Molecular diagnosis of Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli, and serological diagnosis of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs from the municipality of Cândido Sales-BA and microregion

Abstract

ABSTRACT The occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli in dogs from the municipality of Cândido Sales, Bahia, was investigated. Total and peripheral blood samples were obtained from 131 dogs. Blood smears were performed to check for morulae. Toxoplasma gondii and N. caninum infections were determined by an Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction. Nested-PCR and PCR were used for the diagnoses of E. canis and B. vogeli infections, respectively. Additionally, the risk factors associated with infection by these agents were analyzed. The frequency of infection was 70.2% for N. caninum, 67.9% for T. gondii and 37.4% for E. canis. None of the dogs tested positive for B. vogeli. Morulae of Ehrlichia spp. were identified in two animals and the piroplasm in one animal. Age (> 3 years) was considered a risk factor for infections by E. canis and N. caninum and the rural habitat for infections by N. caninum. Co-infections were frequent, mainly with N. caninum and T. gondii (45.03% of dogs). Ehrlichia canis infection was significantly associated with N. caninum and T. gondii infection. These findings indicated a high occurrence of T. gondii, N. caninum, and E. canis in the studied region.