Prevalence, Distribution, and Factors Associated with Vector-Borne Pathogen Infections in Pet Dogs from Different...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Tropical Medicine
• Canine Health

Background:

• Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) pose significant health risks to dogs in tropical regions.
• Limited research on canine VBPs in Sri Lanka hinders accurate prevalence assessment in pet dog populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of six common canine VBPs in Sri Lanka.
• To identify host and environmental factors associated with VBP infections in pet dogs.

Main Methods:

• Collected demographic, clinical, and environmental data from 423 pet dogs across three geoclimatic zones.
• Screened blood samples using multiplex qPCR for six prevalent canine VBPs.
• Employed multivariable logistic regression to analyze VBP infection predictors.

Main Results:

• Overall VBP prevalence was 60.1%, with Babesia gibsoni (37.4%) and Hepatozoon canis (21.04%) being most common.
• Tick infestation predicted Hepatozoon canis and Anaplasma platys infections; age predicted Babesia gibsoni and Hepatozoon canis.
• Haemotropic mycoplasma infections were associated with local breed, male sex, and flea infestation.

Conclusions:

• Vector-borne pathogens are highly prevalent in Sri Lankan pet dogs, necessitating targeted control strategies.
• Understanding risk factors like ectoparasite infestation and dog demographics is crucial for VBP management.
• Clinical signs suggest Babesia gibsoni and Ehrlichia canis cause significant disease, particularly in exotic breeds.