Tick-borne infections of dogs in Serbia: A review of research

Abstract

Increased prevalence of tick-borne disease in humans and animals is an important public health issue. Dogs can be clinically ill, reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens, or sentinel populations for research. Certainly, small-scale research has been conducted in dogs and this review will focus on the recent studies of emergent and re-emergent tick-borne pathogens in dogs in Serbia. Babesiosis stands out as the most common and important tick-borne disease in dogs. In addition to this pathogen, the presence of Hepatozoon canis and ?Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum? in the blood of dogs was proved using molecular methods. Seroreactivity in dogs has been proven for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex, Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Rickettsia conorii, and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). The presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. complex, A. phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp. from the group of spotted fevers, and TBEV in ticks indicates the geographical distribution and potential for infecting humans, dogs, and other animals in Serbia. Further systematic, comprehensive, well designed, bacteriological, virological, parasitological, epidemiological, clinical (infectological), and acarological research is needed in Serbia.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus and Borrelia burgdorferi Seroprevalence in Balkan Tick-Infested Individuals: A Two-Centre Study

“…infecting humans. Conversely, Serbia is considered an endemic region for LB based on scientific publications assessing LB incidence and exposure in humans and tick-infested animals [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

First Confirmed Clinical Case of Anaplasma platys in a Dog in Serbia

“…The dog in this case probably had an underdeveloped immune system and was under stressful conditions related to the change of the owner and consecutive travel. In conclusion, because of the high seroprevalence in dogs suggesting that there is an increased likelihood of exposure and infection with a potentially zoonotic pathogen [14,15], more attention should be given to the diagnosis of anaplasmosis in both human and veterinary medicine in Serbia.…”

Serological evidence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi and Ehrlichia canis in dogs from the Republic of Korea by rapid diagnostic test kits

“…The incidence and geographical distribution of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) have increased globally [ 1 2 ]. Ticks are the main vector of pathogen transmission to animals and have been associated with the dissemination of numerous bacterial, parasitic, and viral diseases [ 3 ].…”