* Partner laboratory
General information
Babesiosis in mammals has become one of the most important parasitic diseases. The pathogens, which belong to the order Piroplasmida, are transmitted by ticks.
In peracute or acute infections, non-specific clinical signs such as fever, apathy and loss of appetite appear between the 5th and 28th day p. i. Anaemia, icterus and massive haemoglobinuria occur. A chronic infection, especially with B. vulpes (= B. microti-like = B. annae), is characterised by fatigue and emaciation of the animals over months, anaemia and intermittent periods of fever.
Without treatment, dogs can also develop a subclinical form, especially when infected with B. canis and B. vogeli, with the blood count being normal again. Many imported dogs from Eastern Europe are subclinically infected wirh B. canis and thus pose a risk of infection for other dogs. In addition, the infection can be reactivated in these dogs by various factors. Cattle and horses can also remain carriers of Babesia for many years.