CEREBRAL BABESIOSIS IN CATTLE (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Abstract

Cerebral babesiosis in cattle is one of the most serious manifestations of the complex known as Bovine Parasitic Sadness (TPB), being mainly caused by Babesia bovis, a protozoan transmitted by the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. This work aims to conduct a literature review on the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and control measures of cerebral babesiosis in cattle. The disease is characterized by the sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes in cerebral capillaries, causing vascular obstruction, hypoxia, and severe neurological manifestations, such as seizures, blindness, and coma. The diagnosis is based on the integration of clinical, epidemiological, laboratory, and anatomopathological data, and is confirmed through blood smears, histopathology of organs such as the spleen, liver, and brain, as well as molecular techniques such as PCR. In turn, treatment involves the use of babesicides, such as imidocarb dipropionate and diminazene aceturate, associated with supportive therapies. However, due to its rapid clinical progression, the prognosis becomes guarded. Prevention and control of the disease depend on the adoption of integrated measures, such as rational tick management, vaccination, pasture rotation, and the use of more resistant breeds. Cerebral babesiosis causes significant economic losses to livestock farming, due to mortality, decreased productivity, and treatment costs. Recent advances in molecular biology and immunology have contributed to the development of new diagnostic and vaccination strategies, offering promising prospects for controlling the disease. Therefore, it can be concluded that cerebral babesiosis represents a significant sanitary and economic challenge for cattle farming, requiring multidisciplinary approaches and continuous investments in research and integrated management.