Clinicopathological and molecular profiles of Babesia vogeli infection and Ehrlichia canis coinfection

Abstract

<jats:p>Background and Aim: Canine babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic disease, is caused by the hemoprotozoa, Babesia vogeli, and Babesia gibsoni. Infection with these parasites, which is endemic globally, leads to life-threatening immunosuppression in dogs. The merozoites invade the red blood cells (RBCs) of infected dogs. Ehrlichia canis, an intracellular bacterium that infects monocytes, is transmitted by the same tick species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) during blood consumption and coinfection with B. vogeli and E. canis has been reported. Although the hematology and biochemistry of canine babesiosis have been studied, more studies are needed to develop a better understanding of the hematobiochemical and molecular profiles associated with cases of single infection and coinfection of canine babesiosis in Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the hematological, biochemical, and molecular profiles of B. vogeli infection and E. canis coinfection. Materials and Methods: The study included 33 B. vogeli–positive blood samples and 11 E. canis–coinfected blood samples. To exclude coinfection with Hepatozoon canis and Anaplasma platys, only dogs with B. vogeli infection and B. vogeli–E. canis coinfection were included in the study. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was conducted to detect B. vogeli, E. canis, and H. canis, and a conventional PCR assay was conducted for the detection of A. platys. Besides, the PCR assay and sequencing, comprehensive data analysis was conducted, including a microscopic blood parasite examination and hematological and biochemical data analysis. Results: The comparison of the hematobiochemical data between the B. vogeli–positive and E. canis coinfection groups identified that there were statistically significant differences in the RBC parameters, including RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and RBC distribution width (p=0.001). Neither B. vogeli infection nor coinfection with E. canis was associated with the sex, breed, recorded clinical signs, geographic origin of the dog and also B. vogeli 18S rRNA gene sequencing results. Conclusion: Coinfection with E. canis increased the severity of babesiosis. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying this infection, such as destruction of RBCs, require further investigation. This study may enhance diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of canine babesiosis.</jats:p>

Characterization of serum protein electrophoresis patterns and C-reactive protein in canine tick-borne diseases

“…Ticks not only feed on blood cells but also transmit different types of pathogens, such as protozoa, viruses, rickettsia, and bacteria [3], causing both morbidity and mortality. Ehrlichia canis, Babesia canis vogeli, and Hepatozoon canis are commonly found in Thailand [4,5]. Ehrlichiosis and babesiosis can develop when a dog is bitten by an infected tick, but hepatozoonosis is caused by its ingestion.…”

“…Ehrlichiosis and babesiosis can develop when a dog is bitten by an infected tick, but hepatozoonosis is caused by its ingestion. B. canis subspecies vogeli is the main species causing canine babesiosis in Thailand [5]. B. canis is the large form of Babesia spp.…”

First study on molecular detection of three major canine tick-borne pathogens in subclinically infected dogs in Chiang Mai, Thailand

“…With regard to A. platys and H. canis , our results showed the chances of these infections manifested as abnormal PCV appeared low, which is in agreement with the previous studies [ 5 , 11 , 14 , 19 ]. Coinfection of CTBDs in association with laboratory parameters has been documented in several studies, and the presentation is as variable as a single infection [ 4 , 5 , 15 , 19 , 44 ]. Coinfection of E. canis and A. platys showed a negative correlation with PCV in a study conducted by Piratae et al .…”

Characterisation&nbsp;of serum protein electrophoresis patterns&nbsp;and C-reactive protein in canine tick-borne diseases

“…Ticks not only feed on blood cells but also transmit different types of pathogen, for example, protozoa, virus, rickettsia and bacteria [3], causing both morbidity and mortality. Ehrlichia canis, Babesia canis vogeli and Hepatozoon canis are commonly found in Thailand [4,5]. Ehrlichiosis and babesiosis can develop when a dog is bitten by an infected tick, but hepatozoonosis is caused by its ingestion.…”

“…Ehrlichiosis and babesiosis can develop when a dog is bitten by an infected tick, but hepatozoonosis is caused by its ingestion. B. canis subspecies vogeli is the main species causing canine babesiosis in Thailand [5]. B. canis is the large form of Babesia spp., and Babesia organisms enter and multiply in erythrocytes of the host.…”