Babesia gibsoni is a tickborne protozoal blood parasite that causes hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, lethargy, and splenomegaly in dogs. It has recently been recognized as an important pathogen that affects dogs in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Transmission of B. gibsoni is primarily occurring from infected ticks during feeding, and this transmission requires 2-3 days. Also, transmission of B. gibsoni can occur through transplacental transmission (dams to puppies,) or blood exchange when dogs fight or transfusion.
The disease is more severe in young dogs, immunosuppressed dogs, heavily parasitized dogs, and when there is exposure to a virulent strain or concurrent infection. Infected dogs may exhibit either peracute, acute, subclinical or chronic signs of disease. Severe cases may lead to organ failure and death. However, chronic stages often make the dog a carrier of the organism and becomes asymptomatic. Some dogs remain asymptomatic carriers of parasites, and facilitate the transmission of parasites to tick vectors.
Prompt diagnosis of dogs infected with B. gibsoni plays an important role in treatment and prevention of the disease. Bioguard Canine Babesia gibsoni Ab Test is designed to detect anti-B. gibsoni antibodies in either serum, plasma or whole blood within 5-10 minutes. The test requires neither special equipment nor training. Turnaround time is far shorter than PCR tests. With its high sensitivity (96.29%) and specificity (91.66%), Bioguard Canine Babesia gibsoni Ab Test can help veterinarians identify dogs infected with B. gibsoni.
Sensitivity and specificity of Bioguard Canine Babesia gibsoni Ab Test (using PCR testing as the reference method)
