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

Abstract

29The present study investigated the presence of endo-and ecto-parasites, and vector-borne pathogens, 30 in dogs from four islands of Greece. A total of 200 owned and sheltered dogs were examined with 31 different microscopic, serological and molecular methods. 32Of the examined dogs, 130 (65%) were positive for one or more parasites and/or vector-borne 33 pathogens. The most common zoonotic intestinal helminths recorded were Ancylostomatidae 34 (12.5%) and Toxocara canis (3.5%). Ninety-three dogs (46.5%) seroreacted to Rickettsia conorii. 35 Twenty-two (11%) of them were also PCR positive and 7 (3.5%) showed corpuscoles suggestive of 36 Rickettsia spp. on the blood smears. Nineteen dogs (9.5%) were seropositive for Ehrlichia canis, three 37 of them being also PCR positive. Dogs positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum-Anaplasma platys 38 (1%), Dirofilaria immitis (0.5%) and Babesia canis (0.5%) were also found. Fleas and ticks were 39 recorded in 53 (26.5%) and 50 (25%) dogs and all specimens were identified as Ctenocephalides felis 40 felis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu latu. Binary multiple univariate Generalized Linear Models 41 were used to investigate factors and clinical signs related to the recorded positivity, while the 42 association of specific signs with the pathogens was evaluated using tests of independence. 43 Knowledge of occurrence and impact of zoonotic parasites and vector-borne pathogens in dog 44 populations is crucial to prevent the infection in animals and people, and to control the risk of 45 spreading of these pathogens in endemic and non-endemic areas. 46 47 Author summary 48 Both owned and sheltered dogs can harbor a variety of intestinal and extra-intestinal endoparasites, 49as well as vector-borne pathogens and ectoparasites, of zoonotic concern. Dog shelters and stray dogs 50 are present in several touristic areas of Greece, including Sporades and Cyclades islands, where 51 tourists often bring their pets with them, likely travelling from non-endemic to endemic areas. The 52 present study has been carried out with the aim to evaluate the occurrence of the aforementioned 53 pathogens. Data obtained showed that they are present in canine populations of Greece, with 54 possibilities of infection for travelling dogs, which can also contribute to the spreading of zoonotic 55 vector-borne diseases, introducing new pathogens in previously non-endemic areas. For these 56 reasons, a constant monitoring of the epidemiological situation, improving control measures and 57 correct diagnostic approaches are of primary importance for the prevention of canine and human 58 infections, decreasing the spreading of potentially deadly pathogens. 59 60 61 62 65circulation of zoonotic infections are difficult to control. Because of a lifestyle that implies a low-66 grade of sanitary management, stray and free-roaming dogs are at high risk of becoming infected with 67 a wide range of pathogens. Consequently, they act as a permanent source of infection for vectors, 68 other animals an...

Mapping the canine vector-borne disease risk in a Mediterranean area

“…In another recent study with a remarkable number of dogs (n = 200), a similar to the present data from Aegean islands Ehrlichia spp. seropositivity was found (9.5%) [16]. The above data further support the observation in this study that the exposure of dogs to Ehrlichia spp.…”

“…A cross-sectional study was conducted in canine populations from different Greek Islands in order to evaluate the seroprevalence of CVBPs. In total, 4 islands were selected based on their geographical location [(i) situated in both Ionian and Aegean seas; (ii) covering areas West to East of the country; (iii) having different landscapes and climatic conditions], the size of their native dog population (traditionally islands like Leros and Paxoi despite their size are known for the high hunting dog population), and previous records (published or personal communication) of CVBD presence [11,12,[14][15][16][17]. Altogether, 1154 dogs with different lifestyles (indoors/outdoors), irrespective of age and breed were randomly sampled and examined for the presence of clinical signs suggestive of CVBDs.…”

“…Likewise, in the study including samples from Aegean islands, Anaplasma spp. were recorded in only 1% (2 out of 200 samples); however, A. phagocytophilum was isolated in one of the samples by PCR [16]. The presence of Anaplasma spp.…”

“…19.8 million international airport arrivals from January to October 2018, with 4.5 million arrivals on Crete alone [10]), many of whom travel with their pets. Overall, located in the Mediterranean basin with a suitable environment for pathogen transmission and poorly managed stray dog populations, Greece has been repeatedly reported as an area highly endemic for various CVBDs [11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. However, landscape and microclimate conditions are not identical throughout the country and this stresses the need for comprehensive knowledge on the distribution and abundance of various CVBPs within native dog populations and across different islands, which currently is missing.…”

Endoparasites of European Wildcats (Felis silvestris) in Greece

“…Recent data have suggested that domestic cats in Greece may be infected by parasites and vector-borne pathogens, which could be shared by wildcats and in some cases have the potential to also infect dogs and humans [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Additionally, single reports of multiparasitism in two wildcats in Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina have clearly proved that heavy parasitic infections may represent a factual threat for these animals [ 22 , 23 ]. Therefore, the aim of the present survey was to investigate in a focused epizootiological, large-scale study, the occurrence of endoparasites in wildcats in Greece by faecal and post-mortem examinations, and to assess the potential threats posed to wildcats, domestic animals, and humans in the study areas.…”