The role of companion animals in the environmental circulation of tick-borne bacterial pathogens

Abstract

Ticks are known as vectors of a wide range of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance; some of them of zoonotic concern constitute a hazard for the emergence of tick-borne diseases shared between humans and domestic animals and becoming a part of the 'One Health' concept. Canine and feline tick-borne diseases have emerged in recent years, performing an extensive geographic distribution and enlarged global prevalence. The present review focuses on the recent epidemiological studies on the emergence of tick-borne bacterial pathogens in dogs and cats, and the discussion whether pet ownership increases the risk of tick-borne diseases. A lot of data provide confirmation that dogs and cats themselves may substantially contribute to the circulation of the ticks and tick-borne bacterial pathogens in the environment. Molecular diagnostics of tick-borne pathogens infections generates a lot of problems like the choice of molecular methods and molecular markers for the detection of bacterial genomic DNA, but play an important role in the diagnosis of infections. The study provides some insight into molecular diagnostic techniques and new potentially recognized bacterial pathogens of this group. Protecting human and companion animal health from vector-borne infections requires controlling vector populations, containing development of novel, practicable strategies that will limit vectors and transmission of vector-borne disease pathogens.

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

“…These diseases are characterized by a complex pathogenesis with a potentially fatal clinical course for the majority of cases with new pathogenic findings being uncovered every year [5]. In addition, several have a zoonotic potential with possible transmission to the human population [6][7][8]. It is important to recognize that the transmitted pathogens may also frequently originate subclinical infections that nevertheless render the host as a carrier and even a reservoir [9].…”

Molecular detection of tick-borne haemopathogens in shelter dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) ticks from Peninsular Malaysia

“…In general, two dominant species were reported to cause canine anaplasmosis, namely A. phagocytophilum and A. platys [21]. These Anaplasma species infecting dogs were known to cause granulocytic anaplasmosis, and thrombocytic anaplasmosis, respectively [21][22][23]. The clinical signs of Anaplasma platys infection are ranging from benign clinical signs [24][25][26][27], to a more severe clinical signs, identical to those shown by E. canis-infected dog [28][29][30].…”

Detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria from Ixodes ricinus carried by pets in Tuscany, Italy

“…3 4 Companion animals that spend some time outdoors in peridomestic settings could be accidental hosts for several tick species and serve as a reservoir for some tickborne pathogens that can also affect people. 3 In this context, pets can play a role in the spread of tickborne pathogens in urban areas and contribute to the epidemiology of TBDs in people.…”