Exam III - Babesia bigemina

Question 1

Babesia bigemina is a reportable dz in cattle because it causes what?

Answer 1

Texas cattle fever

Question 2

who is the final host for Babesia bigemina and how do they get it?

Answer 2

cattle are the final host and it is transmitted via inoculation from R. boophilus ticks

Question 3

ID is made from a blood smear of the infected cattle. what would you find on the smear?

Answer 3

appleseed-like trophozoites in rbc’s

Question 4

what are the clinical signs & pathologies associated with Babesia bigemina? what age group is most susceptible?

Answer 4

schizogony in rbc’s = distruction of rbc’s

Chronic cases - intermitent fever, anemia, edema, & icterus

older animals aremost affected.

Question 5

what is most critical to the prevention of Babesia bigemina?

Answer 5

tick control ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Question 6

how can ID of Babesia bigemina be made?

Answer 6

blood smear -acute cases

ELISA, IFA, (serology) - chronic cases