Search Results (43)

The emergence of new Anaplasma strains in the Mediterranean region poses a challenge for both veterinary medicine and public health, as it can lead to more complex diagnostic and treatment strategies. Species related to Anaplasma platys and A. phagocytophilum, two important tick-borne pathogens, have been reported in several Mediterranean countries. However, the data on their presence in Sardinia remain limited. This study aimed to identify theAnaplasmaspecies genetically related to zoonotic agents, such as A. phagocytophilum or A. platys, in Sardinian horses, cattle, and swine. Using various molecular approaches targeting the groEL and gltA genes, the results confirm the presence of Candidatus (Ca.) Anaplasma turritanum and reveal the emergence of Candidatus (Ca.) Anaplasma cinensis and an A. phagocytophilum-like strain, designated as A. phagocytophilum-like 2, in Sardinian horses and cattle. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance in Sardinia and similar Mediterranean regions, as well as the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic tools and preventive strategies. Given the zoonotic potential of these emerging strains, these findings emphasize the need for greater vigilance in both veterinary and human health sectors to mitigate the risks associated with tick-borne Anaplasma species transmission. Ongoing research and proactive measures are essential to reduce the public health burden and prevent the spread of these pathogens across animal and human populations. Full article

Multiple blood pathogen infections are increasingly found in many areas, particularly in tropical regions. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of using doxycycline monotherapy to treat triple blood pathogen infection in sheltered dogs. A total of 375 sheltered dogs were screened for blood pathogen using polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR). There were 34 dogs with triple infection (Babesia vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma platys), and most dogs displayed anemia and thrombocytopenia. These dogs were treated with doxycycline (10 mg/kg/day) orally for four weeks, and their blood profiles were monitored. Almost all pathogens were undetectable by PCR by day 14 and pathogens were all cleared by day 28. Most blood profiles significantly improved after 14 days. The improvement continued after 28 days. The red blood cell and platelet count (PLT) were increased in similar trends between mild-to-moderate and severe thrombocytopenia groups. The average PLT in the mild-to-moderate thrombocytopenia group raised to normal level by day 14, whereas in the severe group, it was gradually increased to normal level by day 70. We propose using doxycycline monotherapy for 28 days to eliminate all pathogens, and facilitate recovery and welfare in dogs suffering with triple blood pathogen infections. Full article

Ticks are important vectors of pathogenic bacteria that cause diseases in both humans and animals. Analysis of tick microbiota via massive sequencing allows rapid and comprehensive identification of almost all bacteria inhabiting ticks. This has improved the detection of emerging pathogens and has helped define their relationship with public health. In Mexico, the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) is a public health problem, especially in northeast Durango. In the present study, the bacterial microbiota of this tick was determined using third-generation massive sequencing (PacBio, V1–V9 region of the 16S rRNA gene); bacteria with pathogenic potential that are transmitted by salivation and those that can be transmitted by accidental regurgitation of the parasite were also identified. In 2024, 60 dogs were searched for unfed ticks; then, 15 groups of female ticks and 15 groups of male ticks were formed, with each group consisting of 30 individuals. DNA was extracted from each tick pool, and the complete 16S rRNA gene was amplified (PacBio). Bioinformatics analysis was performed in QIIME2 (Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology) to obtain amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Alpha and beta diversity metrics, as well as statistical analyses, were performed to test for differences between the microbiota of females and males. The bacterial taxa were classified into 21 phyla, 24 classes, 81 orders, 137 families, 339 genera, and 565 species. The male microbiota presented a significantly greater number of ASVs and a greater phylogenetic diversity index (FaithPD). Additionally, the unweighted UniFrac metric was significantly different between the sexes. The endosymbiont Coxiella mudrowiae was significantly more abundant in females, and Ehrlichia canis was more abundant in males. The pathogens E. canis and Anaplasma platys (transmitted by salivation) were detected, as well as 75 species of potential pathogens recorded in this tick that could enter the host in case of accidental regurgitation of the parasite (e.g., Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Acinetobacter, Corynebacterium, Proteus, Clostridum, Klebsiella, Bacillus, Escherichia, Fusobacterium, and Pasteurella). It is necessary to continue analyzing the microbiota of ticks through massive sequencing for the benefit of public health and to establish new alternatives for controlling these parasites. Full article

