Canine Babesiosis Caused by Large Babesia Species: Global Prevalence and Risk Factors—A Review

Abstract

Canine babesiosis is a disease caused by protozoan pathogens belonging to the genus Babesia. Four species of large Babesia cause canine babesiosis (B. canis, B. rossi, B. vogeli, and the informally named B. coco). Although canine babesiosis has a worldwide distribution, different species occur in specific regions: B. rossi in sub-Saharan Africa, B. canis in Europe and Asia, and B. coco in the Eastern Atlantic United States, while B. vogeli occurs in Africa, southern parts of Europe and Asia, northern Australia, southern regions of North America, and in South America. B. vogeli is the most prevalent large Babesia 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 Babesia 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.

Germany-wide citizen science study reveals spread of Babesia canis-infected Dermacentor reticulatus ticks by dogs travelling within the country

“…Although the ticks were frequently still alive when reaching the laboratory, room temperature transport might have affected DNA quality in cases of dead ticks, so the Babesia prevalence may have been underestimated. In previous studies from other European countries, prevalence values varying from 0 to 82.6% were reported (summarized by Zygner et al, 2023 ), although vast differences in sampling size and geographical extent of the studies as well as different molecular detection methods make direct comparisons difficult. Even in countries considered endemic for canine babesiosis, large regional differences in prevalence rates were recorded.…”