Fatal acute babesiosis associated with Babesia venatorum infection (Babesia sp. EU1) in a captive reindeer calf in Switzerland

Marilisa Novacco; Regina Hofmann-Lehmann; Felix Grimm; Marina L Meli; Martina Stirn

doi:10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100336

Fatal acute babesiosis associated with Babesia venatorum infection (Babesia sp. EU1) in a captive reindeer calf in Switzerland

Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports. 2019 Dec:18:100336. doi: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100336. Epub 2019 Sep 10.

Authors

Marilisa Novacco¹, Regina Hofmann-Lehmann², Felix Grimm³, Marina L Meli², Martina Stirn²

Affiliations

¹ Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland. Electronic address: mnovacco@vetclinics.uzh.ch.
² Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
³ Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland.

PMID: 31796172
DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100336

Abstract

Babesia venatorum was isolated from a captive reindeer calf in Switzerland. The clinical signs consistent with acute babesiosis included hemolytic anemia and hemoglobinuria. The diagnosis was made based on visualization of intraerythrocytic parasites in the stained blood smears and confirmed by PCR analysis of the 18S rRNA gene, with subsequent species identification within Babesia confirmed by sequencing. The reindeer calf was initially treated with supportive care and an antiprotozoal drug (imidocarb dipropionate) but died a few days after hospitalization. Babesia venatorum is also known as Babesia sp. EU1 and can infect different mammalian species, including humans. The current case report aims to increase awareness among veterinarians and reindeer owners about the presence and the associated risk of this zoonotic pathogen. Considering the high morbidity and possible mortality associated with acute babesiosis, captive reindeer should receive tick prevention measures and be tested for subclinical infections in endemic area.

Keywords: Babesia sp. EU1; Babesia venatorum; Fatal acute hemolytic anemia; Rangifer tarandus; Reindeer.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Animals
Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use*
Babesia / drug effects*
Babesia / isolation & purification
Babesiosis / drug therapy
Babesiosis / parasitology*
Fatal Outcome
Imidocarb / analogs & derivatives*
Imidocarb / therapeutic use
Male
Reindeer*
Switzerland

Substances

Antiprotozoal Agents
Imidocarb
imidocarb dipropionate