SONATA 21 grant to investigate canine babesiosis and its transmission by ticks

03 07 2026

Dr Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek from the Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, is a consortium member in the project entitled “Immunological, epidemiological and genetic aspects of host–vector–pathogen interaction in canine babesiosis due to Babesia canis”, which has received PLN 1,699,050 in funding from the National Science Centre under the SONATA 21 call. Of this amount, PLN 762,780 has been allocated to the University of Warsaw. The project is led by Dr Marta Maruszewska-Cheruiyot from Lazarski University in Warsaw.

Canine babesiosis, caused by the intracellular blood parasite Babesia canis, is the most widespread tick-borne disease affecting the dog population in Poland and represents a major challenge for veterinary medicine. The severity of infection ranges from asymptomatic cases to fatal disease. To date, the factors responsible for such diverse clinical outcomes of B. canis infection remain unclear.

The main vector of B. canis is Dermacentor reticulatus tick, which in Poland occurs as two distinct populations—western and eastern—separated by a central gap zone. To date, B. canis DNA has been detected only in the eastern tick population, corresponding to the high incidence of canine babesiosis in this region. Nevertheless, clinical cases are also reported in the western part of the tick’s distribution range, despite the absence of pathogen detection in questing ticks.

In the proposed project, the scientists aim to investigate how the host immune response and the genetic diversity of the parasite influence the course of canine babesiosis. In addition, they seek to explain the differences in the occurrence of B. canis between the two populations of D. reticulatus in Poland.

The researchers propose a comprehensive interdisciplinary study addressing immunological, epidemiological, and genetic aspects of canine babesiosis, using most modern research methods available. The collaboration of two complementary research teams—one specializing in immunoparasitology and the other in tick biology and tick-borne diseases—will ensure the successful implementation and feasibility of the project.

Warm congratulations on receiving the grant, and best wishes for the successful completion of the project!

Details of the National Science Centre funding calls are available at:
https://www.ncn.gov.pl/aktualnosci/2026-06-11-wyniki-opus30-sonata21