Seroprevalence of zoonotic pathogens and related haematological and biochemical profiles in Fonni's dogs in rural conditions.

Abstract

Fonni's dog is a canine breed autochthonous to the Mediterranean area, specifically from Sardinia (Italy). A total of 190 dogs were examined to determine the seroprevalence of different pathogens endemic in this region and related haematological profile. The seropositivity of pathogens was 65.0 %, 41.3 %, 28.7 %, and 18.9 % for Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma. phagocytophilum, and Bartonella spp., respectively. Leishmania infantum and Toxoplasma gondii presented the same seroprevalence (5.6 %) respectively. The number of pathogens in co-seropositivity did not change the haematological parameters evaluated, whereas the age had an effect on several of them, including albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium (CAL), total cholesterol (COL), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatinine (CRE), aspartate aminotransferase (GOT), lipase (LIP), phosphorus (P), total protein (PRO) and triglycerides (TRI). Pathogens evaluated influenced different parameters. Specifically, Rickettsia spp. decreased CPK activity, creatine and glucose levels and increased phosphorus. T. gondii increased CPK activity and decreased glucose levels, and E. canis decreased gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity. Finally, L. infantum seropositivity decreased CPK and increased GOT activities. The results observed in Fonni's dogs related to seroprevalence of L. infantum and associated haematological parameters indicate that this canine breed could exhibit different behaviour from that of other canine breeds when faced with this pathogen. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the cause of these differences.