Babesia gibsoni Infection in Three Hunting Dogs

사냥개에서의 Babesia gibsoni 감염

Babesia gibsoni infection was diagnosed and treated in three hunting dogs which were hospitalized to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University between April 4 and August 29, 1987. All three dogs revealed severe anemia, hemoglobinuria, splenomegaly and markedly decreased PCV, RBC count and hemoglobin. The anemia was regenerative, as characterized by increased numbers of nucleated erythrocytes, polychromasia, anisocytosis, reticulocytosis. B. gibsoni was identified by examination of blood smear stained with Giemsa stain. The forms of B. gibsoni identified in this report were pleomorphic such as singnet ring, oval, comma, dot and elongated forms. The maximal percentages of erythrocytes infected with one or more B. gibsoni organisms were 39%, 20% and 40%, respectively. The Tick, Haemophysalis longicornis was assumed to be the vector of babesiosis in these cases. Specific treatment consisted of diminazene aceturate and supportive treatment consisted of whole blood transfusion, lactated Ringer's solution, vitamin B complex and broad spectrum antibiotics. All three dogs had convalesced successfully after treatment.