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Infestation of Ixodes ricinus with Babesia spp. in Natural and Anthropogenic Habitats of Kharkiv Region and Its Relationship with the Detection of Canine Babesiosis
Among parasitic diseases in dogs, babesiosis plays a significant role as a natural-focal, tick-borne hemoparasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Babesia, which invade erythrocytes. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Ixodes ricinus ticks infected with Babesia spp. and to assess the epizootiological characteristics of canine babesiosis distribution in various districts of Kharkiv region and the city of Kharkiv during 2012–2023, taking into account seasonal dynamics, age-related susceptibility of dogs, and conditions of the urban environment. A total of 2,690 I. ricinus ticks were collected from natural habitats: 1,955 from the Kharkiv Region and 735 from the city, including 294 obtained from dogs. Tick sampling was conducted in parks and residential areas using the flagging method (2 km routes, May 10–20). Ticks were examined morphologically to determine developmental stage and species. In total, 1,486 dog blood samples were analyzed (578 from the region and 908 from the city). Babesia parasites were identified via microscopy of methanol-fixed, Giemsa-stained thin blood smears from the ear vein. Samples were positive if Babesia trophozoites or paired pyriform merozoites were observed in erythrocytes. I. ricinus ticks infected with Babesia were found in all studied areas. From 2012 to 2023, average infection rates were 27.8% for nymphs and 35.8% for imago. The infection rate among dogs following tick bites was 36.9%. In the city parks, 48.9% of ticks were infected, compared to 39.7% in residential zones. Among ticks removed from dogs, 52.4% carried Babesia, and 46.1% of bitten dogs had babesiosis. The age group most affected in the region was dogs aged 5-6 years (37.7%), followed by 2-4 years (28.8%) and 7-9 years (25.3%). In Kharkiv city, the highest incidence was also in 5-6-year-old dogs (50.7%). Puppies (6 months to 1 year) and dogs over 10 years indicated the lowest rates of incidence (below 5%). Seasonal peaks occurred in April–May (18.3-22.7%) and September (16.1%), indicating clear patterns of disease activity. Thus, babesiosis remains a relevant parasitic disease in dogs in the region, requiring continuous epizootiological monitoring and effective prevention.
Infestation of Ixodes ricinus with Babesia spp. in Natural and Anthropogenic Habitats of Kharkiv Region and Its Relationship with the Detection of Canine Babesiosis (Text)
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