Comprehensive Assessment of Babesia gibsoni Infection in Dogs: Clinicopathological, Imaging, and Oxidative Stress Perspectives

Abstract

Purpose

The present study investigated clinico-pathological alterations associated with naturally occurring Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs from Mizoram, India.

Methods

Diagnosis was established using rapid antibody detection, microscopic blood smear examination, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blood samples were collected to study the haemogram, and serum samples were used for the evaluation of serum biochemical profile and oxidant-antioxidant indices. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in the infected dogs.

Results

Of 138 samples screened, 43 (31.15%), 70 (50.72%), and 85 (61.59%) were positive by rapid antibody test, blood smear examination, and PCR, respectively. The most consistent clinical signs included depression/lethargy, inappetence/anorexia, and pyrexia. Splenomegaly and splenic lesions were the most consistent ultrasonographic findings noticed. Major haemato-biochemical alterations comprised anaemia, leukocytosis with neutrophilia and eosinophilia, thrombocytopaenia, hypoproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia, azotaemia, and increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Dogs with B. gibsoni infection exhibited significantly (P < 0.001) higher lipid peroxide (LPO) levels and significantly (P < 0.001) lower total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and reduced glutathione (GSH). Red blood cell (RBC) count showed a negative correlation with LPO (r = − 0.741; P < 0.01) and a positive correlation with GSH (r = 0.714; P < 0.01) and T-AOC (r = 0.828; P < 0.01), indicating a role of oxidant–antioxidant imbalance in the severity of anaemia.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the multiorgan involvement of the disease and suggest a potential role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of B. gibsoni–induced anaemia in dogs.