First detection of Babesia sp. in Bornean sun bear (Helarctos malayanus euryspilus Horsfield) in Sabah, Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.39.2.003
- Author:
Chua, T.H.
1
;
Yeoh, B.N.
2
;
Manin, B.O.
1
;
Wong, S.T.
2
Author Information
1. Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
2. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Babesia;
Bornean Sun Bear;
Haemaphysalis nr koningsbergeri;
Sabah.
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2022;39(No.2):179-184
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The Bornean sun bear, a subspecies of the endangered Malayan sun bear, resides only on Borneo
Island and little is known about diseases or parasites that may impact their health. In 2019, blood and
ticks were collected from 46 captive bears held at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sabah,
Malaysia during annual health examinations in response to previous blood smear analysis that revealed
presumptive haemoparasites in more than half the resident bears. Polymerase chain reaction detected
a unique Babesia sp. in one of the bears. Disease surveillance of mosquitoes trapped along the outer
perimeter of the bears’ outdoor enclosure did not reveal any malaria parasites. This research marks the
first documented case in Bornean sun bears of both a Babesia sp. and the Ixodes tick Haemaphysalis
nr koningsbergeri. More research on incriminating the vector and the effects of Babesia infection on
the health of Bornean sun bears is needed. Due to the zoonotic nature of babesiosis, mitigative actions
should be taken to protect any humans that work with or come into close contact with these captive
bears or their enclosures.
- Full text:8.2022my1328.pdf
