Endoparasites and vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Greek islands: Pathogen distribution and zoonotic implications

Abstract

The present study investigated the presence of endo- and ecto-parasites, and vector-borne pathogens, in dogs from four islands of Greece. A total of 200 (123 owned and 77 sheltered) dogs were examined with different microscopic, serological and molecular methods. Of the examined dogs, 130 (65%) were positive for one or more parasites and/or vector-borne pathogens. The most common zoonotic intestinal helminths recorded were Ancylostomatidae (12.5%) and Toxocara canis (3.5%). Ninety-three dogs (46.5%) seroreacted to Rickettsia conorii . Twenty-two (11%) of them were also PCR positive and 7 (3.5%) showed corpuscles suggestive of Rickettsia spp. on the blood smears. Nineteen dogs (9.5%) were seropositive for Ehrlichia canis , three of them being also PCR positive. Dogs positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum-Anaplasma platys (1%), Dirofilaria immitis (0.5%) and Babesia canis (0.5%) were also found. Fleas and ticks were recorded in 53 (26.5%) and 50 (25%) dogs, respectively, and all specimens were identified as Ctenocephalides felis felis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato . Binary multiple univariate Generalized Linear Models were used to investigate factors and clinical signs related to the recorded positivity, while the association of specific signs with the pathogens was evaluated using tests of independence. Knowledge of occurrence and impact of zoonotic parasites and vector-borne pathogens in dog populations is crucial to prevent the infection in animals and people, and to control the risk of spreading of these pathogens in endemic and non-endemic areas.

Exposure to Major Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs Subjected to Different Preventative Regimens in Endemic Areas of Italy

“…Bacterial tick-borne diseases (TBDs) also play an important role in canine medicine, as Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia conorii are the most common throughout Europe and elsewhere [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Most of the abovementioned pathogens have a zoonotic potential and represent a threat for human health [ 2 , 18 ].…”

First Case of Clinical Cat Aelurostrongylosis in the Brazilian Amazon: Clinical and Molecular Insights

“…As similar examples, in the last decade, novel strains of tick-borne agents of felids have been identified in Brazil [ 60 ] and in Europe [ 61 , 62 ]. Arthropod-borne diseases are highly enzootic and circulate between domestic and wild felids of Brazil and Europe, where they can also be shared with canids living in sympatry [ 60 , 61 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 ]. Therefore, further studies are necessary to investigate any genetic variability in A. abstrusus isolates which infect domestic cats and wildlife living in Amazonia and Brazil and if, as for other metastrongylid nematodes and arthropod-borne pathogens, there is a potential impact on their genetic make-up by bridging infections between different animal species.…”

Leishmania infantum Seroprevalence in Cats From Touristic Areas of Italy and Greece

“…However, L. infantum is widely distributed in canine populations of Greece, and seroprevalence rates in regions of continental Greece range from 2% up to 50.2% (48,49). An overall prevalence of 6.5% emerged in a recent serological and molecular study carried out on the Islands of Ios, Santorini, Tinos, and Skiathos (50). The prevalence of L. infantum in Greece and its presence in surrounding islands suggest that this protozoan most likely circulates also among canine populations of Mykonos.…”