Anaplasmataceae bacteria are emerging infectious agents transmitted by ticks. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular diversity of this bacterial family in ticks and hosts, both domestic and wild, as well as blood meal sources of free-living ticks in northeastern Paraguay. The bacteria were identified using PCR-HRM, a method optimized for this purpose, while the identification of ticks and their blood meal was performed using conventional PCR. All amplified products were subsequently sequenced. The bacteria detected in the blood hosts included Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Candidatus Anaplasma boleense, and Wolbachia spp., which had not been previously reported in the country. Free-living and parasitic ticks on dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and wild armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) were collected and identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Amblyomma spp. The species E. canis, A. platys, A. phagocytophilum, and Ca. A. boleense were detected in domestic dog ticks, and E. canis and A. platys were found for the first time in armadillos and free-living ticks. Blood feeding sources detected in free-living ticks were rodents, humans, armadillos and dogs. Results show a high diversity of tick-borne pathogens circulating among domestic and wild animals in the northeastern region of Paraguay. Full article

Anaplasma platys is a tick-borne zoonotic pathogen of canines. In this study, the presence of A. platys was screened for in brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus s. l.) infesting stray dogs in Taiwan to determine overall prevalence. This study represents the first instance of genetic identification of A. platys in brown dog ticks in Taiwan. In total, we examined 324 brown dog ticks for A. platys infection by nested polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The general prevalence of A. platys infection was 3.1%, with 3.6%, 4.0%, and 2.1% in nymph, female, and male ticks, respectively. Monthly prevalence of infection was observed from May to September. Genetic relatedness was determined by comparing the sequences of the 16S rRNA gene obtained from six Taiwan strains and seventeen other strains, representing six genospecies of Anaplasma spp. and three outgroups (Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia rickettsia, and Escherichia coli). All Taiwan specimens were shown to genetically belong to the A. platys group, and could be clearly discriminated from other Anaplasma spp. Genetic similarities revealed a 100% identity match with various A. platys documented in GenBank. This study highlights the epidemiological importance of geographical transmission of A. platys among dogs and the possible risk for human infections in Taiwan. Full article

This study describes granulocytic anaplasmosis in two dogs naturally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The 3-year-old dogs (male and female) came from the same household and were referred to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Iasi for blood donation. They were subject to standard routine tests: haematology blood test, blood smear, and serological tests (VETSCAN^® FLEX4 and IDEXX SNAP 4Dx Plus). The female dog had no medical problems, while the male dog experienced joint pain. The blood smear was negative for tick-borne pathogens, and the haematology findings indicated thrombocytopenia in both dogs, with the male dog also displaying eosinophilia. The two dogs were mildly positive in the ELISA tests for the detection of Anaplasma spp. antibodies; therefore, the blood samples were tested using the qRT-PCR method for Anaplasma platys and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The qRT-PCR result was negative for A. platys, but it was positive for A. phagocytophilum. The treatment consisted of the administration of doxycycline for 28 days. In conclusion, the high number of cases with non-specific clinical signs, the different sensitivity and specificity of the immunochromatographic serological tests, as well as the possibility of confusing the morula during the cytological examination, make the molecular test mandatory for precise diagnosis. Full article

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) pose a significant threat to livestock, including bovine species. This study aimed to investigate TBPs in cattle and ticks across four sampling points, utilizing real-time microfluidic PCR. The results revealed that Rhipicephalus microplus ticks were found infesting all animals. Among the detected TBPs in cattle, Anaplasma marginale was the most frequently identified, often as a single infection, although mixed infections involving Rickettsia felis, uncharacterized Rickettsia sp., and Anaplasma sp. were also observed. In ticks, A. marginale was predominant, along with R. felis, Rickettsia sp., and Ehrlichia sp. It is noteworthy that although A. marginale consistently infected all cattle during various sampling times, this pathogen was not detected in all ticks. This suggests a complex dynamic of pathogen acquisition by ticks. A phylogenetic analysis focused on the identification of Anaplasma species using amplified 16S rDNA gene fragments revealed the presence of A. marginale and Anaplasma platys strains in bovines. These findings underscore the presence of multiple TBPs in both cattle and ticks, with A. marginale being the most prevalent. Understanding the dynamics and phylogenetics of TBPs is crucial for developing effective control strategies to mitigate tick-borne diseases in livestock. Full article

