Fatal acute babesiosis associated with Babesia venatorum infection (Babesia sp. EU1) in a captive reindeer calf in Switzerland

Novacco, Marilisa; Hofmann-Lehmann, Regina; Grimm, Felix; Meli, Marina L; Stirn, Martina

doi:10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100336

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Novacco, M., Hofmann-Lehmann, R., Grimm, F., Meli, M. L., & Stirn, M. (2019). Fatal acute babesiosis associated with Babesia venatorum infection (Babesia sp. EU1) in a captive reindeer calf in Switzerland. Veterinary Parasitology. Regional Studies and Reports, 18, 100336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100336

Abstract

Babesia venatorum was isolated from a captive reindeer calf in Switzerland. The clinical signs consistent with acute babesiosis included hemolytic anemia and hemoglobinuria. The diagnosis was made based on visualization of intraerythrocytic parasites in the stained blood smears and confirmed by PCR analysis of the 18S rRNA gene, with subsequent species identification within Babesia confirmed by sequencing. The reindeer calf was initially treated with supportive care and an antiprotozoal drug (imidocarb dipropionate) but died a few day