Daily News Analysis ‘Babesiosis Parasitic Infection ’ : 27 May

Why in News:

• Two Asiatic lion cubs have died in Gujarat’s Gir forest region due to a suspected infestation of Babesia parasites, prompting the State Forest Department to step up veterinary surveillance.

Babesia Infection and Wildlife Host Core Facts:

• Pathogen Classification: Babesiosis is a rare, malaria-like infectious disease caused by microscopic, single-celled protozoal parasites belonging to the genus Babesia.
• Vector Transmission: It is a strictly vector-borne disease transmitted to wild and domestic animals through the bites of infected ticks, specifically hard ticks of the Ixodidae family, which thrive in high-temperature environments.
• Pathology and Impact: The parasite invades and destroys the host’s red blood cells (RBCs), leading to severe hemolytic anemia, dark or red-colored urine (hemoglobinuria), extreme weakness, jaundice, and respiratory distress.
• Asiatic Lion Protected Status: The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is legally protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.