Successful Transmammary Treatment of Babesia gibsoni Infection in Newborn Puppies after the Administration of Malarone®, Azithromycin, and Artesunate to a Lactating Dam

Abstract

Babesia gibsoni is a parasitic protozoan transmitted through tick bites and can cause severe disease in dogs. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood during dog fights, blood transfusions, and from dam to offspring during the perinatal period, resulting in stillborn or dead newborn puppies. This study aimed to determine the incidence of infection, the viability of newborn puppies, and the degree of B. gibsoni transmission from infected dam to offspring during pregnancy and lactation. Using PCR-based molecular methods, B. gibsoni infection in a pregnant American Pit Bull Terrier and her newborn puppies was confirmed. The incidence of B. gibsoni infection in the litter reached 75%. Out of eight puppies, six were infected with B. gibsoni, and one died. A therapeutic protocol comprising Malarone®, azithromycin, and artesunate was administered to a lactating B. gibsoni-positive bitch. By day 77 after birth, three out of five positive puppies showed negative PCR tests for B. gibsoni, indicating successful treatment through breast milk during nursing. In the two remaining positive puppies, therapy was started and parasitemia was successfully eliminated.