The first case of Babesia gibsoni infection in a dog in Poland

Abstract

Canine babesiosis is a tickborne, protozoal, haemoparasitic disease that can cause varying degrees of haemolytic anaemia, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia and fever. Babesia organisms are frequently classified as either large or small. All small Babesia infections were previously attributed to B. gibsoni, but molecular analysis and DNA sequencing have revealed that there are at least three small piroplasms which infect dogs. Correctly identifying the infectious agent is important for treatment planning and prognosis. In this report, the first case of Babesia gibsoni infection in a Polish dog is presented.