title: A Study of Naturally Acquired Canine Babesiosis Caused by Single and Mixed Babesia Species in Zambia: Clinicopathological Findings and Case Management.
abstract: A retrospective and prospective analysis of clinical records of dogs diagnosed with Babesia infections was carried out for the years 2000 to 2013 from practices in Lusaka, Zambia. Records of 363 dogs with confirmed Babesia infections were analysed using demographic factors including sex, breed, age, and clinical signs in relation to haematological findings and Babesia species. The clinical and laboratory findings observed are described as well as Babesia species identification. The study included 18 breeds and the highest proportion were mongrels (32.2%), males representing 64.5% of the population. The most common presenting problems were anorexia (65.3%) and lethargy/weakness (65.3%). The most common clinical signs were fever (87.3%), pallor (52.3%), lymphadenopathy (47.4%), and presence of ticks (44.9%). Anaemia (96.4%) and nucleated erythrocytes (42.2%) were the most common laboratory findings. A mixed infection of Babesia rossi and Babesia gibsoni was present in 59.7% of dogs, whilst 8% and 32.2% had B. rossi and B. gibsoni as a single infection, respectively. Case management mainly involved therapy with tetracyclines and imidocarb and was usually accompanied by clinical improvement. This study highlights, for the first time, the presence of B. gibsoni in natural dog populations in Zambia, where previously only B. rossi was reported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: King Shimumbo
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Nalubamba
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: Ntombi Basimbi
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Mudenda
authors.affiliation: Vet-Serve Veterinary Practice, P.O. Box 38851, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia ; Kaoma District Veterinary Offices, Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Zambia.
authors.forename: Mwaka Mwangala
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Namwila
authors.affiliation: Vet-Serve Veterinary Practice, P.O. Box 38851, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia ; Nsama District Veterinary Offices, Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Zambia.
authors.forename: Chilufya Susan
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Mulenga
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia ; Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Surgery, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan.
authors.forename: Eugene Chisela
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Bwalya
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: Ethel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: M'kandawire
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: Ngonda
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Saasa
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: Careen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hankanga
authors.affiliation: Showgrounds Veterinary Clinic, P.O. Box 30333, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Oparaocha
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Simuunza