Acute phase proteins have been used as tools for the diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of several diseases in domestic animals. However, the dynamics of these proteins in infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease in dogs, is still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, ferritin and paraoxonase-1) in dogs in a coastal town of Ecuador, with natural Trypanosoma cruzi infection with or without seroreactivity of Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis. For the detection of Trypanosoma cruzi serum antibodies, two different antigen-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests were implemented. For the detection of seroreactivity of Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis, an IDEXX SNAP^® 4Dx^® test was used. To determine the concentration of C-reactive protein and ferritin, an immunoturbidimetric assay was used; haptoglobin concentration was measured using a commercial colorimetric method validated in dogs; a spectrophotometric method was used to determine the serum concentration of paraoxonase-1. Results showed a reduction in the serum levels of paraoxonase-1 in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs, either with or without seroreactivity to other vector-borne diseases. A serum ferritin increment was observed in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs with seroreactivity to any other vector-borne diseases. Our findings suggest that paraoxonase-1 levels are reduced in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs without evident clinical signs of Chagas disease, despite their seroreactivity to the other vector-borne diseases studied. These findings could indicate an oxidative stress response in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs with no evident signs of inflammation. Full article

Anaplasmosis is a serious infection which is transmitted by ticks and mosquitos. There are very few reports and studies that have been carried out to understand the prevalence, distribution, and epidemiological profile of Anaplasma spp. infection in dogs in Hainan province/island. In the present study, we have tried to understand the prevalence, distribution, and occurrence of Anaplasma spp. infections in dogs (n = 1051) in Hainan Island/Province to establish a surveillance-based study. The confirmed positive samples by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were subjected to capillary sequencing for further strain-specific confirmation, followed by the construction of phylogenetic trees to determine their genetic relations. Various statistical tools were used to analyze related risk factors. There were three species of Anaplasma detected from the Hainan region; namely, A. phagocytophilum, A. bovis, and A. platys. The overall prevalence of Anaplasma is 9.7% (102/1051). A. phagocytopihum was prevalent in 1.0% of dogs (11/1051), A. bovis was found in 2.7% of dogs (28/1051), and A. platys in 6.0% of dogs (63/1051). Our surveillance-based study conducted to understand the occurrence and distribution pattern of Anaplasma spp. in Hainan will help in designing effective control measures along with management strategies so as to treat and control the infection in the area. Full article

Canine vector-borne diseases are of great relevance not only regarding animal welfare but also in relation to the One Health concept. Knowledge concerning the most relevant vector-borne pathogens in dogs is scarce and limited to stray dogs in most western African regions, and there is virtually no information about the situation in kept dogs presenting (regularly) to vets. Therefore, the blood samples of 150 owned guard dogs in the Ibadan area—in the southwest of Nigeria—were collected and analyzed for the DNA of Piroplasmida (Babesia, Hepatozoon, Theileria), Filarioidea (e.g., Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens), Anaplasmataceae (e.g., Anaplasma, Ehrlichia), Trypanosomatidae (e.g., Leishmania, Trypanosoma), Rickettsia, Bartonella, Borrelia and hemotropic Mycoplasma using molecular methods. Overall, samples from 18 dogs (12%) tested positive for at least one pathogen. Hepatozoon canis (6%) was the most prevalent blood parasite, followed by Babesia rossi (4%). There was a single positive sample each for Babesia vogeli (0.6%) and Anaplasma platys (0.6%). Moreover, one mixed infection with Trypanosoma brucei/evansi and Trypanosoma congolense kilifi was confirmed (0.67%). Generally, the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in this sample group of owned dogs in southwest Nigeria was lower than in prior studies from the country and in other parts of Africa in total. This leads to the assumption that, firstly, the exact geographical location has a major influence on the incidence of vector-borne diseases, and, secondly, it seems to make a difference if the dogs are owned and, therefore, regularly checked at a veterinary clinic. This study should raise awareness of the importance of routine health check-ups, tick and mosquito prophylaxis, and a well-managed infectious disease control program to prevent vector-borne diseases in canines. Full article

