The immunopathology of canine vector-borne diseases

Abstract

The canine vector-borne infectious diseases (CVBDs) are an emerging problem in veterinary medicine and the zoonotic potential of many of these agents is a significant consideration for human health. The successful diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these infections is dependent upon firm understanding of the underlying immunopathology of the diseases in which there are unique tripartite interactions between the microorganism, the vector and the host immune system. Although significant advances have been made in the areas of molecular speciation and the epidemiology of these infections and their vectors, basic knowledge of the pathology and immunology of the diseases has lagged behind. This review summarizes recent studies of the pathology and host immune response in the major CVBDs (leishmaniosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, hepatozoonosis, anaplasmosis, bartonellosis and borreliosis). The ultimate application of such immunological investigation is the development of effective vaccines. The current commercially available vaccines for canine leishmaniosis, babesiosis and borreliosis are reviewed.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA amplified from lesional skin of seropositive dogs

“…However, it has to be mentioned that mild vascular changes such as vasculopathy can be easily overlooked by a pathologist not experienced in reading skin biopsies. In vitro and in vivo studies show that degranulation of A. phagocytophiluminfected neutrophils and the subsequent release of several potent chemotactic agents leads to an increased blood vessel permeability and helps to recruit other inflammatory cells (Carrade et al, 2009;Granquist et al, 2010;Day, 2011). This mechanism could explain the clinically observed erythema and papules in our dogs as well as the vascular changes we observed.…”

“…CGA typically manifests as a febrile disease with short (4-14 days) bacteremia, lethargy, inappetence, lameness, anemia, and thrombocytopenia (Egenvall et al, 2000;Poitout et al, 2005;Carrade et al, 2009). Furthermore, A. phagocytophilum is capable of modifying several of neutrophil key functions such as phagocytosis and motility, therefore CGA is associated with impaired immunity (Woldehiwet, 2010;Rikihisa, 2011;Day, 2011). In cases of coinfection with other tickborne or vector-borne diseases, the clinical signs and the diagnosis might be more complicated (Beall et al, 2008;De Tommassi et al, 2013).…”

Seropositivity rates for agents of canine vector-borne diseases in Spain: a multicentre study

“…[2]. However, their control can be extremely complex since they show a wide geographical distribution, and clinical signs in infected dogs can vary significantly [3,4]. …”

Prospects for vaccination against the ticks of pets and the potential impact on pathogen transmission

“…(human and animal rickettsiosis), OHFV (Omsk hemorrhagic fever), Babesia canis (canine babesiosis), and Ehrlichia canis (canine monocytic ehrlichiosis) (de la Fuente et al, 2008;Beugnet and Marié, 2009). Other arthropods such as mosquitoes, fleas and sand flies also transmit vector-borne diseases (VBD) affecting humans and pets (Day, 2011;Beugnet and Marié, 2009).…”

“…Vaccines have not been developed or successfully implemented for most VBD affecting humans and pets (Day, 2011). Therefore, control of arthropod vectors is important for the eradication of VBD (de la Fuente and Kocan, 2003;Speranç a and Capurro, 2007;Karunamoorthi, 2011;Coller et al, 2012 …”