Canine vector-borne infections in Mauritius.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Canine Health
• Tropical Diseases

Background:

• Canine vector-borne diseases are globally prevalent.
• No prior research existed on these diseases in Mauritius.
• This study investigated infections in dogs at a Port Louis animal shelter.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of canine vector-borne diseases in Mauritius.
• To identify specific tick-borne pathogens affecting dogs on the island.
• To assess the relationship between tick burden and infection status.

Main Methods:

• Manual tick collection and identification (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma variegatum).
• Blood sample analysis including packed cell volume (PCV) measurement, blood smear microscopy, and serological testing.
• Detection of Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Dirofilaria antigen, and Hepatozoon canis gamonts.

Main Results:

• 178 ticks collected from 52 dogs.
• Seroprevalence: Ehrlichia spp. (33%), Anaplasma spp. (15%).
• Dirofilaria antigen (18%), Hepatozoon canis gamonts (12%). No Borrelia burgdorferi detected.
• 14% of dogs were co-infected with two pathogens.

Conclusions:

• This is the first report of canine vector-borne infections in Mauritius.
• High tick burdens correlated significantly with the presence of tick-borne pathogens.
• Clinicians should be aware of these infections due to the high prevalence found.