Pet animals (dogs and cats) can be infected with several companion vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs). Morbidity and mortality have been reported in pet animals due to CVBP infections. Pet animals living in close proximity to humans are able to transmit zoonotic pathogens. This study used molecular techniques to investigate the prevalence of CVBPs in apparently healthy pet animals (dogs and cats) from Khukhot City Municipality, Pathum Thani province, Thailand. In total, 210 blood samples were randomly collected from 95 dogs and 115 cats for the detection of seven companion vector-borne pathogens (Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia) using polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that 10.5% (22/210) of apparently healthy pet animals were infected with at least one pathogen, comprising 6 dogs (6.3% of all dogs tested) and 16 cats (13.9% of all cats tested). Ehrlichia (6.3%) was present only in dogs; furthermore, 1.1% of the dogs were positive for Anaplasma. There was one dog case co-infected with two pathogens (1.1%). In cats, Mycoplasma (9.6%) was the predominant CVBP, followed by Rickettsia (4.4%). The DNA sequences of all positive animals were 97–99% homologous to those found in the GenBank™ database for all CVBPs identified, namely Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Rickettsia felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum. Additionally, the risk of infection with CVBPs in pets was significantly associated with age, with young dogs more likely to be infected with CVBPs than adult dogs (OR 8.5, 95% CI 1.4–50.1, p = 0.006), while adult cats were more likely to be infected with CVBPs than young cats (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.0–14.0, p = 0.038). The detection of CVBPs demonstrated the potential risk of infection that may occur in apparently healthy pet animals in Pathum Thani province. These results confirmed that apparently healthy pet animals may still be at risk of vector-borne infections and could maintain the infection cycle in pet populations. Furthermore, sampling a greater number of apparently healthy pet animals may disclose predictors of CVBP positivity in domesticated animals in this area. Full article

Dogs are known to host several tick-borne pathogens with zoonotic potential; however, scant information is available on the epidemiology of these pathogens in low-income tropical countries and in particular in sub-Saharan Africa. With the aim of investigating a wide range of tick-borne pathogens (i.e., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Erhlichia spp., Borrelia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Babesia spp.), 273 blood samples were collected from dogs in selected districts of Ethiopia and analyzed by real-time and/or end-point PCR. The results of the study showed that Hepatozoon canis was the most prevalent pathogen (53.8%), followed by Anaplasma phagocythophilum (7.0%), Babesia canis rossi (3.3%), Ehrlichia canis (2.6%) and Anaplasma platys (2.2%). Furthermore, five samples tested positive for Borrelia spp., identified as Borrelia afzelii (n = 3) and Borrelia burgdorferi (n = 2), and two samples for Rickettsia spp., identified as Rickettsia conorii (n = 1) and Rickettsia monacensis (n = 1). The finding of Anaplasma phagocythophilum and different species of the genera Borrelia and Rickettsia with zoonotic potential was unexpected and alarming, and calls for further investigation on the roles of dogs and on the tick, species acting as vector in this specific context. Other pathogens (Hepatozoon canis, Babaesia canis rossi, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis) are already known to have an important impact on the dogs’ health but have minor zoonotic potential as they were rarely or never reported in humans. Dogs from rural areas were found to be at higher risk for different pathogens, probably due to the presence of other wild canids in the same environment. The findings of the present study contribute to a better knowledge of the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens, which is relevant to human and animal health. Full article

The genus Anaplasma (Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsiales) includes tick-transmitted bacterial species of importance to both veterinary and human medicine. Apart from the traditionally recognized six Anaplasma species (A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. centrale, A. marginale), novel strains and candidate species, also of relevance to veterinary and human medicine, are emerging worldwide. Although species related to the zoonotic A. platys and A. phagocytophilum have been reported in several African and European Mediterranean countries, data on the presence of these species in sub-Saharan countries are still lacking. This manuscript reports the investigation of Anaplasma strains related to zoonotic species in ruminants in Senegal by combining different molecular tests and phylogenetic approaches. The results demonstrated a recent introduction of Candidatus (Ca) Anaplasma turritanum, a species related to the pathogenic A. platys, possibly originating by founder effect. Further, novel undetected strains related to Candidatus (Ca) Anaplasma cinensis were detected in cattle. Based on groEL and gltA molecular comparisons, we propose including these latter strains into the Candidatus (Ca) Anaplasma africanum species. Finally, we also report the emergence of Candidatus (Ca) A. boleense in Senegal. Collectively, results confirm that Anaplasma species diversity is greater than expected and should be further investigated, and that Anaplasma routine diagnostic procedures and epidemiological surveillance should take into account specificity issues raised by the presence of these novel strains, suggesting the use of a One Health approach for the management of Anaplasmataceae in sub-Saharan Africa. Full article

