DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

The differential diagnosis for hemolytic signs of babesiosis includes:

Anaplasmosis, a tickborne rickettsial disease of cattle, is often confused with babesiosis. The Anaplasma organisms invade red blood cells (RBCs) and can be mistaken for Babesia, however, they tend to be smaller and more peripherally placed. Infected RBCs are removed from the circulation by the spleen. There is anemia, but no intravascular hemolysis, consequently, anaplasmosis is NOT characterized by red urine.
	Clostridium hemolyticum may infect in the liver subsequent to some local damage, such as fluke migration. The disease is accompanied by hemolysis, with hemoglobinuria and so may be confused with Babesia infection. At the left is a large focus of hepatic necrosis where Clostridium hemolyticum is replicating and releasing its hemolytic toxins.
Leptospirosis infection results in the release of a bacterial toxin that leads to hemolysis, hemoglobinuria and liver failure. In the picture at the right, there is extensive icterus due to the hemolysis. This acute systemic form of leptospirosis is more often seen in young animals.
Other diseases associated with hemolysis that might be confused with babesiosis include include theileriosis (Theileria spp.), postparturient hemoglobinuria (due to phosphorus deficiency) and water toxicosis.

In addition, diseases that cause neurologic signs can be confused with bovine cerebral babesiosis - these include:

- rabies

- plant toxicosis

- severe hepatic disease with secondary hepatic encephalopathy

- many other neurologic conditions