Search Results (61)

Babesia vogeli is considered endemic in urban settings of Brazil, whereas Hepatozoon canis remains insufficiently documented in several regions, including the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro. This study investigated the frequency, spatial distribution, and determinants of infection by piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp. in dogs from distinct environments. A total of 372 blood samples from pet dogs were collected between June and October 2023 in Maricá (Area 1; n = 105) and in the Administrative Regions of Barra da Tijuca, Guaratiba, and Jacarepaguá (Area 2; n = 267). Molecular screening was performed using 18S rRNA gene-based PCR assays, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic inference. Conventional PCR was used for piroplasmids, while both conventional and nested PCR were applied for Hepatozoon detection. Overall, 30 dog samples (8.1%) tested positive. Piroplasmids were detected in 3.5% of dogs, with a higher occurrence in Area 1, whereas Hepatozoon spp. infection was identified in 5.4% of samples, with co-positivity with piroplasmids being rare. All piroplasmid sequences corresponded to B. vogeli, while H. canis was confirmed in thirteen dogs. The absence of owner-reported tick-borne disease history was the main factor associated with hemoparasite positivity. These findings provide the first molecular epidemiological evidence of H. canis circulation in different areas of Rio de Janeiro and highlight the need for integrated diagnostics, surveillance, and targeted actions to improve control. Full article

Canine babesiosis is a vector-borne disease of dogs with a worldwide distribution, presenting varying clinical signs depending on the host, parasite strain and climatic factors. Beyond companionship, dog meat serves as delicacy and is also used for zootherapy in some African communities. In this study, we collated and analyzed molecular biology-based diagnostic data on Babesia species of dogs in Africa in order to elucidate the epidemiological factors of the disease on the continent. Four Babesia species—B. rossi, B. vogeli, B. gibsoni and B. canis—were detected in Africa based on the results from 40 studies that involved the screening of 9435 dog blood samples from 83 study locations. Babesia rossi was the most commonly reported (aggregate detection rate = 7.7%) and was detected in samples from all the African regions except northern Africa. Babesia vogeli was the second most commonly reported (aggregate detection = 4.8%) and was detected in all of the African sub-regions. There were few reports of B. gibsoni (0.6%) in the southern and western African regions, and a single case of B. canis in an untraveled Nigerian dog. So far, there were no reports of Babesia coco, Babesia conradae or Babesia vulpes (Babesia annae, Babesia microti-like) in any of the African countries that have been confirmed by a molecular method. This study presents a synopsis of canine babesiosis in Africa, and provides an overview of common clinical signs, etiologies and risk factors that will serve as a quick guide to veterinarians to achieve timely tentative diagnosis. Full article

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are caused by pathogens transmitted by several invertebrates, posing a significant threat to both animal and human health worldwide. In recent years, the geographical distribution of CVBDs has changed in many countries, driven by climate change, increased pet travel, movements of goods, and anthropization of wildlife habitats. This study investigated the exposure to major CVBDs in 423 owned dogs from Italy and Greece. Individual serum samples were analyzed using serological methods. The SNAP^® 4Dx IDEXX test was used to detect Dirofilaria immitis circulating antigens and antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi. Additionally, an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) was used to detect antibodies against Rickettsia conorii and Babesia canis. Overall, 171 (40.4%) dogs were positive for at least one pathogen. Antibodies against R. conorii, Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., B. canis and B. burgdorferi were detected in 118 (27.9%), 28 (6.6%), 29 (6.8%), 5 (1.2%) and 3 (0.7%) dogs, respectively. Dirofilaria immitis antigens were found in 7 dogs (1.6%). A Binomial Logistic Regression was performed and revealed a statistically significant association between age (dogs > 7 years old) (p = 0.005; OR = 1.903; 95% CI = 1.215–2.2981) and presence of at least one clinical sign (p = 0.028; OR = 4.082; 95% CI = 1.168–14.262) and positivity to at least one vector-borne pathogen. These findings confirm that dogs in both Italy and Greece are exposed to a range of vector-borne pathogens and highlight the importance of continuous epidemiological surveillance in European regions. Full article

