A Case Report of Babesia sp. in Feline Host: Diagnosis and Successful Outcome

Abstract

Babesiosis is a disease of mammals including cats caused by a hemoparasitic protozoan Babesia sp. affecting erythrocytes and vascular endothelium. A two-year-old, intact male, Persian cat with an indoor–outdoor lifestyle was presented to the District Veterinary Centre, Palakkad, Kerala, with a history of persistent vomiting, progressive lethargy, and anorexia. Hematological analysis demonstrated marked anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smear prepared from ear tip revealed the presence of Babesia organisms within erythrocytes. Based on morphological characteristics, a presumptive diagnosis of feline babesiosis was made; however, definitive species-level identification remained inconclusive due to the absence of molecular characterization. The cat was treated with a combination therapy consisting of diminazene aceturate and doxycycline. The animal showed rapid clinical improvement, with resolution of clinical signs and had an uneventful recovery. This case highlights the importance of hematological and blood smear evaluation for early detection of feline babesiosis, alongside low-cost molecular methods for species confirmation and the potential efficacy of combination therapy.