Babesiosis acquired from a pet dog: a second reported case in Hong Kong

Blood smear revealed the presence of intra-erythrocytic ring-form parasites, suggestive of Plasmodium falciparum infection (Fig 1). A case of human babesiosis acquired from a pet dog has been reported where the dog was heavily infested with ticks.5 In a Brazilian evaluation of ectoparasites in dogs...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi 2016-08, Vol.22 (4), p.393-395
Main Authors: Chan, J Mc, Tsang, K Y, Chik, T Sh, Leung, W S, Tsang, O Ty
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anemia
Animals
Arachnids
Babesiosis - drug therapy
Babesiosis - transmission
Blood tests
Cats
Dog Diseases - transmission
Dogs
Fever
Hospitals
Humans
Infections
Male
Middle Aged
Parasites
Pets
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Summary:Blood smear revealed the presence of intra-erythrocytic ring-form parasites, suggestive of Plasmodium falciparum infection (Fig 1). A case of human babesiosis acquired from a pet dog has been reported where the dog was heavily infested with ticks.5 In a Brazilian evaluation of ectoparasites in dogs kept in apartments, Ixodid nymphs were found in 2%. Recently a new Babesia species,Babesia hongkongensis has been identified in the feline population.10 The prevalence of this new local species is low among free-roaming cats in Hong Kong and the pathogenicity in pet cats is unknown. Complications of babesiosis include acute respiratory failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and multi-organ failure.3 Combination therapy with atovaquone and azithromycin is the treatment of choice for mild-to-moderate Babesia infection.
ISSN:1024-2708
2226-8707
DOI:10.12809/hkmj144390