In Serbia, Babesia canis is the predominant cause of canine babesiosis, while B. gibsoni and B. vulpes have been reported only sporadically. Limited awareness of these small Babesia species often leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. International reports indicate that American Staffordshire Terriers (ASTs) and related breeds are particularly affected. This study examined 101 ASTs over a two-year period to determine the occurrence of small Babesia species and identify dog- and owner-related risk factors. Collected data included age, sex, body condition score (BCS), clinical signs, presence of scars, history of vector-borne diseases (VBD), living conditions, antiparasitic prophylaxis, and tick exposure. Molecular identification using PCR and Sanger sequencing revealed that 37 dogs were positive for Babesia spp.; among them, 36 were infected with B. gibsoni and one with B. vulpes. Significant risk factors associated with infection included the presence of scars, low BCS, history of VBDs, tick exposure, and living in rural areas. These findings demonstrate a notably high occurrence of B. gibsoni and the presence of B. vulpes in ASTs in Serbia. The results highlight the need for improved awareness, accurate molecular diagnostics, and targeted preventive and therapeutic measures. Additionally, observed risk factors suggest chronic infection and support transmission pathways linked to dog bites and tick exposure. Full article

Blood transfusions are indispensable in Veterinary Medicine, providing therapeutic support in cases of hematological disorders. Several pathogens can cause disease and/or exacerbate the condition of immunocompromised dogs or those requiring a transfusion. This study aimed to investigate the molecular occurrence of hemopathogens (Bartonella spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., piroplasmids, and hemoplasmas) in blood donor and patient dogs using samples from a clinical veterinary laboratory in Brazil. One hundred blood samples were collected from each group. All dogs tested negative for Bartonella spp. in all performed assays. Among the 100 dogs from the clinical veterinary laboratory, 15% (95% CI: 9.3–23.3) tested positive for Ehrlichia spp., 6% (95% CI: 2.8–12.5) for Anaplasma spp., 3% (95% CI: 1.0–8.5) for Babesia spp., and 2% (95% CI: 0.6–7.0) for hemoplasmas. Blood donor dogs tested positive for hemoplasmas (5%) (95% CI: 2.2–11.2). Additional conventional and real-time PCR assays followed by sequencing confirmed the presence of Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Babesia vogeli, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum’, and Mycoplasma haemocanis. The molecular detection of E. canis, A. platys, ‘Ca. M. haematoparvum’, and M. haemocanis in dogs from midwestern Brazil reinforces the relevance of molecular tools in diagnosing hemopathogens. This is the first molecular detection of hemoplasmas in canine blood donors from Brazil. This finding indicates their silent circulation and highlights the importance of molecular screening to prevent the worsening of clinical conditions and the risk of turning recipients into new sources of infection. Full article

The tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the most prevalent ectoparasite in dogs, causing discomfort to the animals and acting as a vector for several pathogens, including the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and the protozoa Babesia canis, Babesia gibsoni, and Hepatozoon canis. Control of this parasite is traditionally carried out with synthetic chemical acaricides. However, due to the increasing number of cases of resistance, phytotherapy has been increasingly investigated as a promising alternative. In this study, the larvicidal activity of the crude ethanolic extract and essential oil obtained from the inflorescences of Achyrocline satureioides was evaluated, whose constituents were identified through phytochemical analyses and gas chromatography. The analyses revealed that the extract is rich in flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, while the essential oil is composed mainly of terpenes. In contact tests with impregnated paper, the extract at 100 mg/mL showed a mortality rate of 32.2% in R. sanguineus larvae with LC₅₀ calculated at 249.62 mg/mL, while the essential oil, at the same concentration, resulted in 56.55% mortality, and the LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ were 119.73 mg/mL and 185.53 mg/mL, respectively. These results indicate that the essential oil of A. satureioides has significant larvicidal activity and has potential for use as an alternative, alone or in combination with other extracts or synthetic acaricides. Full article

This study aimed to assess the emergence and/or re-emergence of Tick-borne Diseases (TBD) in Portugal by linking the hemoparasite burden in companion animals to vector-borne disease dynamics through a One Health approach. Between 2015 and 2024, 1169 clinically suspected animals with hemoparasite infections, treated at the Hospital Veterinário de Santarém (HVS), underwent serological confirmation for Rickettsia conorii, Babesia canis, Ehrlichia spp., and Haemobartonella spp. A total of 3791 serological tests (3.2 tests per animal) were performed and 437 animals tested positive for at least one of the four hemoparasites under investigation. From 2020 to 2024, tests nearly tripled from 894 to 2883, raising positive cases and prevalence from 29.5% to 39.9%, especially for rickettsiosis and hemobartonellosis, indicating an increased circulation of their vectors. A national vector surveillance initiative identified Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus, and Dermacentor sp. as primary tick vectors in Portugal for the hemoparasites mentioned above and for other agents like arbovirus, such as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). This study found that the vectors responsible for transmitting hemoparasitosis, given the high number of serologically positive cases detected in the HVS, represent an increasing risk for TBD. These findings highlight the relevance of companion animal monitoring as an early-warning component within a One Health surveillance approach. Full article

