Abstract:
Babesia felis originally described from wild cats in the Sudan was subsequently incriminated as causing clinical disease
in domestic cats. Although babesiosis in domestic cats has been reported sporadically from various countries, as a significant
disease it appears to be a distinctly South African phenomenon. Apart from an inland focus, feline babesiosis is reported
regularly only from coastal regions. The infection is assumed to be tick-borne, but the vector has not been identified. Feline
babesiosis tends to be an afebrile, chronic, low-grade disease. The most frequently reported complaints by owners are anorexia and lethargy. The main clinical findings-are anaemia, depression and occasionally icterus. Concurrent infections (e.g.
Mycoplasma haemofelis, FeLV, FIV) may contribute to the clinical picture. Laboratory findings commonly include regenerative anaemia, elevation of alanine transaminase (but not alkaline phosphatase) and total bilirubin concentrations and a variety
of electrolyte disturbances. Secondary immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia can be seen occasionally. Drugs effective against
other Babesia species give variable and questionable results. The drug of choice is primaquine phosphate, which effects
clinical cure but does not eliminate the infection. Repeated or chronic therapy may be required.
