Prevalence and geographic distribution of Babesia conradae and detection of Babesia vogeli in free-ranging California coyotes (Canis latrans)

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.11.004
• Publication Date: 2022-11-16T06:55:15Z
• Authors: Nadia N. Javeed; Laura Shultz; Samantha Barnum; Janet E. Foley; Emir Hodzic; Emily L. Pascoe; Beatríz Martínez-...; Niamh Quinn; Danielle Bucklin; Jonathan D. Dear
• Keywords: Babesia canis

Babesia species are intraerythrocytic piroplasms that can result in disease characterized by hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Of the 5 known to infect canids United States, conradae is most frequently diagnosed California, vogeli prevalent US. Despite recent re-emergence of B. conradae, mechanism transmission not known. Coyotes (Canis latrans) have been a proposed reservoir disease, previous work has shown dogs with aggressive interactions coyotes at greater risk for infection. This study aimed determine prevalence wild coyote populations California assess viability as potential source infection domestic dogs. Four hundred sixty-one splenic samples were obtained during post-mortem examination carcasses from Southern Fresno, Hopland. Demographic data including age, sex, cause death, urbanity collected each coyote. DNA was extracted amplified using real-time PCR primers specific ITS-2 gene. The 18S gene sequenced conventional genus any positive conradae. In total, 22 tested Fresno (n = 15), Orange 4), San Bernardino 1), Los Angeles counties 1) an overall 4.8%. (P<.01) rural significantly more likely be infected Ten 14 99–100% homologous 4 100% indicating co-infection both pathogens. demonstrates become harbor should investigated possible