Prevalence and co-infection of mosquito- and tick-borne pathogens in domestic dogs suspected for canine babesiosis in Lithuania

Abstract

During the past decade, vector-borne diseases (VBDs) have been continuously spreading in Europe, including Lithuania. VBDs are caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses transmitted by the bite of hematophagous arthropods (mainly ticks and mosquitoes). Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are a growing global threat. Since the majority of these diseases have a zoonotic potential, their management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Global warming and simplified rules for travelling with animal companions provide ideal conditions for the circulation and spreading of vector-borne pathogens in non-endemic geographical regions. Information on CVBD agents at the local and regional levels allows veterinarians to better recognize the pathogens that can affect dogs, thus facilitating diagnosis and treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and co-infection of mosquito- and tick-borne pathogens in domestic dogs using molecular DNA analysis methods. Blood samples were collected from dogs presented at different veterinary clinics in six regions of Lithuania. A total of 100 blood samples from dogs suspected for canine babesiosis were screened for the presence of tick-borne pathogens Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp., Babesia canis and mosquito-borne pathogens Dirofilaria spp. Results of real-time PCR analysis demonstrated the presence of D. repens in 23.0%, A. phagocytophilum in 35.0%, Babesia spp. in 81.0%, and Borrelia spp. in 19.0% of examined dogs. Double, triple, or even quadruple co-infections were detected. The present study is the first investigation of multiple vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Lithuania using molecular detection methods. Our findings demonstrate a high infection rate of vector-borne pathogens in dogs and suggest that co-infections with anaplasmosis, borreliosis, babesiosis, and dirofilariosis in dogs are expected in Lithuania.

Tick-Borne Pathogens, Babesia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., in Sled and Companion Dogs from Central and North-Eastern Europe

“…Co-infections with B. canis and Di. repens have been identified previously in numerous dogs from Central Poland [ 52 ], in dogs from Slovakia [ 53 ] and also in numerous dogs from Lithuania [ 24 ]. A triple co-infection of B. canis, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.…”

“…repens, A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp. and B. canis , was reported in two dogs from Lithuania [ 24 ]. Co-infections may be the result of higher exposure of certain dogs to vectors, ticks and mosquitoes, but may also be associated with higher individual susceptibility of some individuals.…”

“…Infections with TBP may have negative impacts on the performance of sled dogs in competitive events and are therefore of considerable concern for sled dog owners and the organizers of race meetings [ 22 , 23 ]. Although reports on tick-borne infections in dogs from NE Europe, including the Baltic states, are still rare [ 24 , 25 , 26 ], we have reported recently infections with several TBP in sled dogs, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum, B. canis , and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) [ 22 , 23 , 27 , 28 ]. Moreover, high prevalence of Dirofilaria repens , a zoonotic mosquito-transmitted nematode, has been found recently in sled dogs from central and NE Europe [ 29 ], suggesting an increasing significance of vector-borne infections in these regions of Europe.…”

Babesiosis in Southeastern, Central and Northeastern Europe: An Emerging and Re-Emerging Tick-Borne Disease of Humans and Animals

“…Currently, the disease occurs almost across the entire country. Both complicated and uncomplicated forms of canine babesiosis have been recorded [ 291 , 292 ].…”

“…Babesia canis is reported as the main etiological agent of the disease in dogs in Lithuania [ 290 , 291 , 292 ]. The expansion of the range of B. canis in Lithuania is directly related to the expanding range of the main vector— D. reticulatus .…”