In Thailand, domestic cats are frequently exposed to vectors that transmit a variety of pathogens. In this study, the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) and their association with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were investigated in 187 domestic cats from animal hospitals across five northeastern provinces. Twelve pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, were screened using PCR assays. FIV was identified in 2.67% of the cats, while FeLV exhibited a notably higher prevalence of 29.95%. Among the bacterial pathogens, Bartonella henselae was the most frequently detected (94.65%), followed by Rickettsia felis (34.22%). Protozoan infections such as Babesia canis (8.02%) and Cytauxzoon felis (3.21%) were less prevalent. Co-infections were common, with numerous cats hosting multiple pathogens. Correlation analysis revealed moderate associations between FIV and Babesia microti (r = 0.43), Babesia canis (r = 0.35), and Mycoplasma spp. (r = 0.33), indicating potential co-infection or predisposition. Although significant differences in the total white blood cell counts were not observed, leukopenia was more commonly found in FeLV/FIV-positive cats. These findings indicate that a high burden of infection and co-infection exists in the feline population, supporting the need for expanded pathogen screening and enhanced vector control strategies. Full article

Babesiosis is a significant vector-borne zoonotic disease with major global economic and health implications, affecting various vertebrate hosts. Babesia parasites are auxotrophic for essential nutrients, relying on their hosts for metabolic support. This study investigated salivary metabolomic changes in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis (N = 14) compared to healthy controls (N = 14) using untargeted and targeted mass spectrometry-based approaches. Saliva, a biofluid rich in metabolites, undergoes alterations in response to systemic diseases, making it a promising medium for studying host–pathogen interactions. Metabolomic profiling was performed using a Dionex UltiMate 3000 UHPLC system coupled with a Thermo Orbitrap Q Exactive mass spectrometer. An untargeted analysis detected 2257 salivary features, of which, 868 were significantly altered, with seven metabolites identified by reference to standards. A targeted analysis revealed significant changes in seven metabolites. Functional bioinformatics indicated disruptions in amino acid, nucleotide, and lipid metabolism, alongside alterations in energy production pathways, and purine metabolism. These findings provide critical insights into the metabolic shifts underlying canine babesiosis, supporting the development of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the future. This study highlights the intricate interplay between host and pathogen, particularly in nutrient acquisition and metabolic regulation. 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

Babesia canis is the parasite responsible for a life-threatening disease for dogs in Central Europe, of which the main vector is the ornate dog tick—Dermacentor reticulatus. The objective of the presented study was to assess the prevalence of Babesia infection in dogs with clinical suspicion of babesiosis, which tested positive for B. canis from locations where there is no or very limited information about dog exposure to this pathogen. In order to confirm the presence of this protozoan, blood samples were collected from dogs treated in veterinary clinics with suspicion of canine babesiosis. The samples were sent for microscopic analysis to Vetlab, a commercial veterinary diagnostic laboratory, to confirm the diagnosis. Overall, 3032 dog blood samples from Southern Poland were examined between 1 August 2018 and 31 December 2022 at the Vetlab laboratory. A total of 282 (9.3%) samples were found to be Babesia-positive using Wright–Giemsa stain peripheral blood smears, with an increase in two periods per year—April and October. Among the five voivodships, from which the laboratory analyzed blood samples, the highest number of Babesia-positive samples came from Częstochowa (Silesia) and its surroundings. Moreover, Babesia protozoans occurred more frequently in blood smears of pure-breed rather than mixed-breed dogs. The obtained results showed that infections with large Babesia in dogs from Southern Poland (with a special indication for the Śląskie Voivodship) should be taken into consideration during the differential diagnosis of tick-borne diseases at veterinary clinics. The presented study increases the vigilance and awareness of veterinarians and dog owners in this region, where babesiosis was very rarely diagnosed until date. Full article

