gibsoni into South Africa are discussed.
Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa. tshepo.matjila@up.ac.za
P T
PT
Matjila
B L
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Penzhorn
A L
AL
Leisewitz
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R
Bhoora
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Barker
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053626:Atovaquone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017963:Azithromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001403:Babesia / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001404:Babesiosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000635:transmission; D004285:Dogs; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D007095:Imidocarb / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010802:Phylogeny; D013019:South Africa; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D016054:DNA, Protozoan; D017963:Azithromycin; D007095:Imidocarb; D053626:Atovaquone