SEROPREVALENCE OF SOME VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES IN DOG FROM PLOVDIV, BULGARIA

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence and the occurrence of important some canine vector-borne diseases in the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. A total of 84 blood samples (46 from stray dogs and 38 from pets) were tested. The CANIV-4 diagnostic kit (BIONOTE) was used to detect infections with Dirofilaria immitis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi and Ehrlihia canis. A cytological examination of blood smears was performed in order to establish causative agents. Thirty samples (65.2%) were found positive for one or more of these causative agents. Ehrlihia canis infection was detected in 14 samples, Anaplasma phagocytophilum /Anaplasma platys in 12 samples, and an invasion with Dirofilaria immitis in 11 samples. No Borrelia burgdorferi infection was established. Co-infection was found in 7 samples. Antibodies against Ehrlihia spp. and Anaplasma spp. were detected in 5 samples and a co-infection of Anaplasma spp. with Dirofilaria immitis was observed in 2 samples. Microfilariae were observed in all blood smears from positive samples, while the Ehrlihia morulas were found only in one sample from a dog with splenomegaly and moderate cachexia.