Simultaneous Exposure to and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Dogs from Italy.

Several drivers have recently fostered the expansion of throughout Europe, where Vector-Borne Pathogens (VBPs) are also spreading. However, the level of simultaneous risk of infection is still unknown in canine populations. This study evaluated the simultaneous exposure to and major canine VBPs in dogs of Italy. Sera of 294 dogs were subjected to two ELISAs, detecting circulating antigens and antibodies against the parasite, and to the following assays: (i) SNAP® 4DX (IDEXX Laboratories Inc.) detecting antigens, and antibodies vs. , spp. and spp. and (ii) IFAT for the detection of antibodies vs. , and . Twenty-two (7.5%, CI: 4.8-11.1%) and six (2%, CI: 0.7-4.4%) dogs scored positive for circulating antibodies and antigens, respectively. Seventeen dogs (5.8%, CI: 3.4-9.1%) were positive for antibodies + at least one VBP, three (1%, CI: 0.2-3%) for antigen + at least one VBP, while one dog (0.3%, CI: 0.01-1.88%) was positive for antigen + antibodies + antibodies. These results show that dogs living in different regions of Italy are at risk of simultaneous infections with both and VBPs. Despite the same scenario being likely in other countries of Europe, the current knowledge is scant. Therefore, further studies are warranted to amplify current epizootiological information and to understand whether control programs should be improved.