Molecular Diagnosis, Prevalence and Importance of Zoonotic Vector-Borne Pathogens in Cuban Shelter Dogs—A Preliminary Study

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of zoonotic vector-borne pathogens, including Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia spp. in shelter dogs from Cuba. Blood samples were collected from 100 shelter dogs and examined by molecular methods. Overall, 85 (85%; 95% CI: 77.88–92.12) dogs tested positive for at least one vector-borne pathogen using species-specific qPCR assays. Among the positive samples, E. canis was the most prevalent 62% (95% CI: 52.32–71.68), followed by A. platys 40% (95% CI: 30.23–49.77) and Rickettsia felis 27% (95% CI: 18.15–35.85), whereas 36% (95% CI: 26.43–45.57) showed co-infections. All samples were negative for A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. The presence of 248 Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks collected from the dogs was not statistically associated with the occurrence of infections. Thrombocytopenia was the most frequent haematological alteration found in PCR-positive dogs; it was statistically associated with the presence of E. canis, as well as co-infections (p < 0.05). The phylogenetic analyses of A. platys and E. canis based on 16S rRNA, groEL and gltA genes showed a low genetic diversity between Cuban strains. The present study demonstrates the high prevalence of vector-borne pathogens with zoonotic potential in shelter dogs from Cuba.

Microfluidic PCR and network analysis reveals complex tick-borne pathogen interactions in the tropics

“…tick species have been identified as the main arthropod vector [ 30 , 31 ]. The high prevalence of H. canis , E. canis , and A. platys described in this study is consistent with previous studies conducted in Cuba, which raises concerns given they are well-known causative agents of canine TBDs, and suggests the ongoing risk these pathogens pose to the canine population [ 9 , 10 ]. Moreover, the presence of E. canis and A. platys highlights the necessity of vigilance and awareness among dog owners concerning the risks of TBP infection to their pets and the potential zoonotic transmission to humans [ 32 ].…”

“…ticks collected from dogs, and humans [ 29 ]. In Cuba, R. felis has been described in both stray and shelter dogs [ 9 ], as well as in Dermacentor nitens tick species collected from horses [ 37 ]. The diverse clinical manifestations attributed to R. felis infection in humans and animals emphasize the significance of monitoring its presence within tick populations [ 38 ].…”

“…In Cuba, the distribution of R. sanguineus tick species extends primarily to the western region, encompassing provinces such as La Habana, Mayabeque, and Pinar del Río [ 8 ]. Previous research work has provided some information about the occurrence of TBPs in dogs from Cuba, including Anaplasma platys , Ehrlichia canis , Hepatozoon canis , Rickettsia felis , Mycoplasma haemocanis , and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum [ 9 – 12 ]. Additionally, the presence of Babesia vogeli and Rickettsia amblyommatis has been observed in R. sanguineus s.l.…”

Nanopore Sequencing Using the Full-Length 16S rRNA Gene for Detection of Blood-Borne Bacteria in Dogs Reveals a Novel Species of Hemotropic Mycoplasma

“…Molecular techniques, including conventional PCR (cPCR) and real-time PCR, are increasingly used for the detection and clinical diagnosis of canine VBB, owing to their superior sensitivity over traditional methods, such as examination of blood smears and bacterial cultures ( 12 , 14 – 17 ). More recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based methods, capable of detecting the complete diversity of bacteria from a sample simultaneously, have been adopted as alternatives for VBB detection ( 18 – 21 ).…”

Novel Ehrlichia canis genogroup in dogs with canine ehrlichiosis in Cuba

“…is the vector of E. canis in Cuba [26], as in other regions of the world [27][28][29]. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA, and gltA genes suggested a low genetic diversity of E. canis in Cuba [30], but molecular markers with higher genetic resolution, such as the trp36 gene, may provide a more realistic view of the genetic diversity of this important pathogen in the country. The present study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of E. canis in Cuba using trp36 gene sequences.…”