Investigating the Prevalence of Babesia Protozoa in Dogs in Southwestern Fars Province, Iran

The classification of Babesia spp. places them in order Piroplasmida within the phylum Apicomplexa, which is primarily transmitted to humans and animals through Ixodid vectors. This parasite invades the erythrocytes of their hosts, leading to various disease symptoms. The present study focuses on determining the prevalence of Babesia infection in the blood of dogs in Southeastern of Fars province, taking into account the favorable geographical and climatic conditions and the abundance of vector ticks in Fars province, Iran.

A total of 324 dog collars (132 females and 192 male) were selected from four different cities in Southeastern of Fars province, and categorized based on age, type of use, and sex. The samples were subjected to blood smear test. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using SPSS software and the Chi-square test (X2).

Forty two samples were infected with Babesia, indicating an infection rate of 12.96%. Among the infected samples, 13.02% were male dogs. Additionally, 12.87% of the infection was observed in female dogs. Finally, 12.71% of infection was observed in Shiraz city (15 sample), 14.94% in Kazerun city (13 sample), 8.92% in Fasa city (5 sample), and 14.28% in Jahrom city (9 sample).

The statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between gender and the level of infection, no significant association was found between the type of use (Pets, guard dogs, herding dogs, and stray dogs) and the level of infection. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between age and Babesia parasite infection.