Epidemiological, clinical and pathological findings of bovine babesiosis

Abstract

Bovine babesiosis is a disease with a febrile and hemolytic course, which together with anaplasmosis form the so-called bovine parasitic sadness complex (TPB). In Brazil, babesiosis is transmitted to cattle by the tick Ripicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, which occurs in practically the entire national territory. The economic impacts of babesiosis include the drop in animal performance, with reduced milk production, weight loss, abortion and mortality. Infection with the Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina protozoa causes intravascular hemolysis with potentially fatal effects. In infections by B. bovis, a severe neurological condition can be observed due to congestion of the brain capillaries, with parasitized red blood cells. The consequent hypoxia in the central nervous system culminates in manifestations of motor incoordination, aggressiveness and pedaling movements. In addition to fever and prostration, babesiosis caused by B. bigemina has hemoglobinuria. Knowing aspects of epidemiology, clinical signs, therapeutic conduct and forms of control and prophylaxis related to bovine babesiosis is essential for field veterinarians. In view of the great importance of bovine babesiosis and its deleterious effects on livestock, this review addresses aspects about epidemiology, the biological cycle of protozoa, clinical signs, post-mortem injuries and subsidies for the diagnosis of the disease.