Molecular identification, occurrence, and risk factors for small Babesia species among American Stafford Terriers in Serbia

Abstract

In Serbia, Babesia canis is the predominant cause of canine babesiosis, while B. gibsoni and B. vulpes have been reported only sporadically. Limited awareness of these small Babesia species often leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. International reports in-dicate that American Staffordshire Terriers (ASTs) and related breeds are particularly af-fected. This study examined 101 ASTs over a two-year period to determine the occurrence of small Babesia species and identify dog- and owner-related risk factors. Collected data included age, sex, body condition score (BCS), clinical signs, presence of scars, history of vector-borne diseases (VBD), living conditions, antiparasitic prophylaxis, and tick expo-sure. Molecular identification using PCR and Sanger sequencing revealed that 37 dogs were positive for Babesia spp.; among them, 36 were infected with B. gibsoni and one with B. vulpes. Significant risk factors associated with infection included the presence of scars, low BCS, history of VBDs, tick exposure, and living in rural areas. These findings demon-strate a notably high occurrence of B. gibsoni and the presence of B. vulpes in ASTs in Ser-bia. The results highlight the need for improved awareness, accurate molecular diagnos-tics, and targeted preventive and therapeutic measures. Additionally, observed risk fac-tors suggest chronic infection and support transmission pathways linked to dog bites and tick exposure