Detection of , and spp. in dogs of Cebu, Philippines.

BACKGROUND

, , and spp. are canine pathogens transmitted by the tick which can cause varied clinical signs. These pathogens have been investigated in the Philippines, but coinfection has not been reported yet.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of and spp. in Philippine dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 100 dogs from seven different veterinary establishments in Cebu, Philippines, were examined for and spp. infection using peripheral blood smear examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Inclusion criteria included a history or presence of tick infestation, anemia, and/or thrombocytopenia. Clinical signs were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed between PCR positivity and clinical signs and hematological results.

RESULTS

A total of 10 and 18 dogs were found to be positive for and spp., respectively. One animal was PCR positive for both pathogens, which is the first report of coinfection in the country. The most common clinical signs observed include inappetence (89%), lethargy (80%), thrombocytopenia (85%), and anemia (74%). Analyses revealed that inappetence (p=0.044) and weight loss (p=0.028) were found statistically significant with infection. Basophil (p=0.001) and eosinophil counts (p=0.000) were also found significantly different between spp.-positive and -negative dogs. On the other hand, differential monocyte count (p=0.009) was found significantly different between spp.-positive and -negative dogs.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed low infection rates of canine ehrlichiosis/anaplasmosis and babesiosis and provided additional evidence for the presence of the pathogens in the area.