ACUTE BABESIA FELIS INFECTION IN A HIMALAYAN CAT: MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS, CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL FEATURES AND THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The genus Babesia contains haemoprotozoan parasites that cause feline babesiosis, an ailment spread by ticks. Several species of Babesia have been found in cats, the most common of which being Babesia felis. A two-year-old intact male Himalayan cat was presented with the signs of anorexia, lethargy, dehydration, moderate jaundice and decreased urination. The cat was in lateral recumbency and the clinical examination showed palpable lymphadenopathy, icteric mucous membranes, pyrexia and severe dehydration. Anaemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver parameters and hypoproteinaemia were all found by hematobiochemical analysis. The causative agent was identified as B. felis by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The cat was treated with primaquine phosphate,  doxycycline  and  supportive  therapy.  The  cat  recovered  uneventfully with normal hematobiochemical parameters. This report details the diagnostic approach and successful therapeutic management of B. felis infection in a cat.