Vol. 9, Issue 5, Part G (2024)

This study investigates the prevalence of Babesia species in dogs suspected for haemoprotozoan disease in the Thanjavur Cauvery Delta Agro-Climatic Zone, Tamil Nadu, during the year 2022-2023. A total of 45 suspected dogs presented to the Small Animal Medicine Referral Clinic of the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu were evaluated using blood smear examination and molecular approach using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thin blood smears were stained with Giemsa’s stain and examined under light microscopy, while blood samples collected from the cephalic vein were analyzed using PCR to detect Babesia gibsoni using species specific primers. Blood smear examination for morphological identification revealed Babesia gibsoni in 12 dogs, with a prevalence rate of 26.6% based on blood smear staining. PCR analysis, however, identified 671 bp product of 18S rRNA gene of B. gibsoni in 20 dogs, showing a higher prevalence of 44.4%. Additionally, Babesia canis infection was detected in 2 dogs by stained blood smear examination representing a prevalence rate of 4.4% only during the study period.