Canine Babesia gibsoni is a small protozoan parasite that causes canine babesiosis, a tick-borne disease prevalent in many regions globally. Classified under the Apicomplexa phylum, it is primarily transmitted by ticks such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Haemaphysalis longicornis. The parasite invades red blood cells of dogs, replicating within them and causing their destruction, which leads to anemia. Dogs of all breeds and ages are vulnerable, with those in tick-infested areas or with a history of fighting (a route of direct blood transmission) at higher risk. It can also spread through blood transfusions with infected blood.
Clinical Signs
Common Symptoms: Fever, lethargy, pale gums (due to anemia), weakness, and reduced appetite. Severe Infections: Hemoglobinuria (reddish or brownish urine from damaged red blood cells), jaundice (yellowing of skin, eyes, or mucous membranes), enlarged spleen, rapid breathing, and in critical cases, organ dysfunction or shock.
Canivet Babesia gibsoni Ab Test
The Canivet Babesia gibsoni Ab Test is a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay designed for detection of Babesia gibsoni antibodies (BG Ab) in canine serum, plasma, or whole blood.