More than one-hundred Babesia species that affect animals and humans have been described, eight of which have been associated with emerging and underdiagnosed zoonoses. Most diagnostic studies in humans have used serology or molecular assays based on the 18S rRNA gene. Because the 18S rRNA gene is highly conserved, obtaining an accurate diagnosis at the species level is difficult, particularly when the amplified DNA fragment is small. Also, due to its low copy number, sequencing of the product is often unsuccessful. In contrast, because the Babesia internal transcribed regions (ITS), between 18S rRNA and 5.8S rRNA, and between 5.8S rRNA and 28S rRNA, contain highly variable non-coding regions, the sequences in these regions provide a good option for developing molecular assays that facilitate differentiation at the species level. In this study, the complete ITS1 and ITS2 intergenic regions of different Piroplasmida species were sequenced to add to the existing GenBank database. Subsequently, ITS1 and ITS2 sequences were used to develop species-specific PCR assays and specific single-plex and multiplex conventional (c)PCR, quantitative real-time (q)PCR, and digital (d)PCR assays for four zoonotic Babesia species (Babesia divergens, Babesia odocoilei, Babesia duncani, and Babesia microti). The efficacy of the assay protocols was confirmed by testing DNA samples extracted from human blood or enrichment blood cultures. Primers were first designed based on the 18S rRNA-5.8S rRNA and 5.8S rRNA-28S rRNA regions to obtain the ITS1 and ITS2 sequences derived from different Piroplasmida species (B. odocoilei, Babesia vulpes, Babesia canis, Babesia vogeli, Babesia gibsoni, Babesia lengau, Babesia divergens-like, B. duncani, B. microti, Babesia capreoli, Babesia negevi, Babesia conradae, Theileria bicornis, and Cytauxzoon felis). Subsequently, using these sequences, single-plex or multiplex protocols were optimized targeting the ITS1 region of B. divergens, B. microti, and B. odocoilei. Each protocol proved to be sensitive and specific for the four targeted Babesia sp., detecting 10⁻² (for B. microti and B. odocoilei) and 10⁻¹ (for B. divergens and B. duncani) DNA copies per microliter. There was no cross-amplification among the Babesia species tested. Using 226 DNA extractions from blood or enrichment blood cultures obtained from 82 humans, B. divergens (seven individuals), B. odocoilei (seven individuals), and B. microti (two individuals) were detected and identified as a single infection, whereas co-infection with more than one Babesia sp. was documented by DNA sequencing in six (7.3%) additional individuals (representing a 26.8% overall prevalence). These newly developed protocols proved to be effective in detecting DNA of four Babesia species and facilitated documentation of co-infection with more than one Babesia sp. in the same individual. Full article

We surveyed 159 American black bears (Ursus americanus) over a period of three years for the occurrence of ticks, tick-borne diseases, and intestinal parasites in Wisconsin. We collected blood from the bears to test for the presence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF)), Babesia, Ehrlichia, Ehrlichia canis, Brucella canis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We also examined scat samples for intestinal parasites. We commonly found the tick Dermacentor variabilis, but also present the first report of Rhipicephalus sanguineus on black bears. We detected antibodies to Lyme disease and RMSF. We detected antibodies to E. canis for the first time in a bear and both antibodies to R. rickettsii and A. phagocytophilum for the first time in a black bear in Wisconsin. No antibodies for Babesia or Br. canis were detected. We found eggs of the intestinal parasite Baylasascaris transfuga as well as a low number of Toxascara leonina and unknown Capillaria species occurrences in the examined feces. Full article

Here, we described the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and Babesia species found in mono- and double infections among Ixodes ricinus ticks occurring in urban areas of the city of Poznań, Poland. We tested 1029 host-seeking ticks and 1268 engorged ticks removed from pet animals. Borrelia afzelii and B. garinii prevailed both in ticks from vegetation (3.7% and 3.7%, respectively) and from pets (3.7% and 0.6%, respectively). Babesia canis and Ba. microti were the most prevalent in host-seeking (2.6% and 1.4%, respectively) and feeding ticks (2.8% and 2.2%, respectively). Babesia microti sequences proved to be identical to the human pathogenic Ba. microti genotype “Jena/Germany”. Sequences of the rarest piroplasm Ba. venatorum (0.7%) were identical with those isolated from European patients. About 1.0% of tested ticks yielded dual infections; in host-seeking ticks, Ba. canis prevailed in co-infections with B. afzelii and B. garinii, whereas Ba. microti and B. afzelii dominated in double-infected feeding ticks. Dual infections, even with a low prevalence, pose a challenge for differential diagnosis in patients with acute febrile disease after a tick bite. The finding of Ba. canis in both tick groups suggests that I. ricinus could be involved in the circulation of this piroplasm. Full article