Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
High rates of Ehrlichia canis and other infections in dogs on Boa
By Checa, Rocio et al.·Published in Parasites & vectors·2024·Animal Health Department, Spain·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: High serological and molecular prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and other vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 150 dogs on Boa Vista Island in Cape Verde were tested for a tick-borne disease called Ehrlichia canis, which can affect dogs and potentially humans. Surprisingly, 82% of the dogs had antibodies against this disease, but most showed no signs of illness. Some dogs also tested positive for other infections like Anaplasma and Hepatozoon, but again, many did not show symptoms. This study highlights the importance of better prevention measures for tick-borne diseases in dogs, especially in tropical areas.
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Abstract
Despite the high global impacts of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) due to their wide distribution and zoonotic potential, the current epidemiological situation of CVBD in many tropical and subtropical regions remains unknown. This study examines the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and other pathogens causing CVBDs (Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Hepatozoon canis) in dogs living on the island of Boa Vista (Cape Verde Republic). Blood samples and infesting ticks were taken from 150 dogs across the island (stray, shelter, and pet dogs). Serum samples were tested using a rapid immunochromatographic test (UranotestQuattro) that detects antibodies against E. canis, L. infantum, Anaplasma spp. and D. immitis antigen. Levels of serum antibodies against E. canis were measured using the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). In addition, tick-borne pathogens in blood samples (Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Ehrlichia canis) were detected by microscopy observation and/or PCR plus sequencing. The seroprevalence of E. canis was extremely high at 82% (123/150), as revealed by both immunochromatography and IFAT. Most dogs returning a seropositive test result (82.92%; 102/123) had antibody titres > 1:1280 but showed no clinical signs or notable laboratory abnormalities. Of the 123 animals testing seropositive for E. canis, 67 (54.47%) also presented antibodies against Anaplasma spp., and 13 (10.56%) showed the presence of Hepatozoon spp. gamonts in the blood smear. Ehrlichia canis infection was detected in 17.1% (25/146) of dogs tested by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Co-infections were detected in seven of these dogs: four dogs tested PCR-positive for both E. canis and A. platys, two dogs tested positive for E. canis and Hepatozoon spp., and one dog tested positive for E. canis, A. platys and Hepatozoon spp. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was the only tick species found infesting the canine study population. The high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens detected in dogs from Boa Vista Island highlights a need for improved control measures designed to prevent the transmission of these pathogens.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39232789/