Question

“Pipe stem” feces in cattle is caused by

• A. Babesia bigemina
• B. Babesia bovis
• C. Babesia major
• D. Babesia divergens

Hint:

Babesia bovis causes microvascular sequestration, leading to neurological signs (cerebral babesiosis) and gastrointestinal signs like "pipe-stem" feces, whereas Babesia bigemina does not cause sequestration.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bovine babesiosis, also known as tick fever or redwater, is a significant tick-borne protozoan disease of cattle.
The disease is primarily caused by Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina.
While both pathogens cause hemolytic anemia and fever, Babesia bovis is more virulent and causes distinct clinical manifestations due to its pathogenesis.
Detailed Explanation:
Babesia bovis causes sequestration of infected erythrocytes within the microvasculature.
This sequestration is mediated by the adhesion of infected red blood cells to endothelial cells, leading to capillary blockage, tissue hypoxia, and systemic inflammatory responses.
In the gastrointestinal tract, microvascular congestion and inflammation disrupt normal motility and secretory functions.
This pathology can manifest clinically as severe diarrhea, where watery or mucoid feces are projected in a thin, continuous stream resembling a "pipe stem" (often referred to as "pipe-stem" feces).
This sign is accompanied by high fever, severe hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinuria, and neurological signs (cerebral babesiosis) caused by the pooling of infected cells in brain capillaries.

Step 2: Final Answer:
"Pipe stem" feces in cattle is a clinical manifestation associated with acute Babesia bovis infection.