Zoology Faculty Work

Title

Babesia conradae, sp. Nov., a Small Canine Babesia Identified in California

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2006

Publication Title

Veterinary Parasitology

Volume Number

138

Issue Number

2018-01-02

DOI

10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.01.044

Abstract

Small piroplasms as a cause of canine babesiosis have usually been identified as Babesia gibsoni. Recent genetic studies suggested that small piroplasms are more likely comprised of at least three genotypically distinct species. In southern California, canine babesiosis caused by a small piroplasm has been documented since 1990. Morphological characteristics of this parasite include a small (0.3–3.0 μm) intraerythrocytic merozoite stage with predominantly ring, piriform, tetrad, amoeboid, or anaplasmoid forms. Transmission electron microscopic images of merozoites demonstrate the presence of an apical complex consisting of an inner subplasmalemmal membrane and rhoptries. Based on phylogenetic analyses of the 18S rRNA and the ITS-2 genes, the Californian small piroplasm isolate is more closely related to piroplasm isolates from wildlife and humans in the western United States than it is to B. gibsoni. Molecular and morphologic evidence supports naming the small piroplasm from southern California as a distinct species, Babesia conradae.

ISSN

0304-4017

First Page

103

Last Page

111

Link Out URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.01.044

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