Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

What is a true statement regarding bovine babesiosis pathogenesis?

1. It infects platelets, leading to widespread blood clotting.

2. It infects respiratory tissues, resulting in dyspnea.

3. It infects white blood cells, causing lymph node swelling.

4. It infects red blood cells, resulting in pale mucous membranes.

The correct answer is: It infects red blood cells, resulting in pale mucous membranes.

Bovine babesiosis is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia, which primarily infect red blood cells (RBCs) in cattle. This infection leads to the destruction of RBCs, causing a condition known as hemolytic anemia. As the red blood cell count declines, affected animals often exhibit signs such as pale mucous membranes due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood. Additionally, the breakdown of red blood cells can lead to the release of hemoglobin into the bloodstream, which further contributes to diagnostic signs and clinical symptoms associated with the disease. In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the pathogenesis of bovine babesiosis. The infection does not primarily involve platelets, respiratory tissues, or white blood cells in the manner described, nor do these options detail the primary effects of the disease on the animal's physiology and overall health. Therefore, the accurate understanding of bovine babesiosis pathogenesis centers around its impact on red blood cells, resulting in clinical signs linked to anemia, such as pale mucous membranes.