Vector-borne pathogens in dogs from different regions of Afghanistan

Canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) are increasingly relevant, particularly those of zoonotic concern, due to climate change and increased animal mobility. However, there is no information on the actual burden of these infections in canine populations in several Western and South-Central Asian countries, including Afghanistan. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the molecular prevalence of CVBP infections in stray and owned dogs across regions of Afghanistan.

From July 2020 to August 2024, a total of 100 dogs with outdoor lifestyles in four provinces of Afghanistan (i.e., Kabul, Kunduz, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Takhar) were blood-sampled and molecularly screened for Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp., Leishmania spp., filarioid helminths, and Bartonella spp.

Overall, 81% of dogs tested positive for at least one VBP. Hepatozoon canis was the most common (68%; present in all provinces), followed by Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (18%; present in all provinces), Babesia vogeli (4%; present in 3 provinces), Acanthocheilonema sp. (4%; present in 3 provinces), Leishmania infantum (2%; in Kunduz), and Babesia negevi (1%; in Mazar-i-Sharif). Co-infections were detected in 12% of dogs.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological study of CVBPs in Afghanistan, demonstrating the sympatric circulation of H. canis, Bartonella vinsonii berkhoffii, L. infantum, B. vogeli, B. negevi, and Acanthocheilonema sp. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of endoparasite and ectoparasite control in owned dogs, as well as the need to control feral animal populations to reduce VBP transmission.