Ocorrência de Babesia spp. em canídeos domésticos no Pontal do Triângulo Mineiro

Abstract

Babesiosis is a disease, popularly known as tick disease, caused by protozoa of the genus Babesia, which are intraerythrocyte parasites transmitted by ticks during their meal. Representing a worldwide impact as a hematozoan disease with zoonotic potential, this protozoan infects several vertebrate hosts – including humans – causing mild to severe clinical symptoms. The aim of this study was to identify, through molecular analysis, the presence of Babesia in blood samples from domestic dogs. In addition, describe the clinical characteristics of the affected animals and which positivity was detected. For this, 112 blood samples were collected from animals treated at a veterinary clinic in the city of Ituiutaba, MG, but only 42 were used due to sample conservation. After molecular analysis, 50% (21/42) were identified as positive for Babesia spp., and all positive animals (100%) had anemia. There was a significant difference between positive females and males (p=0.0013). Thus, the presence of hemoparasites in at least 50% of the analyzed samples confirms the importance of investigating anemia and parasites in domestic animals, also considering the presence of the vector for Babesia spp. and the possibility of treatment and control of hemoparasites.