Babesiosis acquired from a pet dog: a second reported case in Hong Kong

Blood smear revealed the presence of intra-erythrocytic ring-form parasites, suggestive of Plasmodium falciparum infection (Fig 1). A case of human babesiosis acquired from a pet dog has been reported where the dog was heavily infested with ticks.5 In a Brazilian evaluation of ectoparasites in dogs kept in apartments, Ixodid nymphs were found in 2%. Recently a new Babesia species,Babesia hongkongensis has been identified in the feline population.10 The prevalence of this new local species is low among free-roaming cats in Hong Kong and the pathogenicity in pet cats is unknown. Complications of babesiosis include acute respiratory failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and multi-organ failure.3 Combination therapy with atovaquone and azithromycin is the treatment of choice for mild-to-moderate Babesia infection.