Prevalence of antibodies against Babesia canis in dogs in an endemic area

A survey of 287 dogs for antibodies against Babesia canis in dogs in an endemic area, using ELISA, produced a prevalence of 43 per cent. Antibodies occurred in dogs of all age groups, the prevalence being significantly lower in dogs aged 1 to 6 months than in older dogs. There were no differences between indigenous Nigerian dogs and exotic (foreign) dogs; and between the sexes in the prevalence of antibodies. Antibodies were more prevalent in dogs with B. canis parasitaemia and in those with a higher risk of infection. Also antibodies were detected in some puppies born to seropositive bitches. The ELISA test failed to detect antibodies in 36.1 per cent of dogs with B. canis parasitaemia.