Seroprevalence and current infections of canine vector-borne diseases in Nicaragua

Abstract

BackgroundVector-borne diseases constitute a major problem for veterinary and public health, especially in tropical regions like Central America. Domestic dogs may be infected with several vector-borne pathogens of zoonotic relevance, which may also severely compromise canine health.MethodsTo assess the prevalence of canine vector-borne diseases in Nicaragua, 329 dogs from seven cities, which were presented to the veterinarian for various reasons, were included in this study. Dogs were examined clinically and diagnostic blood samples were taken for analysis of packed cell volume (PCV) and presence of microfilariae as well as antigen of Dirofilaria immitis and antibodies to Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) by use of a commercially available rapid ELISA. To detect current infections, specific PCRs for the detection of E. canis, A. platys and A. phagocytophilum were carried out on blood samples of the respective seropositive dogs. Microfilaremic blood samples, as well as D. immitis antigen positive samples were further subjected to PCR and subsequent sequencing for filarial species identification.ResultsAntibodies against Ehrlichia spp. were present in 62.9% of dogs, while Anaplasma spp. seroprevalence was 28.6%. Antibodies against species of both genera were detected in 24.9% of dogs. Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) antibodies were not detected. Dirofilaria immitis antigen was present in six animals (1.8%), two of which also showed D. immitis microfilariae in buffy coat. In addition to D. immitis, Acanthocheilonema reconditum was identified by PCR and sequencing in two of four additional microfilaremic blood samples, which were tested negative for D. immitis antigen. Current E. canis infections as defined by DNA detection were present in 58.5% of Ehrlichia-seropositive dogs, while 5.3% of Anaplasma-seropositive dogs were PCR-positive for A. platys, 2.2% for A. phagocytophilum and 16.0% for both Anaplasma species. Current E. canis infection had a statistically significant negative impact on PCV, whereas no relationship between infection status and clinical signs of disease could be observed.ConclusionsThese results indicate that canine vector-borne diseases are widespread in Nicaragua and that dogs may constitute a reservoir for human infection with E. canis, A. phagocytophilum and D. immitis. Thus, the use of repellents or acaricides to protect dogs from vector-borne diseases is strongly recommended.

Prevalence and risk factors for selected canine vector-borne diseases in Greece

“…Additionally, A. phagocytophilum could be pathogenic for humans with potential zoonotic implications [58]. Due to their molecular similarity and cross-reactions, it is almost impossible to differentiate A. platys and A. phagocytophilum using serological analysis [59] while mixed infections are possible [60]. It was found that the overall prevalence of A. plat ys and/or A. phagocytophilum seropositivity was 6.2%.…”

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

“…While A. phagocytophilum has been previously reported from Rhipicephalus bursa ticks in Greece [29], as well as from Rhipicephalus spp. ticks from other areas, indicating that there is a potential also for these ticks to play a role in the transmission of A. phagocytophilum [30]. The primary tick vector for A. phagocytophilum, Ixodes ricinus, is only rarely found in Greece.…”

Seroprevalence and Current Infections of Canine Vector-Borne Diseases in Costa Rica

“…Accordingly, previous surveys of canine vector-borne diseases in Central America have revealed high levels of exposure to Ehrlichia spp. (7, 10), followed by Anaplasma spp. (10, 11).…”

“…(7, 10), followed by Anaplasma spp. (10, 11). Both Anaplasma platys , the causative agent of canine cyclic thrombocytopenia, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum , causing zoonotic granulocytic anaplasmosis, are present in the region (10, 12, 13).…”

“…(10, 11). Both Anaplasma platys , the causative agent of canine cyclic thrombocytopenia, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum , causing zoonotic granulocytic anaplasmosis, are present in the region (10, 12, 13). Additionally, B. vogeli as well as Babesia gibsoni have been detected by PCR in dogs from certain locations in Costa Rica and Nicaragua (14–16), but large-scale serological surveys on canine babesiosis in Central America are lacking.…”