Clinical, Morphological, and Molecular Characterization of an Undetermined Babesia species in a Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)

Publication date: Available online 11 September 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Adi W. Naor, Dana M. Lindemann, Megan E. Schreeg, Henry S. Marr, Adam J. Birkenheuer, James W. Carpenter, Julia K. RyseffAbstractA possible novel Babesia species infection of a maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) was first reported in 2012. The current case details a confirmed report of a maned wolf with infection by an undetermined species of Babesia. As the mortality and morbidity of babesiosis is high, this may become a significant concern to captive maned wolves, which are considered a near-threatened species by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The aim of this study is to report the clinical, morphological and molecular characterization of this Babesia species. A 2.5-year-old, intact female maned wolf was found laterally recumbent with pale mucous membranes and jaundice the morning of presentation. Hematological and serum biochemical data were consistent with babesiosis and showed a regenerative severe anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinemia, azotemia, increased creatine phosphokinase and increase alanine aminotransferase. On blood film review, inclusion bodies were seen in the red blood cells with cytomorphological features that were most consistent with a small form Babesia species. A blood sample was sent for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and multi-locus sequence analyses. These findings suggested a unique Babesia species that is m...
Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases - Category: Zoology Source Type: research