Prevalence, distribution, and diversity of cryptic piroplasm infections in raccoons from selected areas of the United States and Canada.

ABSTRACT: The order Piroplasmida contains a diverse group of intracellular parasites, many of which can cause significant disease in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Two piroplasm species have been reported from raccoons (Procyon lotor), Babesia lotori (Babesia sensu stricto clade) and a species related to Babesia microti (called B. microti-like sp.). The goal of this study was to investigate prevalence, distribution, and diversity of Babesia in raccoons. We tested raccoons from selected regions in the United States and Canada for the presence of Babesia sensu stricto and Babesia microti-like sp. piroplasms. Infections of Babesia microti-like sp. were found in nearly all locations sampled, often with high prevalence, while Babe

SUBMITTER: Garrett KB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6555877 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature