Cross-Sectional Serosurvey and Factors Associated with Exposure of Dogs to Vector-Borne Pathogens in Greece.

Abstract

Blood samples from 2620 dogs living in 7 different areas were used for the detection of antibodies againstandandantigen. Previously published seropositivity data againstfrom the same samples were also used to identify multiple-pathogen seropositivity. The associations between seropositivity against each pathogen and gender, age, utility, hair length, and region of residence were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of seropositivity against, andwas 12.25%, 2.23%, and 5.96%, respectively. Double- and triple-pathogen seropositivity was detected in seven different combinations. Age and region of residence were strongly associated with seropositivity against all pathogens. The association between seropositivity and the area of residence highlights the need for regular testing of dogs for vector-borne pathogens in areas with similar conditions to define control measures.