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Published on: February 4, 2018
Bartonella DNA in dog saliva
Ashlee W Duncan1, Ricardo G Maggi, Edward B Breitschwerdt
1North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|February 9, 2008
Summary
Bartonella bacteria, a growing concern in human and animal health, were detected in dogs. Four species, including Bartonella henselae, were identified using PCR and DNA sequencing from oral swabs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bartonella species are increasingly recognized as pathogens affecting both humans and animals.
- Transmission occurs through arthropod vectors or direct contact with infected animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Bartonella species in dogs.
- To identify specific Bartonella species present in canine oral microbiota.
Main Methods:
- Oral swabs were collected from dogs.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were employed for pathogen detection and identification.
Main Results:
- Four distinct Bartonella species were identified in the tested canine oral swabs.
- The detected species included Bartonella bovis, Bartonella henselae, Bartonella quintana, and Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii.
Conclusions:
- Dogs can harbor multiple Bartonella species in their oral cavities.
- These findings highlight the potential role of dogs as reservoirs for Bartonella infections relevant to public and animal health.
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