Babesia Infections in Reservoir Hosts and the Possibility of Human Babesiosis in Ghana

Abstract

Background:

In Ghana, no research has recorded any positive cases of human babesiosis, despite the presence of Babesia reservoir hosts in many Ghanaian communities. Epidemiological studies have reported active infections in these hosts. Thus, this study explored possible cases of human babesiosis in selected major hospitals in the Greater Accra region and assessed the prevalence of Babesia infections in common reservoirs (dogs, cats, and rodents) from households and veterinary institutions.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study involved retrieving medical records from three major hospitals in urban (University of Ghana Hospital and Pentecost Hospital) and peri-urban (Shai-Osudoku District Hospital) areas that satisfied the eligibility criteria. Analysis of human babesiosis cases was conducted using appropriate search queries in Microsoft Excel. Genomic DNA was also isolated from 404 blood samples from Babesia reservoir hosts, and DNA analysis was performed using PIRO A1 and PIRO B primers targeting 18S rDNA.

Results:

These hospitals did not record cases of human babesiosis, although several cases of febrile illnesses and malaria were reported. The blood of 326 animals tested positive for Babesia DNA. Thus, the overall prevalence of Babesia infection in sampled animals was 80.69% (326/404), with infection prevalence varying among the targeted reservoir hosts: 53.07% (173/326) dogs, 3.99% (13/326) cats, and 42.9% (140/326) rodents.

Conclusion:

Although the hospitals documented no cases of human babesiosis, Babesia transmission was active among reservoir hosts. Therefore, clinicians and laboratory scientists in the Greater Accra region and Ghana should maintain a high index of suspicion of human babesiosis to avoid missing such cases.