Babesia infections occur in dogs and other species, and are
transmitted mainly by ticks. Babesia are protozoal parasites that attack
blood cells, though the severity of illness varies considerably
depending on the species of Babesia involved, as well as the immune
response of the infected dog.
The primary result of a Babesia
infection is anemia as the immune system destroys infected red blood
cells, but Babesia can have other effects throughout the body as well.
Cause
Babesia are a type of microscopic
parasites that infect red blood cells, causing a disease called
babesiosis. There are many species of Babesia, which infect a wide
variety of animals, but there are only a few species that affect dogs.
While our understanding of Babesia is improving, diagnosis and treatment
of Babesia infections remains challenging.
Most Babesia infections are acquired through ticks. Because it is
spread by ticks, Babesia is most common in warmer weather when ticks are
most numerous. Infections are also possible through blood transfusions,
and in the case of one Babesia species (Babesia gibsoni),
dog-to-dog transmission via bite wounds is thought to be a mode of
transmission. Mothers can also pass Babesia to their pups before birth.