Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heartworm and tick infections in Romanian dogs - study results
By Mircean, Viorica et al.·Published in Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)·2012·Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Seroprevalence and geographic distribution of Dirofilaria immitis and tick-borne infections (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Ehrlichia canis) in dogs from Romania.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study in Romania found that 11.3% of dogs tested positive for one or more tick-borne diseases or heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). The most common infections were Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which affected 5.5% of dogs, and heartworm, which was found in 3.3%. The research indicated that older male dogs and certain types of dogs, like strays and hunting dogs, were more likely to be infected. Prophylactic treatments were also linked to a higher risk of infection, suggesting that some dogs may not be adequately protected. This study highlights the importance of regular testing and preventive care for dogs in Romania.
People also search for: dog heartworm symptoms · tick-borne disease in dogs · how to prevent Anaplasma in dogs · Romanian dog infections · dog vaccination for ticks
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases are of great concern worldwide. Despite this, in Romania there is only limited information regarding the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in dogs. In all, 1146 serum samples were tested by SNAP(®) 4Dx(®) (IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Ehrlichia canis antibodies, and for Dirofilaria immitis antigen. The correlation between positive cases and their geographic distribution, as well as potential risk factors (age, sex, breed, type of dog, habitat, and prophylactic treatments) were evaluated. Overall, 129 dogs (11.3%) were serologically-positive to one or more of the tested pathogens. The seroprevalence for the four infectious agents were: A. phagocytophilum 5.5% (63/1146), D. immitis 3.3% (38/1146), E. canis 2.1% (24/1146), and B. burgdorferi 0.5% (6/1146). Co-infection with E. canis and A. phagocytophilum was registered in 2 dogs (0.2%). The geographical distribution of the seropositive cases suggests clustered foci in southern regions and in the western part of the country for D. immitis, and in the southeastern region (Constanţa County) for E. canis. A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi showed a homogenous distribution, with a tendency for Lyme-positive samples to concentrate in central Romania. For D. immitis, A. phagocytophilum, and E. canis, administering prophylactic treatments was a risk factor associated with infection. Another associated risk factor was the type of dog (stray dogs were at risk being positive for D. immitis, shelter dogs for E. canis, and hunting dogs for B. burgdorferi). The prevalence of D. immitis was significantly higher in males and in dogs older than 2 years. This survey represents the first data detailing A. phagocytophilum and E. canis seroprevalence in Romanian dogs, and the most comprehensive epidemiological study on vector-borne infections in dogs from this country.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22607068/