Infections due to Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Dirofilaria, Mycoplasma, Babesia and Hepatozoon continue to be highly prevalent in dogs, especially in tropical and subtropical areas, where vectors of many of them are present. However, many clinical aspects of dogs have not been characterized in detail, including assessing the haematological alterations associated with them, particularly in Colombia and Latin America. A group of 100 dogs with Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Dirofilaria, Mycoplasma, Babesia and Hepatozoon infections/exposure were assessed by blood smear serology (SNAP4DX) and PCR in Pereira, Colombia. We performed blood counts to evaluate anaemia, leukopenia/leukocytosis, neutropenia, neutrophilia, lymphopenia/lymphocytosis, monocytosis, eosinophilia, and thrombocytopenia, among other alterations. Bivariate analyses were performed on Stata^®14, with significant p < 0.05. From the total, 85% presented ≥1 infection (past or present), 66% with coinfections (≥2 pathogens) (Ehrlichia 75%), and 89% presented clinical alterations. A total of 100% showed anaemia, 70% thrombocytopenia, 61% monocytosis, and 47% neutropenia, among other alterations. Additionally, 11% presented pancytopenia and 59% bicytopenia. The median platelet count was lower in infected dogs (126,000 cells/μL) versus non-infected (221,000 cells/μL) (p = 0.003). Thrombocytopenia was higher among infected dogs (75%) versus non-infected (40%) (p = 0.006), with a 91% positive predictive value for infection. Median neutrophil count was lower in infected dogs (6591 cells/μL) versus non-infected (8804 cells/μL) (p = 0.013). Lymphocytosis occurred only among those infected (27%) (p = 0.022). Leukopenia was only observed among infected dogs (13%). Pancytopenia was only observed among infected dogs. Ehrlichiosis and other hematic infections have led to a significant burden of haematological alterations on infected dogs, including pancytopenia in a tenth of them, most with thrombocytopenia and all anemic. Full article

Ticks and fleas are blood-sucking ectoparasites that cause irritation and anaemia to their hosts and act as vectors of pathogens (vector-borne pathogens, VBPs) of relevance for animal and human health. In the present study, tick and flea species in dogs and cats from Cyprus were recorded and VBPs were detected in the collected specimens. Ectoparasites were collected from 220 animals (161 dogs and 59 cats), and a questionnaire including demographic, clinical, and other information was filled out for each animal. The ectoparasites were morphologically identified and the detection of VBPs was performed by PCR-coupled sequencing. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was found on 108 dogs and 13 cats, and Ixodes gibbosus on 2 dogs. Ctenocephalides felis was the predominant flea species (on 62 dogs and 45 cats), while one dog and one cat were infested by Ctenocephalides canis and Echidnophaga gallinacea, respectively. The VBPs in ticks were Anaplasma platys, Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia conorii, Rickettsia felis, Hepatozoon felis and Hepatozoon canis, while Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia sp., Bartonella koehlerae, Bartonella clarridgeiae, and Bartonella henselae were recorded in fleas. Statistical analysis (chi-square test and multiple univariate generalized linear model) showed that animals up to 6 months of age were less likely to be infested with ticks than older animals, but more likely to be infested with fleas. Ticks were more prevalent in sheltered than in owned animals, while the odds ratio of flea presence was higher in owned animals than those living in shelters. The present study is the first investigation on the occurrence of ticks and fleas in dogs and cats from Cyprus, showing the presence of different VBPs in these important ectoparasites. The results point out the importance of systematic ectoparasite control in dogs and cats. Full article