Abstract: Babesia gibsoni is a small, intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite that causes canine babesiosis, a tick-borne disease primarily transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus and through dog bites, blood transfusions, or vertically. Resistance to commonly used drugs like Imidocarb dipropionate and even the standard Atovaquone-Azithromycin protocol has been increasingly reported, especially in endemic areas. The emergence of resistant strains and frequent treatment failures make B. gibsoni a growing therapeutic concern in veterinary practice. In this study, we aim to potentiate Artesunate with Atovaquone-Azithromycin therapy and evaluate its efficacy in achieving parasitaemia clearance.
The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of three treatment regimens for canine babesiosis. A total of 18 dogs infected with Babesia gibsoni, diagnosed by microscopy and PCR assay, were randomly allocated into three groups: Group I (n=6) received Atovaquone @13.3mg/kg TID P.O & Azithromycin @10mg/kg OD P.O for 10 days; Group II (n=6) received Artesunate @ 12.5mg/kg SID P.O for 10 days; and Group III (n=6) received Atovaquone @13.3mg/kg TID P.O & Azithromycin @10mg/kg OD P.O & Artesunate @ 12.5mg/kg SID P.O for 10 days. Clinico-pathological examinations and parasite detection were performed on Day 0, Day 10 & Day 21 post-treatment to assess efficacy. The major abnormalities observed at presentation included tachypnea, anorexia, pale or abnormal mucous membranes, lethargy, fever, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Dogs in Group III showed significant improvement in most clinical and hematological parameters compared with those in Groups I and II. Complete parasitological clearance was not achieved, and 4 out of 18 dogs (2 in Group I, 2 in Group II,) remained positive for B. gibsoni on microscopy. Based on the clinico-pathological recovery, the regimen used in Group III may provide better therapeutic outcomes under field conditions.
