Description of Babesia galileei sp. nov. A Piroplasmid species causing severe disease in domestic cats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Babesiosis is a tick-borne infection caused by piroplasmid protozoa and associated with anemia and severe disease in humans, domestic animals and wildlife. Domestic cats are infected by at least six Babesia spp. that cause clinical disease.

Methods

Infection with a piroplasmid species was detected by microscopy of stained blood smears in three sick cats from Israel. Genetic characterization of the piroplasmid was performed by PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA, cytochorme B (CytB) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) locus, DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. In addition, Haemaphysalis adleri ticks collected from two cats were analyzed by PCR for piroplasmids.

Results

The infected cats presented with anemia

SUBMITTER: Baneth G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11234728 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature