Babesia spp – Vector borne disease

Canine babesiosis
Multiple species:
- Babesia canis (endemic in Germany)
- Babesia gibsoni (mainly linked to stays abroad)
- Babesia vogeli (mainly linked to stays abroad)
- Babesia vulpes (mainly linked to stays abroad)
In Europe transmission of the pathogen via ticks
- Babesia canis: Dermacentor reticulatus
- Babesia gibsoni: Rhipicephalus sanguineus
- Babesia vogeli: Rhipicephalus sanguineus
- Babesia vulpes: Ixodes hexagonus as suspected vector
Possible transmission by blood transfusions

Direct detection methods
- PCR (positive result indicative for acute infection, species differentiation by sequencing)
- Blood smears out of capillary blood (less sensitive compared to PCR testing)
Indirect detection methods (positive result indicative for pathogen contact in the past, paired serum samples necessary for detection of potential infection)
- Antibody-ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)
- IFAT (immunofluorescence antibody test)

Subclinical to severe disease possible
Fever as the most prominent clinical sign
Hemolytic anemia and hemoglobinuria as the most important laboratory diagnostic parameters

Seasonal distribution of dogs tested positive for Babesia spp. by direct testing (PCR) (2007-2020, %)