Vaccination of dogs against Babesia canis infection

This paper describes the clinico-pathological parameters measured in dogs that were vaccinated against Babesia canis using soluble parasite antigens (SPA) and then challenged. The packed cell volume (PCV) and the plasma creatinine value decreased immediately after challenge. Actual PCV values could be predicted in the first 5-6 days of the infection, assuming that creatinine values were modulated by increase of plasma volume. This association no longer existed after that time, and observations indicated splenic involvement in reduction of numbers of circulating erythrocytes. The anaemia due to B. canis infection appears to be the result of a multifactorial process including plasma volume increase, erythrocyte retention in the spleen and erythrocyte destruction, partly due to parasite proliferation. Vaccination limited the reduction of PCV values, and the development of splenomegaly. Differences in protection between vaccinated and control animals became apparent 6 days after infection, when a memory immune response becomes operative, and the onset of recovery of vaccinated animals correlated with the onset of antibody production against SPA.