Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tick-borne infections in dogs in Nueva Ecija, Philippines detected
By Corales, Joyce Marielle I et al.·Published in Annals of parasitology·2014·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The prevalence of Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys and Babesia spp. in dogs in Nueva Ecija, Philippines based on multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) assay.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, found that 7.14% of dogs tested positive for babesiosis, a tick-borne disease, while 2.85% had ehrlichiosis, another tick-related illness. Veterinarians in the area reported seeing signs of these diseases, particularly in Cabanatuan City, where they detected both conditions. Most vets relied on clinical signs and blood tests to diagnose these infections, but many faced challenges like the high cost of testing kits. Understanding these diseases can help pet owners recognize symptoms and seek timely veterinary care.
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Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys and Babesia spp. in dogs. It describes the practice of veterinarians in detecting tick-borne diseases in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Seventy blood samples were collected and were subjected to multiplex PCR for the detection of E. canis, Babesia spp. and A. platys. The prevalence of babesiosis is the highest in Cabanatuan City (2/10), while a 10% prevalence (1/10) was observed in Science City of Muñoz, Talavera and Sta. Rosa. E. canis were only detected in Cabanatuan City. However, no anaplasmosis was detected in any area. The prevalence of babesiosis and ehrlichiosis in Nueva Ecija is 7.14% (5/70) and 2.85% (2/70) respectively. In addition, 70% (7/10) of the Nueva Ecija veterinary practitioners encountered cases of suspected ehrlichiosis in their practice. The diagnosis of ehrlichiosis is based primarily on presented clinical signs and complete blood counts, which include a platelet count. Of the 10 respondents, half utilized test kits while 90% interpreted blood samples. Meanwhile, only 60% of the respondents used an ELISA test kit for ehrlichiosis. For some practitioners, the main reason for not utilizing a kit is the high cost. None of the respondents had previously attended cases of suspected anaplasmosis. Only one respondent diagnosed a case of babesiosis by blood smear microscopy.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25706424/