Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
First detection of Lyme disease antibodies in dogs in western Cuba
By Cordeiro, Matheus Dias et al.·Published in Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria·2020·Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saú, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: First serological detection of Borrelia spp. in dogs in western Cuba.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study in western Cuba found that over half of the dogs tested had antibodies against Borrelia bacteria, which can cause Lyme disease. Out of 176 dogs, 93 showed signs of exposure to the bacteria, but none had the actual DNA of the bacteria in their blood. This suggests that while many dogs may have been exposed to ticks carrying Borrelia, they did not have an active infection. Pet owners should be aware of the risk of tick-borne diseases and consider tick prevention measures for their dogs.
People also search for: dog Lyme disease symptoms · tick prevention for dogs · Borrelia exposure in dogs
Abstract
This study aimed to verify the presence of IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l) in domestic dogs in western Cuba. Serum samples were analyzed by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using crude antigens of a B. burgdorferi strain of North American origin. To verify the presence of Borrelia spp., deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from individual blood samples was analyzed by nested-PCR, with markers targeted for amplification of portions of the flagellin B gene (flaB) present in Borrelia spirochetes. Ticks were also collected through inspection of the animals. Sera from 93 of 176 (52.84%) dogs were reactive to the indirect ELISA. Geographic prevalence varied from 54.35% (25/46) in Boyeros, 44.44% (20/45) in Cotorro, 66.67% (22/33) in Habana del Este, and 50% (26/52) in San José de las Lajas. There was no statistical difference between these tested variables. No blood samples analyzed were positive for the Borrelia flaB gene.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33295375/