BABESIOSIS
SYNONYMS OF BABESIOSIS : Tick fever, red fever, Biliary fever, Splenic fever
Babesiosis is a tick transmitted haemoprotozoan infection of cattle, buffalo, horse, sheep, goat, dog, pig, wild animals am damn characterized by fever, anaemia, haemoglobinaemia and haemoglobinuria.
SUSCEPTIBLE HOSTS
The disease has been recorded in all breeds of cattle but more commonly in exotic and cross breed rather than indigenous one . In cattle, highest infection rate is observed in 6-12 months of age. In general , cattle under one year of age are infected with B. bigemina and cattle over two years age by B. bovis.
MODE OF TRASMISSION
The disease is transmitted under natural conditions from affected to healthy animals through ticks.
Transmission is not merely a mechanical process as parasites undergo developmental stages within the body of ticks before they are conveyed in the saliva in an infective form. Many species of ticks have been incriminated to the natural vectors of babesiosis . Boophilus microplus and B. annulatus are the major vector of bovine babesiosis in India.
PATHOGENSIS
The incubation period varies depending on the species of Babesia involved and it ranges from 5-10 days. Following infection multiplication of protozoa occurs in peripheral vesssels and there is intravascular haemolysis. It has been pointed out that proteolytic enzymes are liberated from the infected erythrocytes and these enzymes interact with components of blood and thus lead to increased erythrocytic fragility, hypotensive shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Parasitaemia , fever, and haemoglobinuria are main clinical attributes. Death occurs due to anaemic anoxia.
CLINICAL FINDINGS
- High fever
- Anorexia
- Depression
- Weakness
- Increased heart and respiratory rate
- Conjunctival mucous membrane is brick red in initial stage and pale in the terminal stage.
- Sever jaundice and haemoglobinuria [in the terminal stage] .
The febrile period is characterized by tremors of skeletal muscles. When the temperature recedes, the animals assume either lateral recumbency or prostration.
In B. bovis infection spasms of anal spincter and ‘Pipe stem’ faeces are observed. Also may involves the central nervous system leading to ataxia, paddling of limbs and coma.
DIAGNOSIS
This is bases on the following criteria:
- Clinical sign – Haemoglobinuria is cardinal sign
- Examination of blood smear
- Clinical pathology: low erythrocyte count, low packed cell volume, low haemoglobin level and increased ESR
- Serological test
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT
CHINA: It restore strength after loss of blood, debility from exhausting discharge. Cannot breath with head low, haemorrhage from lung, dyspnoea, anaemia and dropsy.
FICUS RELIGIOSA: it is good anti-haemorrhagic medicine, especially when the respiratory symptoms are predominant. Bloody urine .
MILLEFOLIUM: when blood loss is sever, continued high temperature. Violent palpitation.
PHOSPHORUS: when jaundices is present during the course of disease, also control haemorrhage. Blood extravasations, fatty degenerations . Congestion of lungs, whole body trembles with cough.
CROTALUS HORRIDUS: it prevent further haemolysis of RBC and also helps to cure jaundice and stop haemorrhage.
BELLADONNA: violence of attack and sudden onset. Urine is yellowish red in colour and animal stamps with the hind feet after urination as if pain.
CHINA 12 C
CHINA 12C by curewell homoeopathic pharmacy pvt ltd has received rave review from customers in previous years, demonstrating its exceptional and remarkable results in the cases of babesiosis , anaplasmosis and theileriosis
DOSAGE: For curative : 5gm twice a day for 10 days
Dr Akhila M R
BHMS Consultant
Curewell Homoeo Pharmacy Pvt Ltd.
Aluva, Ernakulam, Kerala, India.