First molecular detection and phylogenetic evaluation of Babesia canis rossi in domestic dogs from the Albertine Rift region, western Uganda

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 741–748

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/140741

Article Type: Short Communication

Title: First molecular detection and phylogenetic evaluation of Babesia canis rossi in domestic dogs from the Albertine Rift region, western Uganda

Names of Authors: Derrick O. Kaji¹, Agnes C. Atwine¹, Milton R. Wesonga²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. ²Albertine Rift Conservation Program, Wildlife Health Unit, Fort Portal, Uganda.

Abstract: Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis rossi is a highly virulent tick-borne hemoprotozoan infection that causes severe hemolytic anaemia and systemic inflammation in dogs across sub-Saharan Africa. This short communication reports on the molecular prevalence, hematological impacts, and phylogenetic placement of Babesia canis rossi among 180 domestic dogs presented at community clinics in western Uganda. Whole blood samples were processed for complete blood counts, and diagnostic confirmation was performed using nested PCR amplification and sequencing targeting the 18S rRNA gene region. Molecular assays detected Babesia canis rossi DNA in 14.4 percent (n = 26) of the dogs. Tick collection confirmed Haemaphysalis leachi as the exclusive vector on infected hosts. Parasitaemic dogs showed significant drops in mean packed cell volume (18.4 percent ± 3.2 percent versus 32.6 percent ± 4.1 percent in uninfected controls, P < 0.001) alongside severe thrombocytopenia. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the Ugandan isolates shared 99.6 percent sequence identity with high-virulence reference strains from southern Africa, forming a separate monophyletic cluster. These findings provide the first molecular proof of Babesia canis rossi in western Uganda, emphasizing the need for regular tick control using topical acaricides to safeguard companion animal health.

Keywords: Babesia canis rossi, Hemoprotozoa, 18S rRNA, Haemaphysalis leachi, Companion animal health, Uganda

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 22 June 2026; Revised: 20 July 2026; Accepted: 05 August 2026; Published: 20 August 2026

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