Serological investigation of some vector-borne parasitic and rickettsial agents in dogs in the western part of Turkey

Many infectious pathogens are transmitted to dogs by vector arthropods. Some of the most well-known agents causing canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia canis, Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria immitis. These rickettsial and parasitic agents pose a public health risk due to their zoonotic significance. This study was planned to determine the prevalence of Anaplasma spp., E. canis, L. infantum and D. immitis in dogs in the western part of Turkey. For this purpose, blood samples were collected from 248 dogs brought to private veterinary clinics with non-specific clinical symptoms such as anaemia, anorexia, fatigue, weight loss and loss of appetite. By using an immunochromatographic immunoassay, the presences of D. immitis antigens, and the anti-E. canis, anti-L. infantum and anti- A. platys/A. phagocytophilum antibodies were investigated, and the total prevalence of these vector-borne pathogens was determined as 37.1% (n:92). The prevalences of D. immitis, E. canis, L. infantum and Anaplasma spp. were determined as 1.2, 19.8, 14.9 and 8.5%, respectively. Dual co-infection rate by E. canis+L. infantum and E. canis+Anaplasma spp. were detected as 6.5%. A triple co-infection case caused by D. immitis, E. canis, and Anaplasma spp. was also detected in a dog from Aydin province. This study demonstrates the common presence of parasitic and rickettsial pathogens causing CVBDs in dogs in the western part of Turkey. Therefore, preventive measures against infection-transmitting arthropod vectors are recommended for animal welfare and the public health perspective.