The first evidence for vertical transmission of [i]Babesia canis[/i] in a litter of Central Asian Shepherd dogs

Journal Title: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine - Year 2014, Vol 21, Issue 3

Abstract

[b]Introduction and objective[/b]. Tick-borne infections constitute an increasing health problem in dogs and may lead to death, especially in young or elderly individuals. Canine babesiosis constitutes a serious health problem in dogs worldwide. The aim of the study was to verify the probability of vertical transmission of [i]Babesia canis[/i] between the bitch and the pups. [b]Materials and methods[/b]. In Autumn 2011, cases of babesiosis were diagnosed in a litter of 6-week-old puppies of a Central Asian Shepherd dog. Immediately following the first case of infection, blood samples were collected from all the pups in the litter (n=10) and from the female. Detection of Babesia infection was performed by molecular and microscopical techniques. [b]Results.[/b] The presence of[i] B. canis [/i]DNA was detected using PCR in three pups, presenting at the time or 24–48 hours later with babesiosis symptoms, and in their asymptomatic mother. The isolates derived from the pups and the female – 520 bp 18S rRNA gene fragment – were compared and analyzed. All isolates from the pups and their mother were identical and showed 100% homology with [i]B. canis[/i] group B (EU622793), supporting the same source of infection. Additionally, the USG of the peritoneal cavity was performed in the female, presenting evidence for splenomegaly. [b]Conclusions.[/b] On the basis of (1) the same timing of three pup cases; (2) the identical [i]B. canis[/i] sequences derived from all positive dogs; (3) evident splenomegaly in the asymptomatic female, this provides the first evidence of the vertical transmission of this piroplasm in dogs.

Authors and Affiliations

Ewa Mierzejewska, Renata Welc-Falęciak, Małgorzata Bednarska, Anna Rodo

Keywords

Related Articles

Cardiac rehabilitation: a good measure to improve quality of life in peri- and postmenopausal women with microvascular angina

Cardiac Syndrome X (CSX) was considered a stable coronary syndrome, yet due to its nature, CSX symptoms often have a great impact on patients’ Quality of Life (QoL). According to ESC 2013 stable coronary artery disease c...

Regulatory strategies to ensure food and feed safety in Poland--update review.

The principal State authorities responsible for food safety in Poland are primarily the national Chief Sanitary Inspectorate followed by the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate, who are both statutorily empowered to discharge...

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for a patient with a nonfluent/ agrammatic variant of PPA in the mutism stage

[b]Introduction. [/b]The paper presents an example of the successful administration of the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system. Such an approach is of particular significance in cases of patients with...

Effects of fluoxetine on the anticonvulsant action of valproate and ethosuximide in mouse model of myoclonic convulsions

Depression is becoming a growing problem in rural areas. This psychiatric disorder often accompanies epilepsy. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of fluoxetine (FXT), a commonly used antidepressant, on the...

Analysis of seroprevalence against [i]Coxiella burnetii[/i] in a sample of farm workers in Western Sicily

[b]Introduction and objective. [/b]Little is known about the development of chronic Q fever caused by [i]Coxiella burnetii [/i]in occupational risk groups and in the general population in Italy, as well as in many countr...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP80822
  • DOI -
  • Views 86
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Ewa Mierzejewska, Renata Welc-Falęciak, Małgorzata Bednarska, Anna Rodo (2014). The first evidence for vertical transmission of [i]Babesia canis[/i] in a litter of Central Asian Shepherd dogs. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 21(3), 500-503. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-80822