Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How common are tick and heartworm infections in Townsville dogs
By Gerber, K et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2025·College of Science and Engineering, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence of vector-borne pathogens Ehrlichia canis, Babesia spp. and Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Townsville, far north Queensland.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In a study of 301 dogs in Townsville, Australia, researchers looked for signs of blood-borne infections caused by Ehrlichia canis, Babesia spp., and Dirofilaria immitis. They found that none of the dogs had Ehrlichia canis, but 9 dogs (3%) tested positive for Babesia vogeli, and 15 dogs (5%) tested positive for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). The tests involved taking blood samples and using specialized techniques to identify the pathogens. This study highlights the presence of Babesia and heartworm in the local dog population, which may be important for pet owners to consider for their dogs' health.
People also search for: dog blood test Babesia · heartworm prevention for dogs · symptoms of Babesia in dogs
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis, Babesia spp. and Dirofilaria immitis are blood-borne pathogens transmitted to dogs by arthropods. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of E. canis, Babesia spp. and D. immitis in domestic dogs, aged 6 months or older, in Townsville, in far north Queensland, Australia. Dogs were recruited through convenience sampling, with the assistance of local veterinary clinics and James Cook University staff and students. Up to 3 ml of blood was collected per dog, into EDTA vacutainer tubes. Testing for E. canis and Babesia spp. was performed through qPCR, with a second PCR used to identify the species in Babesia-positive cases. Testing for D. immitis was performed using a commercial antigen detection kit and the modified Knott's test (MKT); microfilariae identity was confirmed by morphological features and qPCR. Of 301 dogs sampled, none tested positive for E. canis, whereas 9 (3.0%, 95% CI 1.1-4.9%) tested positive for Babesia vogeli, and 15 (5.0%; 95% CI 2.5-7.5%) tested positive for D. immitis, based on the combined antigen and MKT results.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40320577/