Molecular survey of vector-borne pathogens in shelter dogs of Cyprus

Canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) cause a wide range of diseases. No studies have been performed on the prevalence of CVBPs in shelter dogs in Cyprus, despite the regular exporting of dogs from Cypriot shelters for rehoming.

From August 2017 to August 2019, a cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in dogs from three shelters in Cyprus. Quantitative PCRs for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' (CMhp), Mycoplasma haemocanis, Leishmania spp. and Babesia spp. and conventional PCRs and sequencing for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. and Hepatozoon spp. were performed on DNA extracted from EDTA blood samples. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify any risk factors associated with CVBPs PCR-positive status.

Of samples collected from 145 dogs, eight were excluded from further analysis due to the presence of PCR inhibitors. Of the remaining 137, 76 (55.5%) were PCR-positive for at least one CVBPs, of which 21 dogs had more than one pathogen. The infections comprised 62/137 (45.3%) Hepatozoon canis, 14/137 (10.2%) Anaplasma platys, 13/137 (9.5%) M. haemocanis, 9/137 (6.6%) Leishmania spp., and 2/137 (1.5%) CMhp. All dogs tested negative for Babesia spp.. Regression analysis showed that positive-PCR status for A. platys was positively associated with the presence of ectoparasites, co-infection with H. canis, and the shelter being located in Paphos compared to the shelters in Nicosia, whilst age was positively associated with M. haemocanis positive-PCR status.

The overall prevalence of CVBPs is high in Cypriot shelter dogs, including some with zoonotic potential. CVBPs pose a threat to the canine population in Cyprus, and further action is needed by local carers and veterinary authorities to contain their spread by limiting exportation or ensuring testing before travelling for export to avoid infection spread by the movement of dogs.