Retrospective study (1991-2005), of canine babesiosis cases in Salvador city and Metropolitan Region, Bahia.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the frequencies of dogs infected by Babesia spp, based on suspicious clinical cases of hemoparasitosis recorded by veterinary doctors in the city of Salvador and Metropolitan Region, Bahia, from September 1991 to February 2005. 7243 record files from suspicious cases were analyzed for hemoparasites on Giemsa-stained blood smears, 33.95% of that showed positive result for the presence of Babesia spp. Higher frequencies of infection were detected in Akita Inu 48.61%, Pitbull 46.91%, Rottweiler 42.23%, Cocker Spaniel 41.93%, not defined breed 41.60% and Boxer 40.47% breeds. The frequencies of Babesia spp. infected dogs by age groups were high for those under twelve months old (42.87%), followed by twelve to forty eight months old dogs (34,63%) and over forty eight month old dogs (34.38%). The result confirmed that Canine Babesiosis is endemic in this area and more studies are necessary to understand the epidemiology and furthermore to optimize control strategies.