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

Abstract

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are globally widespread arthropod-transmitted diseases with a significant impact on animal and human health. Many drivers have recently spurred the geographic spread of VBDs in dogs. This study has evaluated the exposure to most important VBDs in dogs under different preventative treatments in different regions of Italy, i.e., Veneto, Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Umbria, Giglio Island (Tuscany), Abruzzo and Latium. Serological analyses were performed to detect antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Babesia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis/Ehrlichia ewingii, Borrelia burgdorferi, Rickettsia conorii and the circulating antigen of Dirofilaria immitis. Dogs were categorized according to the treatment schedule usually received, and the association between seropositivity and possible risk factors was statistically evaluated. Overall, 124/242 (51.2%) dogs tested positive for at least one pathogen, while 34 (14.0%) were exposed to two or more pathogens. The most detected seropositivity was against R. conorii, followed by Anaplasma spp., L. infantum, B. canis, and the other pathogens under study. Significant statistical associations were found according to geographical provenance, history of tick infestation, lifestyle and inadequate prophylactic treatments. Random/irregular treatments have been identified as a clear risk factor. These results show that adequate prophylactic treatment protocols are overlooked by dog owners, despite the availability of several effective products, with possible implications in veterinary medicine and on public health.

Molecular Investigation of Zoonotic Intestinal Protozoa in Pet Dogs and Cats in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China

“…In the present study, the prevalence of G. duodenalis in dogs is higher than that in Heilongjiang (4.5%) [ 6 ], Guangdong (10.8%) [ 25 ] and Sichuan (11.3%) [ 26 ] provinces, China, and is also higher than other zoonotic pathogens in dogs, such as 10.3% for Babesia canis , 9.1% for Anaplasma spp., 4.5% for Leishmania infantum , 1.7% for Borrelia burgdorferi , 0.4% for Ehrlichia spp. and 1.7% for Dirofifilaria immitis in Italy [ 54 ], but is lower than that in Henan province (14.3%) [ 27 ], Shanghai city (26.2%) in China [ 7 ] and other countries ( Table 5 ). Similarly, the G. duodenalis prevalence in pet cats is consistent with that in Hangzhou city (1.2%) [ 28 ], China; but is lower than that in Heilongjiang (1.9%) [ 6 ] and Guangdong (5.8%) provinces [ 25 ] and Shanghai city (13.1%) [ 7 ] in China and other countries ( Table 5 ), and is also lower than L. infantum (3.0%) in Greece and Italy; Rickettsia felis (10.8%), Rickettisa typhi (4.2%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (2.4%) and Ehrlichia canis (2.4%) in cats in Italy [ 55 , 56 ].…”

Potential Role of Hepatozoon canis in a Fatal Systemic Disease in a Puppy

“…The uncontrolled movement of potentially infected dogs can be dangerous as R. sanguineus , the main vector of H. canis , is widespread in Northern Italy and in general in Europe, and present all year around [ 32 , 33 ]. Thus, improving the awareness on VBDs, including hepatozoonosis and the establishment of appropriate control programs (e.g., for animals moving from or to endemic areas) are pivotal to appropriately manage and control the spreading of the disease [ 34 ]. Regular and adequate prophylactic treatments are, in fact, often overlooked by owners.…”

“…Regular and adequate prophylactic treatments are, in fact, often overlooked by owners. Thus, veterinarians should educate them on the correct management of dogs in terms of adequate timing, schedule and spectrum of action of products available on the market [ 34 ].…”

Simultaneous Exposure to Angiostrongylus vasorum and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Dogs from Italy

“…In this scenario, many European regions present a suitable environment for the circulation and spread of diseases transmitted by invertebrates and overlapping factors spur the emergence of canine angiostrongylosis and VBDs [ 32 , 34 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. Accordingly, Italy is a major epizootiological hub for angiostrongylosis and VBPs, which are now enzootic throughout the Country in both domestic and wild animals, and dogs may suffer from one or more of these diseases at the same time [ 25 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ].…”

“…Angiostrongylus vasorum has been found in Italian territories where it was considered unexpected (e.g., Northern regions) and it may occur simultaneously with D. immitis even where the monthly use of macrocyclic lactones would be able to prevent both diseases [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ]. A recent study has proven that canine populations living in different regions of Italy are exposed to the most important VBPs despite the use of preventative treatments [ 39 ]. These findings indicate that continuous surveillance on local epizootiological scenarios is necessary for a constant refinement of control programs.…”